#10: Damon Albarn

July 2003. I am somewhere in Devon, driving a third-hand car, smoking roll-up cigarettes, and listening, with great delight, to Blur's new album, "Think Tank”. In the boot is a Fender Rhodes. I am living fast and loose.

February 2025. I am somewhere in Devon. I am in a golf cart being driven at speed by Damon Albarn. We are on a break from rehearsals at his house. He is taking me and two fellow musicians to the writing room. The cart skids to a halt at a small, modern studio that looks out across a beautiful valley. The sun is shining. In the distance is the sea. He explains how the valley has long been associated with pagan dragon lore. Talismans, statues, and paintings of gods and spirits are dotted around the upright piano.

Three weeks later, we have completed four sold-out performances of Damon's opera at Theatre Le Lido in Paris. The cast and company are standing together outside a bar called Freedom. The mood is celebratory. Suddenly, a menu board collapses on top of Damon, scattering alcohol and letters to the floor. Without hesitation, he shouts "it is a sign!" and rearranges the letters on the board while dousing it with beer. We bow and chant our new God's name through fits of laughter - Narna Uhtty.

I’m sorry that it has been so long between Dispatches. It’s been a busy time! Working with Damon, Stevie Higgins, Mike Smith, Ruth O'Mahoney-Brady, Henry Bowers-Broadbent, Thomas Bloch, and the cast was an incredible experience. Exclusive photographs (taken by Julien Benhamou) of The Magic Flute II: La Malédiction can be viewed here. A full cast recording is being discussed...

6161's tour has begun!

22/04: Night Tales Loft, London

23/04: Alphabet, Brighton

25/04: Good Shed, Stroud

30/04: Rough Trade, Bristol

Tickets for all shows are available here.

The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble is playing at St George's on 24/04. We will be playing new material among the classics.

The ever-amazing Jenny Lindfors (Sailing Stones) is playing St George's on 10/05, debuting music from her forthcoming album, Slow Magic. The songs are a stunningly beautiful, dark and psychedelic reflection of motherhood. This will be a very special gig indeed so go ahead and grab a ticket!

Visit my website to find out more about my work.

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Thanks for reading! I hope things are good with you out there!

Dan x

(replies are always welcome)