I’ve been reading Faith, Hope and Carnage, a book of interview/conversation between the songwriter and musician Nick Cave, and journalist Seán O’Hagan. It was recommended to me by my friend and songwriting collaborator Michael Clarke. It is a series of conversations transcribed from frequent phone calls and video calls between two friends. The questioner O’Hagan, with an obviously complete and detailed knowledge of Cave’s work, delves into the subjects of songwriting, faith, grief and love…

It is a fascinating insight into another artist’s process and how it fits with his views on life both inside and outside of the studio.

Mike and I have planned another writing session in November,  during which we will undoubtedly talk about all sorts of things as well as the songs. In this book we see parallels in process, and in our thoughts about faith, (or the absence of it), community, and the creative process. I’m enjoying learning more about Nick Cave, as I didn’t really know much before. As I come across references to his own songs, I’m looking them up and listening, and if I come across references to other writers and artists I’m looking those up too. 

I’m making notes, and jotting down ideas as they come to me, and I suspect this might be one of the main topics of conversation when we do get together. I am so looking forward to it and I am now thinking two/three days won’t be enough to fit it all in!

My studio is one of a group of studios containing a variety of artists. I had thought that this would form a community of like-minded people, but it hasn’t really happened that way. We are all very polite and friendly, but there isn’t really a sense of community between us. I have felt sad about this sometimes. But now, I realise that my community lies elsewhere, I don’t need them to share the same building (but just imagine how amazing that could be!?) My community lies across the town with Helen and Bill and Rick; across the county with Andy and Ian; across the country with Kate and Mike; across the world with Stuart and Debra. These are the folks I talk to most about art and music, they are the ones who I discuss and ponder with, and work with when I can. 

Thank you all. Friendship is not about geography is it?