"Being what I want to be...."
Right. This is going to be the most pivotal blog posts I have yet to write (there is even a photo in this one!). Serious though. His name is Jeremy. Jeremy Loops. Let me take you on a journey.
The date is September 30th, 2010. I am TWENTY ONE years old. I am convinced by my ENVIRONMENTALLY aware friend (we all have one of those who are all eco, low emissions, carbon footprint, tree hugging types...admit it) to attend a gig for an unknown equally ENVIRONMENTALLY aware artist (like no Facebook page, no YouTube video, proper 'not even on the radar' unknown). The reason for the gig was to promote a charity organisation called Greenpop [Sidebar: Greenpop is an incredible charity that plant trees in Africa. It is as simple as that but as necessary. Check them out...http://www.greenpop.org/).
Anyway, I readily agree and a group of us all pack into the little car (Kim S, John W, Clare C...) and make our way over to 61 Harrington Street in down-town Cape Town. The Assembly. [Side bar TWO: The Assembly has been good to me over the years. It is the venue I miss the most now that I live in London (sorry Dubliner). The list of artists that have entertained me in the hallowed hall are all too many to name, the raucous parties and 3am drive bys are countless and most importantly the dancing. The crazy crazy amounts of dancing I have bashed out on the concrete floor leaves me with a smile on my face right now].
But back to the story....
We arrive early. Far too early. I am always early for shows. Always. I hate missing any opening-act. Any of the action. This does mean that I have spent hours and hours waiting for artists to descend on stages. Countlessly looking at the time. Trying to not drink the moments away on ice cold beer, because being drunk at a show is UNACCEPTABLE. Totally unacceptable. Anyway, back then I was a keeno and we positioned ourselves just off centre, right in the front of the stage. And waited in anticipation. The venue was dotted with trees and foliage and fake grass on the stage - all very eco. And then out comes this small man (boy?!) in a sailor hat. Clearly a little nervous but the nerves melt away as he picks up his guitar and fills the room with what I would describe as HAPPINESS IN SONG FORM. Literally his music is about the most joyful, inspirational and fun music I have ever heard. The mood in the room picks up and before long we jamming like crazy folk.
I vividly remember the tangible FUN that was had that night. He quite literally has a way about capturing a room full of people and for an hour or two taking them on a joy ride. I left that evening knowing that we had just experienced the raw talent of a guy and his mates and that there would be more where that came from.
Cue THREE AND A HALF years later and this past week I found myself in Camden, London, jamming like it was 2010 again. Jeremy Loops and his band appear to enjoy the show as much as the crowd, if not more. Their positive attitude, hard working values and creativity leaves one with more than just memories of a good night watching some good music but with the subtle encouragement to be better, do better and find happiness. I am a happier person because of music like this. So try it...have a go...find the joy!
Mission to the sun 'Howling' - Jeremy Loops
Power - Jeremy Loops
Running Away - Jeremy Loops
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