This isn't music-related, but this week I got elected onto the Liberal Youth International Committee. This rocks. Liberal Youth is the youth and student wing of the Liberal Democrats and the International Committee deals with international issues,  international policy and works with young liberals around the world. Term starts on July 1st for a year and I am really looking forward to getting started. Shameless plug but if you're young and in the UK you should think about joining us.

In music news I've come up with the 100th name for my ukulele mixtape/album but this time I think it's a keeper so I'm not going to disclose it just yet. Coming up with a name is like writing lyrics - you want something memorable, unique but not at all pretentious. Recording is not happening as quickly as I had hoped and this is because I had forgotten that I still have to be at school full-time. I don't mind school but it is an energy and time suck. What would I rather be doing; a maths project or writing music? What must I do in order to actually get into a university next year? Maths. Thank God for philosophy. Awesome subject - study it if you get a chance.

My Studio Is So Pro

Slowly my studio is coming together! My house is really small so I've had to set up in the utility room (and then disassemble the kit and pack away after each session because it gets really warm in there because of large windows and a glass roof and I don't want my electronics getting fried). The acoustics aren't as bad as they look.

It's not ideal but there are many musicians out there who can't afford any gear or even instruments so I'm one of the lucky ones. One of my ambitions after I get everything set up and an EP recorded is to encourage small-time artists in the area who have no access to recording equipment to use mine and let me be their sound engineer (non-profit of course). I don't think it'll work for bands since I have no drum mics and can only record two channels so far, but for a singer-songwriter it'll be perfect. Watch this space and email me (address at the side) if you're interested in knowing more.

Cubase is still not co-operating and tying to read instructions and follow tutorials on my computer is not working for my concentration, so I think I'm gonna have to invest in a little one-on-one tuition  in using it. A recording studio near me hat my old percussion teachers runs offers this, so I think I'll look into doing that.

The Many Joys of Cubase

Good news! My exams are done at last! Now it is time to enjoy life again and the opportunities I am lucky enough to have. This means recording can now begin. The post brought me my badass condensing mic and magic box which mics and guitar leads plug into to be recorded and connected to my PC. It also brought me Cubase (recording software); my new nemisis. Cubase has made me and my Dad feel all kinds of crazy frustration as we try to get to grips with it. Hopefully we'll get there eventually!