https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeQy18I-8fNwizh8w5JKMlg
Yesterday when I was young and my music was regularly riding the airwaves, one thing was missing — pictures. Even as the world was moving into the MTV age no cameras were ever pointed my way.
While it’s true that I chose to walk away from showbiz in the late 70s — hence away from the public eye — I firmly believe that this lack of video contributed to my rapid decline into obscurity.
In the ensuing years, while I generated new music, producing videos remained out of reach. It just cost too much.
However, in recent months I’ve had help in this regard from two sources. Firstly, Frank Davis, a Kiwi musician offered to help. With his invaluable assistance we were able to create videos for my golden oldies: DamThe Dam, Higher Trails and Lovely Lady. And also one for a more recent ‘protest’ song, What Are You Waiting For.
As well, I discovered some talented and affordable music video editors on the freelance Fiverr service who can create excellent videos from stock footage. I’m thrilled with those they have done and I will get them to do more for my back catalogue as I can afford them.
There will, of course, be videos of my upcoming songs (many are in the pipeline) but these probably feature me more.
So while it may be nearly fifty years too late, you can now at last enjoy some of my music with pictures.
Hello John – just reading this post and looking forward to checking out the videos. Pretty exciting actually, and very topical right now (your comeback?) with climate change and other converging world issues.
From a fellow Waimaukuian and coincidentally (maybe regrettably) I’m also a dams engineer!!
I first heard damn the dam back in 70-something the first time you sang it. I may be wrong here – but was it studio one on NZBC? I think I still have the record….
Your songs somehow jumped into my mind recently and (sorry have to say) resorted to Spotify to find them. Now on one of my kiwi music playlists again 😊.
Hi Graeme,
The real point in Dam the Damn was the need for energy conservation. In that sense I was not then nor now even now against dams in appropriate locations. Yes, I know that country/environment must be drowned when dams are built but beautiful lakes can be formed and rivers downstream protected if the planning and engineering is environmentally responsible.
I hope you enjoy exploring my songs of Spotify. There a great many old and new. Not insignificantly my personally selected ‘best of’ is called AFTER THE DAM BROKE.
Thanks for making contact,
John
Ha, totally understand. Look forward to seeing these new clips…
Yes, mate, you were of that age as well. If you want to address that try Fiverr. Not perfect but better than nothing. Hope you’re well, safe and fulfilled. Much love, John