Christopher Horst

Close to the sun - part two

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:05:00 +0000

Was in the studio yesterday completing the second version of Close to the sun. Beki Challoner did some wonderful vocals to really bring a new feel to the song. We also tested out ideas on how we might perform the track at the Mayor of Sandwell's charity concert at The Public, West Bromwich, on March 17.

Details of how you can hear the two versions of Close to the sun will follow in due course.

Close to the sun

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:25:00 +0000

Sounds like a cross between Closer to home and Chase the sunset? Well, perhaps...

Yes, I've started work on a new project called Close to the sun. This will be a double A-side featuring two very different versions of a song I've just written.

I was in the studio last week recording the first version.

I plan to return in the Autumn to record the second version and then put the finishing touches on the project in time for Christmas.

Mayor's show success

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:48:00 +0000

The Mayor of Sandwell's charity show on Saturday was a triumph, raising thousands of pounds for the Mayor's charities - Macmillan Cancer Support and the Alzheimer's Society. Top performances from everyone and also great support from everyone who came to cheer us on. Thank you. Also big thanks to Phil Challoner for all the organising and asking if I'd perform.

I performed The jigsaw and These two towns during the first half. Also sold a few copies of the Closer to home album during the interval in aid of the Mayor's charities. If you bought a copy, hope you enjoy it!

Ten years since I caught the train...

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:15:00 +0000

"It's nearly ten years since I caught the train..."

Yes, on Saturday (26 March), it will be exactly 10 years since Matt and I set off for Florida to begin what turned out to be a 14-month travelling adventure in North America, Australia and New Zealand - and the inspiration for many a song since!

I will be marking the occasion by giving people a taste of my new album Closer to home as part of the Mayor of Sandwell's Big Show at The Public, West Bromwich. I will be performing two songs from the album, which after much consideration and a rehearsal at The Public this week, are most likely to be The jigsaw and These two towns. I performed both Closer to home and A disco in her dreams at last year's show, and Impersonating Elvis at the 2009 show.

Saturday night's charity show, which includes performances from council staff and their friends - and a much-anticipated Elvis turn by council leader Darren Cooper, is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Alzheimer's Society.

The jigsaw - the video!

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:59:00 +0000

You can now view the video Mike kindly did of our studio recording of The jigsaw on YouTube!

Thanks again for Mike for doing the video. Look out for the accidental product placement - would I choose cash or chocolate as 'payment' from Cadbury's?

Mayor's show

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 22:00:00 +0000

I will be performing two songs at the Mayor of Sandwell's charity show next Saturday (26 March) at The Public, West Bromwich. The event is raising money for the Alzheimer's Society and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Performers at the event are mainly council staff and friends, as in previous years. This year's show also includes a much-anticipated Elvis performance by council leader Darren Cooper.

I'm still deciding which two songs to do - but one of them is almost certain to be These two towns, which I think is my personal favourite track off the new Closer to home album.

I'll be selling copies of Closer to home at the event - with all profits from any sales on the night donated to the Mayor's charities.

There are a handful of tickets left...contact The Public on 0121 533 7161.

Vote for your favourite songs

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:54:00 +0000

You can now vote for your favourite song from Closer to home at my new Polls page. I'd be interested to hear which songs people like best.

Meanwhile, I am preparing to do two songs at the Mayor of Sandwell's charity show at The Public, West Bromwich, on Saturday 26 March. More details to follow soon.

Closer to home now on sale

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:14:00 +0000

The Closer to home album is now complete - and on sale from today.

With eight new tracks, all influenced by family and friends, the album tells a series of stories, set across three centuries, serving up the perhaps expected helping of pop with an unexpected hint of country thrown in here and there too.

With appearances from friends Mike Turner, Estelle Williams and Ian Rogers - and a special live version of a familiar track included as a bonus - the album has been fun to make. I hope you enjoy listening to it!

The album's on sale for £5, of which £2 I will donate to Jessie's Fund, a charity that helps children with special needs all over the UK by providing music therapy and other creative experiences. I've also set up a Justgiving site for any further donations people would like to make.

To order a copy, please contact me at christopherhorst@hotmail.com or via this website.

Thank you for your support.

A female voice joins The jigsaw

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Was back in studio last Wednesday, when our friend Estelle Williams added some lovely backing vocals to The jigsaw.

Also did some work on the production of the track with some subtle musical nods to emphasise the song's progression from the 1930s to the 2000s.

Meanwhile, Jon and I did some minor tweaks to songs Closer to home and Age old song, and mastered the live version of I learned to disco in San Francisco, which is likely to be a bonus track on the album.

So, the album is almost complete. Just a few minor tweaks, artwork and copying of CDs to go. And I'm also developing a charity aspect, which is still to be finalised.

Ready to launch w/c December 13 - well, that's the hope anyway!

The jigsaw almost complete?

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Was in studio with Jon and Mike yesterday.

Mike added some guitar to Closer to home and backing vocals to Age old song.

We all worked on new track The jigsaw. Have a good demo of that song now and will be aiming to finish that track and tidy up loose ends for the Closer to home album when I return to the studio on November 9.