Blog – Page 6 – Leon The Pig Farmer – Website by Steve Reilly

Alpha ville

Main man in a small town, rather than big in japan!

Now in japan taking a well earnt breather. The last month before we flew out was busy.. Both leon and The Dirt gigs packed into a mad few weeks.

We had trips to Preston (the ferret) newcastle (old coal yard) and manchester (peerhat) as the Dirt and leon popped up at northenden fringe, radical book fairs in Hull and Bradford. The barley mow -mowfest, And some spoken word nights.

There was even a crackin improv set with musicians in Toyama japan on friday.. socials tell the story.

While away i continue to build book 3 with steve reilly. Who is priceless in this journey with his digital talents. Illustrations come from Kitty Aurora and the content will take you down the rabbit hole!!… planned release is December 2023..

Not due back in UK until early october so im documenting random observations as #haikutourist again.. insta tells that story @Leontpf71…. we also got interviewed in toyama by the press!!

As for autumn.. theres Dirt gigs line up in nottingham (karma).. liverpool… stockton.. manchester and keighley this year.. leon has a few beauts too.. newcastle kicks it all off on 12.10.

In other news.. the vinyl is spreading well as are CDs.. a new project will spin off this soon… think art, think danaged good.. ive got a gang of more than four though..

So.. keep an eye on socials.. projects are simmering!!..

And congratulations to kenny Maclean who ive worked with at company of makers poetry workshops i conduct who has won an award with Starts for his submission.. chuffed.. great work that company of makers do is shining through..

Chat soon….

Countdown is progressing

So its 10 days until i (we) land back in Japan and resurrect “Haiku Tourist”. With that in mind its been cram time for gigs and stuff.

Leon has been all over.. Radical book fairs, fringe festivals, spoken word feature slots, gig supports.. its been mega. And in between ive been building book three with pal steve Reilly who now knows his way around my head as well as his computer and software. I will say this next book is a stunner.. another progression and creative jump..

A busy time since i last blog updated.. The Dirt havent been shy either, doing gigs in Preston at The Ferret, newcastle with SDBIA airing two new tracks.. meeting top folk.. and already securing a handful of great gigs into the autumn and well into 2024..

Agitator is selling well and some great responses too.. Stockton got cancelled, but we have secured another date there in november.. buzzin..

Autumn is busy, but with more emphasis on breathing spaces… ive sustained a busy life for a long time now, so its only right i keep the noggin in check, and the captain of the ship happy!!..

The charity and CIC work will continue in between the lines and behind the scenes..

In the next week theres a few more events until we pack up shop for 5 weeks.

Fri 01.09 – The Dirt play Peerhat in Manchester

Sat 02.09 – Leon dies Bradfords 6th Annual radical book fair…

After that its mid october for Leon and end of October for The Dirt..

Heres some pics and poster of whats gone on.. and whats happening!!

Busmans holiday

Back from a two week campervan and festival trip and raring to go!.. having slun off in the van for two weeks down south to immerse ourselves in friends family, music and relaxation. We now have a busy month in the pig pen before heading of to japan!.

Yes.. again!!.. seems like only yesterday we returned. But it was February. And since then we have released an album.. on vinyl too (eventually!) As The Dirt.. Agitator breathes.. took it around the country to some festivals and independent venues.

Leon has been none stop too inbetween, having said at xmas the foot will be coming off the pedal.. hhhmmm. Anyway fun has been had from feature spiken word slots to open mics, to music gigs and improv jamming and fest intro slots. EMF pals again to name drop good folk.

And ive still squeezed in some talks with turning point, and workshops with company of makers!!..

So the next month.. a busy one. 6 Leon slots and 4 The Dirt gigs in the next 23 days.. heres the batting order…

10.08 – Leon at Open Door at the Nook Sth MCR

12.08 – Leon at Hulls radical book fair – 2pm

15.08 – Leon at Talking whallop – Prestwich Nth MCR feature slot.

17.08 – The Dirt at NE volume bar Stockton.

19.08 – The Dirt – old coal yard Newcastle

24.08 – The Dirt – The Ferret Preston

25.08 – Leon – Northernden Fringe MCR

28.08 – Leon – the peaks Barley Mow.

01.09 – The Dirt – The peerhat MCR.

02.09 – Leon – Bradford radical.book fair 1 in 12 club.

Then we go away!!!.. before that it would be great to shift some books.. T Shirts and music!!.. CD and Vinyl still available!!..

Anyway heres some posters

Mid summer and beyond

Since the last post The Dirt have been mooching down south, leon has been busy at fests and gigs and ive been trolled.. i must be ruffling the odd feather. Not a bad thing…

The Dirt gigged in London and Brighton earky julynand to roynd the month off we play tramlines fringe this Friday for RGM at frogvand Parrotr.. August is then a busy month for us as we pack some gigs in to the latter end before planning on our next Japan return l. We have in august – Stockton – NE volume (17th) newcastle – okd coal yard (19th) and Preston – the ferret (24th). A manchester gig at peerhat on 1st september and then we pack up.

We still have vinyl and CDs left of our new album so come get a copy, tell ya mates and if free drop in to see us at a gig.. we have T shirts available too.. a proper littke merch emporium to go with jacks books.

As for leon i did an ace gig in Loughborough at the needle and Pin, (invited back too!).. done a chilled gig at bolton socialist club as well as top nights at night and day in mcr and the fox in accrington since i last posted.. this weekend i have just been to Llangollen Fringe. What a day compering a stage with spojen words.

Coming up i have levy punk weekend on sun 23rd. Bridtol on 31st before i take a breather and ready for Hulls radical book fair on 12th August. Like the Dirt i then have a few more beauts before ganging up the mic for the japan trip.

Im in prestwich on 15th Aug, northernden fringe on 25th Aug and bradford radical book fair on sat Sep 2nd.

Irons in a couple more fires but ill drop them on socials..

Had some nice radio time too in Bolton and Levenshulme so as both are FM ive been Effs and Jeffs concious..

“The Troll”.. So i posted a bad “review”. It was more an attack to be honest. Its on social media. I will leave the discussion there. No more energy needed. Freedom ofspeach is paramount. Vitriolic attacks on me and PTSD.. are not!.

Onto the positives. I have just finished another fulfilling set of workshops with ex veterans around writing and spoken word performance. COMPANY OF MAKERS Are a great team of folk who help ex service folk. Im honoured to he part of it.

Now onto the end bit.. gig posters and pics.

Where do the days go

After realising its three weeks since i updated on shenanigans i thought best tell the outside world whats going down. Reading and obscure vinyl addictions have returned.. could be worse..

The Dirt are buzzing.. not long back from performing at an ace fest SRS – sonic rock solstice.. met some top folk and week before gigging for the top folk rare vitamin at their all dayer annual diversion in Northwich.. Also our vinyl has landed and sounding ace!!.. label are posting presales out.. we have copies and GBR are selling on their bandcamp..

Next up for us is two gigs down south.. london on 5th and Brighton on 7th July.. both on The Dirts socials.

As for Leon.. im compiling book 3 – with a local artist. Words are done. Now building it in mine and steve reillys usual way.. LPF3 is due if sll goes to plan December!!..

Gigs are going well recently opened for two great young manchester bands. And supported a pal at their book launch. Festival slots locally and as compere too.. there have been cancellations and postponement gigs but it all happens for a reason..

Next up is charity work in leeds and workshops.. before i head on Dirt business. I will be gigging in Loughborough on the way to London at a poetry night…

Next Manchester leon gig is night and day on 11.07 again opening for top local talent!!..

Ive got levvy punk weekend in Manchester and a top gig in accrington on 13.07 before a take a holiday in uk which is two fests and visiting mates!!..

So head to socials for ticket links.. events and please support DIY artists!!!..

Start of a busy week!.

Still on cloud 9 after the intro slot last wekend with EMF at bearded theory. Even got a fest review mention!. Buzzin.

Where may was steady.. june now goes crazy. At the weekend i was on the wirral. Doing a slot at joint service club for Mind. Great lirtle set and met some top folk.

This week its all hands on deck.. or mic.. tuesday im at crooked poets in prestwich. A great spoken word night. Then wednesday im in Manchester at Vand on wall (second set there this year!!).. this time for groove verse..

Thursday im at Bask, stockport (again second time this year!!).. on this occasion with a support slot for matt mcmanamon. Previously of band dead 60s…

Saturday evening i am doing a set at fiesta de artes in manchester at bread shed.

Sunday is a biggy. I am MC comoere or rare vitamin annual diversion. THE Dirt are also doing a set. At 2.10 pm. So im busy that day!!

On music news we also release an official bootleg of our album launch night at the peerhat. The vinyl is also on its way so a great week for music distribution!..

Then im having a couple of days off before we take the Dirt to sonic rock solstice festival in midlands..

In other news im compiling the long list of verse for book 3.. LPF3 will hopefully be ready for pre order before xmas.. fingers crossed!!..

Anyway.. heres some pics and posters

Time is precious

Important lessons consolidated this last few weeks.. down time is as important as up time!!..

I had two cancelled solo gigs in the space of 3 days last week.. normally gutted but realising this time 1. There isnt always an appetite from the public for a certain type of event and 2. I cant compete with eurovision..

No matter how much belief i have something has to give.. however with the spare time.. i had fun.. meeting mates.. photo opportunity.. wrote and learnt a new poem for live gigs and best of all The Dirt made a new track..

First in a long time.. and it felt ace!!!.. and its a fkn banger!!!.. using lyrics i have (some folk will know them!!) And creating a sonic loop beaut.. its up to the midfield general.when it makes the live set.. but im chomping at the bit to share it.

Also with cancellations comes a breather .. thinking space.. tbe ability to accept new style events.. and plan stuff.. so i am leaening!!!

As for whats on next the Dirt take the lead this week with two gigs..

18.05 – Sheffield at the Washington – free gig

20.05 – fell foot woods in lakes for nutshell festival.

As for leon i have a feature slot at word central on tue 23.05 at Manchester library

03.06 – Mind event at The joint services social club wirral.

06.06 – crooked poets – prestwich

07.06 – groove verse – band on the wall mcr

08.06 – Bask – stockport support to Matt Mcmanamon

11.06 – rare vitamin festival northwich – The Dirt and Leon doing stuff. Free day fest too..

10.06 – feista de artes in manchester

So heres a few pics and posters..

Reached a peak

Where to start. This week has been busy.

Last week started with a great event at “give poetry a chance” in liverpool. Then it was on the road for 4 back to back gigs overva busy weekend.

Nottingham roughtrade for the Dirt then back to hometown mossley the next day for a Leon gig with a ukulele band at the Vale. I then did some compere slots with bands at Niaimos Manchester for a strikers benefit gig. Then yesterday Sheffield. Got to do a set for rev and the makers album launch pop up shop!!.

Not going to lie.. its been a tough few weeks.. my mental strength has been tested.. external issues chucking sticks in the spikes… but ive loved it.. what a great period in my/our life.. its time to embrace and celebrate the journey… i did say i was going to slow leons gigs down as The Dirt needs more time but it turns out i cant say no when a great opportunity lands at my feet..

Balance is key and ive got a new approach to performance happening that should help me create, thrive and retain energy as an artist.. its already started.. slowly.. and hopefully will kick in after the next japan visit (Sep).

This was always about celebrating mental health positivity and recovery.. and creating a voice and platform for the marginalised… that has to continue.. and with power.. im not going away.. im just not on every street corner or flooding every street.. quality.. not quantity of the flames

So.. positive vibes… Agitator.. The Dirts Album baby is growing niceley.. people like it live and on record.. CD and downloads are out there but we are still having issues getting the vinyl repress to market.. delays!!.. we are sorry.. the label has chased them up. We are waiting on replies..

Our Dirt gigs this month inc sheffield – washington on 18.05 and a festival in fellfoot woods cumbria on 20.05

For leon.. theres a few.. but up next is Buxton spring fair bookstock festival at high peak bookstore this thursday- 04.05. I am on before a local band. Tiks below

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/highpeakbookstoreandcafe/858277?

So heres a few pics of whats gone on in the last week..

This is planet earth

I think the Dirt have just about landed back.. on terra firma. No bumps quite a steady pro parachuting canter landing. The great photo drops, reviews and comments steadily made the decent a breeze.. then came airplay and comments from the global stations.. wow.. top PR.. ta puffer fish..

We are chuffed to have some top folk involved with us.. The Dirt are back rehearsing.. no rest.. we play rough trade this friday.. buzzin..

Leon is busy solo too. Last week was keighly Spoken worth.. tomorrow i head to liverpool for “give poetry a chance” at phase one..

Then on saturday its a biggy.. the vale mossley.. me and anarchy in the ukulele… beva belter..

I might have a surprise gig in town on subday 30th but it will be a late announcement!!!.. oooooh..

So.. the albums out. Selling well.. CD.. streams.. just waiting on the vinyl….

As for Leon.. the diary is bursting so thats cool.. theres a couple of reschedules too. Which helps breathing!!Nice position to be in.. all updates are on socials..

I have however just relieved myself of poets corner duties with mancuniatv… time to walk new places. Time was right. Met some great folk.. introduced spoken word to a new audience.. even converted a few and broke stigmas..

So.. heres a few posters and pics

Time to Agitate

This is a bonus blog!!!

In 48 hours i will be walking off stage from doing a The Dirt set for our Album launch. The launch night is at the peerhat Manchester and promoted by happy Daze. Agitator is released on 14.04.23 via GBR. Its 11 tracks of pure Alt sonic psych punk..

If you are in or near the Manchester area it would be great to see you down… ticket link is at the end of this natter. Check the following reviews.. The references to other bands is not something we aspire to have as we feel our words and music are different.. But we are honoured to be in the same park as the ones mentioned.. so chuffed with the media response…

WE REVIEW THE NEW ALBUM FROM THE DIRT – AGITATOR

The Dirt: Agigator – review – ALBUM OF THE WEEK!

https://www.anrfactory.com/the-dirt-originated-allegorical-psychedelia-in-their-debut-lp-agitator/

This journey started in July with demos… hitting the studio in August with Kevin Foy. Working with a great artist in Ayshea Aysh for the album cover. And getting the product to market with Label.Golden believers.

Last step… launch night. The reviews are dropping in.. the tickets are shifting.. lots sold.. a few left so snap one.. or two..

https://www.fatsoma.com/e/276yrrv7/the-dirt-pray-for-mojo-dim-imagery-bloodworm?utm_campaign=prom_ss&utm_medium=social&utm_source=dynamic

Heres the art work..