Dust, Damp, and Decaf: Notes From Somewhere (Probably England)
okay, so this place… it’s a lot. i’m currently existing in what i think is a converted stable? the tour manager, bless his chaotic heart, found it on some obscure booking site. apparently, it’s “characterful.” i’m pretty sure “characterful” translates to “slightly damp and smells faintly of hay.”
i’m elara, by the way. i play keys for ‘static bloom’ - we’re a sort of… atmospheric electronica band. think a lot of reverb and existential dread. we’re touring the UK, and honestly, my brain feels like it’s been through a washing machine. the venues are small, the crowds are… enthusiastic, and the coffee situation is dire. i’ve been rationing my instant coffee stash. i just checked and it’s 11.8 degrees Celsius, with a “feels like” of 11.04. it’s persistently grey, and the humidity is making my hair frizz like a dandelion clock.
we played a gig last night in a town called… well, honestly, i can’t remember. they all blur together after a while. it was a pub, which is standard. the sound guy was amazing, though - a real wizard with the mixing desk. someone told me that the pub is haunted by a former landlord who really disliked synthesizers. which, honestly, feels appropriate. i spent most of the set trying to avoid looking at the flickering fluorescent lights; they were wreaking havoc with my depth perception.
finding decent food is a mission. i tried a “full english” yesterday. it was… an experience. i think i’m sticking to toast for the foreseeable future. i did find a little bakery though, and the scones were pretty good. you can find some local recommendations on Yelp.
my neighbors seem to be a flock of very opinionated sheep. they make a lot of noise. if you’re looking for a bit more hustle and bustle, brighton and london aren’t too far away. i overheard someone saying that brighton has a really cool music scene, and you can check out Visit Brighton for events. i’m seriously considering a day trip just to find a decent latte.
the pressure is at 1018, which, according to my very scientific weather app, means… something. i don’t even bother trying to understand it anymore. i’m just trying to survive on caffeine and sheer willpower. i heard that the local museum has a surprisingly good collection of vintage keyboards, so i might check that out tomorrow. i’m always on the lookout for inspiration (and potential new gear). you can find more information about museums in the area on TripAdvisor.
honestly, i’m starting to feel like a character in a very bleak novel. but hey, at least the stories are good. and the sheep are… interesting. i need to find a laundromat. and maybe a therapist. and definitely more coffee. i'm also looking at Booking.com for a slightly less 'characterful' place to stay.
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