Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016!

It's hard to believe I've had this blog for nearly five years now (although it's highly neglected these days) but the last twelve months have challenged me, and has shaped me into the person I am today.


I'm healthier, happier & actively trying to make a positive difference in this crazy world.

That's enough from me for now. See you in 2016!

- JD

2015...

So many things happening. Not enough time to explain it all. Watch this space!

- JD

Where'd I Go!??

So, I'll admit I've been a bit M.I.A lately, but there is so much happening at the moment, that my priority has been with my work!

So, to give a brief overview;

* Illustrations for my children's book are finished, just adding colour, and will be ready to send to publishers within the next month.
* Plans to *finally* self-publish my first debut novel "The Underground" mid-year.
* Still prolifically writing, and close to finishing my latest book "Cigarette Burns."
* I have a new band project. We're called "The Flock" and I can honestly say, I have never had this much fun writing music.
* I rarely paint these days. Too many other things to do!

As for Graffiti Dragons? I had a blast writing those songs, but my energy is with my new band. We plan to record some demos soon and I'm so excited for it.

Expect more updates in the coming weeks!

- JD

(Also, I changed the layout...what do you think??)  :)

Off To Thailand!

It's been a few years since I've travelled out of the country, but today I'm heading off to Bangkok, Thailand. Also, I'll be visiting Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Phuket. Very excited!

- JD

...that was July

So my blog has been pretty neglected lately, but there's been so much happening, I haven't had a moment to spare to blog about it!

Three new demos are coming very, very soon. Guitars and bass have already been recorded and I'm due to record my vocals next month. So keep an eye-open for that.

Also, very exciting news about "The Underground" is just around the corner. It's been three years since I finished writing the book - and it's been a long time coming - but it will be on the shelves earlier than you think.

Until next time!

- JD

LIVING THINGS

Today Linkin Park's new album "LIVING THINGS" hit shelves across Australia.

I have been supporting the band since their debut album "Hybrid Theory" back in 2000, and after selling 18 million records worldwide, the band have a constant level of expectation to uphold with their extensive fan base. Personally, I love how the band have evolved throughout the years, and are incredibly diverse across many genres. However, sometimes I understand Linkin Park's vision, and sometimes I don't.

So what do I think of LIVING THINGS? I completely understand the vision here. Honestly, it's some of the band's best work to date.

That's no overstatement - I absolutely love the new album. It's a unique blend of everything the band has done in previous records, with a fresh twist. There are undertones and glimmers of the past on this new album, bringing back memories from "Minutes To Midnight" to "Meteora" to "A Thousand Suns." Don't get me wrong though, LIVING THINGS is a different sound from the band and it definitely stands out and holds the spotlight. Tracks such as "I'LL BE GONE", "ROADS UNTRAVELED", "CASTLE OF GLASS" and "LOST IN THE ECHO" are outstanding. I'll be writing as I listen to this album on a loop.

LIVING THINGS and loving it.

- JD

Set Backs

Remember how I was saying the illustrations to my children's book were nearly finished? Well, unfortunately it hasn't worked out, so it's a little set back in my plans.

So, what now? I've decided to make matters into my own hands. I'm by no means a great drawer (and I think this point was established during the 52 paintings in 52 weeks project) but I do have a lot of determination. I've got the drive to get this done, and I've been sketching draft copies of the illustrations all day. So far, I've already drawn 1/4 of the book in just half a day. Within three weeks, I hope to have it completely finished - coloured and all. I've already got a publisher lined up so by the end of winter, "Snoozy Sam" should be on the shelves.

Sometimes, if you want something done, you truly have to do it yourself.

- JD

Burn It Down

Anyone that's been following this blog for a while knows I'm a big Linkin Park fan. They're a band that continue to evolve with every record, and I'm excited for their new album "LIVING THINGS" out in late June. In recent interviews, Mike Shinoda has explained the new record will be a mixture of their past and present, which they have blended in a new unique sound. I think the new single "BURN IT DOWN" is a perfect example of this. I'm liking it!

 - JD

Outback Adventure

So, I've been pretty quiet lately, but that's because I've just gotten back from my tour around the red centre! I've been everywhere from Alice Springs to Uluru, and I've had the most amazing time. Part of the reason for my trip was do to research for my new book "Cigarette Burns" which is mostly set in the Australian outback, and the other reason is that I have always wanted to go. I went a little photo crazy on my tour, but here is one of my best shots;

- JD

Happy Easter!

Chocolate is amazing. Have a great Easter! :)

- JD

The Cranberries

I have been listening to The Cranberries since I was four years old. I grew up listening to their music and they were due to tour Australia in 1996, but lead singer Dolores O'Riordan broke her leg and cancelled their Sydney show. Then eventually, the band broke up and I thought I'd never get the chance to see them play live.

However, news of their comeback album and world tour got me hoping that maybe they'd do a few shows in Australia. And yes, after a sixteen year wait, I saw The Cranberries play live - twice!

I saw them play a short set with Lenny Kravitz last Wednesday night, and then saw them play their own headlining show at the Enmore tonight. (Yes, this Enmore show was supposed to be last Thursday, but they literally cancelled in the last minute. I kid you not.) That was massively disappointing at first, but I'm so glad I went to their rescheduled show because it was phenomenal!

I was right up close to the stage. I can't tell you how amazing it was to witness one of my favourite bands playing all of my favourite songs from my childhood.

And as for their new album "Roses"? It's their best album since No Need To Argue. A big statement to make, but this new album sounds amazing! Worth a listen for sure :)

- JD

(Photos to follow)

Soundwave 2012

Soundwave on Saturday was amazing! Lots of incredible bands, including Lostprophets!

Pics to follow :)

- JD

Business As Usual

So! Feb has already rolled around and one month of the year has already flown by.

Things have been so hectic that my blog has become pretty damn neglected. In between writing the 3rd book in my Jordan Kennedy series, I've been working on new music with a great guitarist, as well as working on my own demos. The music I'm putting together for Graffiti Dragons is sounding amazing. Each track is turning out to be very different from the last and I'm itching to get out and start doing gigs again. I hope by mid-year I'll be doing some open mic nights!

But in the meantime...

...keep smilin'.

- JD

Summer Holiday

First blog entry of the year! Since new years, I've been holidaying near the central coast. It's been a really chilled started to the new year, and I'm looking forward to a great new year.

I took this photo up the coast and thought I'd share;

There's something amazing about beaches during a warm summer evening.

- JD



52 Paintings In 52 Weeks

In the first week of January this year, I decided I was going to paint 52 paintings in 52 weeks.

It wasn't quite that simple though - I wanted to paint every track in Linkin Park's four studio albums, using only black and white paint, and while using the same character in every painting. Why did I set this challenge for myself? At first, it just "seemed like a good idea at the time", but I actually learned a lot about time management and how to finish what I start.

However, there was a slight obstacle to overcome - I'm no painter. Sure, I took art back in high school, but my paintings were really nothing amazing. I had some great visions for each of my paintings, but not quite the skills to pull them off. Throughout this project, there were a lot of good paintings and a lot of not-so-good paintings. Despite this, I think as a body of work, this project is pretty impressive. Today I laid out all the paintings across my floor and took a photo.

Seeing all these paintings made me realize, I dedicated a shit load of my time into this project! Hours and hours of planning and work went into these, and I'm actually proud I followed through with this. I painted one painting a week for a whole year. In the past when I used to paint for leisure, I'd probably paint three or two paintings a year. So, I guess I smashed that record!

This project has left it's mark on me - particularly the fact I have black and white paint everywhere. My favourite jeans are all covered in paint, along with my desk, my camera...and my carpet. Yep, black paint on cream coloured carpet. Not a good look.

So what's next for me? I'm going to focus my energy in my back into my writing, and my new band project. There will be more Graffiti Dragons demos coming in the near future, and yes, my debut novel The Underground will be on the shelves mid 2012, and available for digital download.

Last but not least, I would like to thank those people that have followed me with this project. I hope you have enjoyed watching the evolution of Shadowy Guy, and I hope you continue to follow me with my new projects! Also, thank you to Linkin Park for all the inspiration you guys have given me throughout the years, but also I thank you for not releasing a new album this year. If Linkin Park had released a new album, man, that would have thrown a big curve ball into my 52 paintings in 52 weeks project. Ha!

Have a wonderful new year  : )

- JD

Top 5 Songs of 2011

I decided to upload my top five favourite songs this year.

# 5 "Hush" - The Wire

This band is outstanding. I've seen hundreds of bands play live, and these guys nail it everytime. They've got a new EP out called 'Wake'. You should give it a listen!

# 4 "Paradise" - Coldplay

I absolutely love Coldplay, and I love how they continue to reinvent themselves with every album. This song is catchy and fun. And the video? Bloody brilliant.

# 3 "Rope" - Foo Fighters

What can I say about Foo Fighters? Well, folks, this is rock 'n' roll as it should be. These guys totally melt faces when they play live.

# 2 "Never By Your Side" - The Blackout

These Welsh boys sure know how to deliver a damn good show. I was lucky enough to have met them at Soundwave back in February this year - really awesome dudes! This is a great song and video.

# 1 "Rolling In The Deep" - ADELE

If you haven't heard this song, where the hell have you been? Adele is AMAZING. Such a great voice, with such power and passion behind it. Great bands like Linkin Park and Eskimo Joe have covered this song. Hell, if I could sing like Adele, I'd cover it too.

And that folks, is my top five songs of the year. Bring on 2012!

- JD

Merry Christmas!

Well, Christmas day is almost up in Australia, but I'd like say merry christmas and happy holidays to all!

- JD

Linkin Park Sydney Summit

A year ago today I was lucky enough to have attended the Linkin Park Underground summit event in Sydney. For those that have been following my painting project, you'll know that I am a big fan of their music. I've been a member of their fan club for a few years, and it's fair to say it was a bit trial and error for a while, but now they have the fan club so right. The band have found a way to connect with their fans on a deeper level, and if you are a member of the LPU, I'm telling you now you need to get yourselves to a summit event. It is an incredible experience.

First of all, it started off with meeting up with other LPU members, and buying raffle tickets (to benefit Music For Relief, of course). Next we walked the Linkin Park stage and had photos with all of their gear. I was even able to hold one of Mike's old guitars. That was pretty cool. After that, we did the raffle. I'd brought fifty tickets and my sister had brought five. We thought it would be cool to win the raffle prize of the backstage visit with one member of Linkin Park - and I kid you not, both my sister and I won. Yep, out of a hundred people in the room, just ten of us one, and two of those people happened to be my sister and I.

After the raffle we had a backstage tour of the Acer arena and then the group of ten were taken to hang out with one member of Linkin Park - Chester. It was an absolute highlight moment. Chester walked into the room, shook all of our hands and took a seat. He seemed like a really nice, down to earth guy. I had the opportunity to ask him what his favourite Linkin Park moment has been so far, and he said the song he did with Jay-Z and Paul McCartney was a very defining moment because it would never happen again. I thought that was a pretty cool answer.

After the hang out backstage, we had the meet and greet with the rest of the band. I had chosen to get my A Thousand Suns vinyl record signed, and as I handed it to Joe he said, "Do you know what this is?" and I said, "Yes, it's the A Thousand Suns vinyl." "No," he replied, "it's a boomerang" - and Joe drew a picture of a boomerang on my record. I thought that was awesome. Also, Mike asked me "Have you ever thrown one of these?" and I said, "No, I haven't actually." And Mike said, "You should. That's what their for. They make good Frisbees." The rest of the band seemed really nice and down to earth too. We had a Q & A with the band too, which was a lot of fun.

The final part of the summit was the acoustic set. For me, this was the highlight. Chester and Mike played "The Little Things Give You Away" - and that is my favourite song. To be sitting there and witnessing this moment in a room of just a hundred people, was amazing. I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life. Chester also sang "The Messenger" which was great.

I'm part of the best fan club in the world. Linkin Park are not only an amazing band, but they put on the best events for their fans. I love supporting this band, and when I write, a lot of inspiration comes from their songs. I thank them for it.

I took a lot of photos from the summit/concert, and I thought I would share them;

Banner outside the arena. I attended both December 11th and December 15th Sydney shows.

Phoenix's Bass

Me with Mike's guitar.

Rob's drums.

Previous night's setlist.

The tour backstage - the dressing room.

Q & A with the band.

The photo I took just as the show was ending. Pretty cool, huh!?

Chester saying goodnight to the fans.

My signed vinyl.

My summit pass.

Tickets from both Sydney shows.

- JD

Foo Fighters

Saw the Foo Fighters last night. They were amazing!

 

Such a fantastic show, with so much energy. They played an monster 23 song setlist which pretty much lasted two hours an a half. Awesome! The highlights were The Pretender, Learn To Fly, Everlong and Best of You. I kinda liked Foo Fighters before, but now I absolutely love them.

 

I've been listening to the Greatest Hits album on a loop!

 

- JD

The Digital Age

Something occurred to me today, and I wanted to share it with you.

We all know that technology is constantly evolving and changing, and these days, technology is changing so fast that we can barely keep up with it. Perhaps on of the biggest changes would be the evolution of the digital world. For example, why buy an album when you can download just a few tracks? Why go out and rent a movie when you can watch new releases from the comfort of your own home? Why buy a book when you can purchase it via an e-reader?

I'm not far away from publishing my debut crime fiction novel The Underground, but now I am second guessing myself. I could fork out the dosh to publish my book, but does anyone care? Does anybody buy physical books anymore? I've been trying to publish my book for almost two years now, and publishing houses and literacy agencies have been pushing me aside without even looking at a manuscript. Sure, I knew publishing a book would not be an easy task, but they're not even reading my work. So why is that? Why are publishers and agencies telling me no without even giving me a chance? It's because the digital word is dominating and almost crushing the publishing industry. These days, no publisher or agency will take you on board unless you've already published a book, sold your books overseas, and made a name for yourself. You have to be able to sell your book from the get go, and no publishers or agencies are willing to take a risk anymore.

I am a previously unpublished author, which is the exact reason why I keep being rejected. I know my book is good. I know it has potential to be great. But is it good enough to be an international best seller? This is exactly what publishers and agencies are asking themselves. Unless you've written the next best thing since Harry Potter, the chances are you will be rejected.

So, I will self-publish my book, but now I understand that alone is not enough. I have to market myself. I'll have to think of new ways to advertise my work. Also, this means I'll have to look into making The Underground available through digital download. So, I've weighed up the pros and cons, and in this day and age, digital books are better than physical books. Digital books mean I have the potential to reach a larger audience, and of course, is cheaper than making physical copies. But will self-publishing a book in both physical and digital copies be enough? Of course not. I will have to find a way to stand out, and I will have to convince you, the reader, that my book is worthy of your time.

Don't get me wrong though, I know this will be no easy task, but I like challenges.

- JD