Hi!

Welcome to the 37th edition of the Rowan & Friends newsletter.

next gig

This Wednesday we are playing as a trio in Manchester: Billy, Cordi and myself.

We’re supporting our friends from the Netherlands - The Hobknobs - at Café Blah.

It’s being put on by a great zine called Supercrush - their upcoming issue features an interview with Van Dyke Parks which rocks!

Here’s the full list of dates for your perusal:

• 30/09/2026 Manchester Café Blah supporting The Hobknobs w/ Tinfoil Underwear

• 04/10/2026 Leeds Mabgate Bleach supporting Pavement/Silver Jews Bandeoke w/ the Fool

• 17/10/2026 Leeds Wharf Chambers supporting The Nature Kids

• 28/10/2026 York Golden Ball (halloween variety night)

• 03/11/2026 York Fulford Arms supporting Tracey Nelson

• 15/01/2027 Leeds Hyde Park Book Club supporting Kiran Leonard

• 10/02/2027 Manchester Gullivers supporting Champion Trees

As ever, some of these ain’t announced. But I love being cheeky in the newsletter :P.

new songs

In band world we’ve been trying out some new songs and having a good time. We’re still mostly playing songs from our last album live (Go On! Roll That Old Boulder Away) - but we’re hoping to put together a new set of songs by Christmastime.

CDs of “Go On! Roll That Old Boulder Away“

Just doubly confirming that - yes, you can get CDs of Go On! Roll That Old Boulder Away, which is our second album.

You can order them from our Bandcamp or pick one up at any of our upcoming shows!

Recommendations

I have consumed so much media this week and have a bumper list of recommendations to get through.

CLAUDE FRANÇOIS - if you’re French then this isn’t much of a recommendation. Because I’ve been told every French learns every Claude François dance move by the age of 5. But I’ve just discovered him and he’s very entertaining. This video of him singing Alexandrie Alexandra” is particularly good.

JIM WHITE - I have become obessed with Jim White after finding his album No Such Place in a record store last week. The album in question is incredible and I am quite excited to find more of his stuff, and hopefully see him on tour next year!

MUSHROOM SOUP - today (Saturday) I made Mushroom soup and it was delicious. I think I have two portions left as well. How exciting for me.

EARTH BALL - I saw Earth Ball at the Crescent in York about a month ago. One of the best live shows I have seen in recent times. All improvised but you wouldn’t think it - listen to their recording Live at Cave 12 if you want a taster.

ONE THOUSAND AVANT-GARDE PLAYS - I have been dipping into this book by Kenneth Koch and the creativity on display is really something. All the plays (actually ~100 of them) are short, weird, & poetic. V nice stuff.

FORGIVING YOURSELF - sometimes its good to forgive yourself for your blunders. Like putting too much salt in the mushroom soup. Or waking up your housemate by playing Claude François too loudly. You don’t need to wait for Jesus.

TAKING IT EASY - I think I’ve recommended something along these lines before, but I stand by my word.

ROY ORBISON IN ROY ORBISON SINGS - speaks for itself really.

SITTING IN A PARK - its my favourite kind of weather at the moment. Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right.

1000 YEARS IN FAIRY LIGHTS - I almost forgot to recommend multi-recomendee Trouflies’ new single which has an excellent video.

DOGWOOD MAIDEN VOYAGE - another multi-recomendee, Jude Brothers, has released a new album which I am going to listen to today. But - from the tracks I’ve heard - I can already recommend it highly.

that’s

it and also the end of the newsletter.

Take it easy - maybe see you in manchester - so long! fare well! etc.etc.

ROWAN