Fierce Critique

A very Dutch New Year

2010-12-31T18:43:00.003Z

A chronological landmark is a popularly accepted occasion around which to reflect on the experiences of the past in regard to how they may contribute to a more hopeful future. In England this often comprises a quick reference to superstition or empty platitudes before moving swiftly to intoxication and random acts of aggression in a bid to forget how bad the previous year has been. But was it really all that negative? Well, we poisoned the Gulf of Mexico, elected ourselves under a right wing coalition, and began to reinstate the class system. But what do I know?

More to the point, is this behaviour unique to England or are we all, as members of the European Union, actually more uniform than we assume? Depending on how far I want to take my integration into Dutchness, it might be worth me generating some insight into how my fellow cheese lovers regard the significant events of the past year. I remember that in July the Dutch national football team reached the World Cup final for the first time since 1978, in October Soul legend Solomon Burke died at Schiphol Airport, and Dutch politics was back at the craps table this summer, with unsettling results.

But then maybe I’m off the mark. Maybe the Dutch prefer the Toppers to Soul music; maybe they realize that football isn’t the all-consuming wheel of fortune that the English are so fervent to bet their sanity on; maybe they see politics as more effective in immediate terms, such as becoming the change you want to see in the world. Maybe.

Or maybe, like me, they’re disaffected but not uninvolved. When I quizzed my colleagues and friends, I found that 2010 had been a turbulent year, with levity and pathos in equal doses. But unlike me, they voted, they read the newspapers, they gathered on Museumplein and saw Nigel de Jong kick Xabi Alonso, they made jokes about the marriage of Wesley Sneijder and Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen, and they mourned the death of a different artistic legend in Harry Mulisch. This latter event lowered the curtain on the Netherlands’ ‘Big Three’ of literature and, as we ride the wheel into a new decade, perhaps indicates the need for a new intellectually creative inspiration for the country and its people. In addition to this list, further episodes remaining in Dutch memory are the search for Joran van der Sloot in Peru over murder allegations, and a recent spate of investigations into allegations of child abuse concerning the church in the Netherlands. Not the best news with which to end a year, but we always hope to build on the mistakes of the past in order to realise a better future.

Perhaps it’s due to our shared naval heritage that I wasn’t far off with two major events this year – almost everyone I interrogated referred to the Dutch team’s performance in the World Cup and also to the mid-year political upheaval. Both instances share a dual identity: at once a cause for celebration and for concern. They remind us of what is possible on our best days and also serve as a warning against complacency in the face of responsibility. More than this, though, they encourage us to learn our lessons and take our steps, because tomorrow – if you’re reading this right now – is another year.

Twat!

2010-10-10T10:11:00.002+01:00

Here's the last official video from the Secret Gig.
John Cooper Clarke first wrote and performed Twat way back in the 18th century, but I hope that this contemporary performance doesn't detract from the original sentiment.
As the Dutch say, eet smakelijk.

Ladiesman!

2010-10-02T18:15:00.002+01:00

Another video from the Secret Gig; this one sees us, for the most part lacking in grace, stumble to the conclusion of our set.

Thanks again to the Secret Coalition (they know who they are) and I hope there's something offensive about this one I wrote in Nepal, called Ladies Man.

A Secret Vid

2010-08-06T11:18:00.002+01:00

Delayed, I'm aware, but here is the first video from A Secret Gig at the end of July. I opened the night, kicking off with cheese, backed up of course by the Secret Coalition. I'll introduce the band at the end of the vid.

More to come. I'm sure I'll have more to say about it too.

See you tomorrow.

Cheese Reprise - A Secret Gig

2010-07-20T09:57:00.002+01:00

The other day M.A.D (Mapping Alternative Derby) week kicked off in Derby at Bramblebrook Community Centre of all places and we marked the occasion a couple of very loose and informal performances.

Here's me doing Cheese Reprise:

and allotment loiterer Alex Blood doing Racist Village:

Of course, we had great fun and we also ate some delicious veg chilli, couscous and bits.

Now, these videos give a little taste of what A Secret Gig might look like. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg, with much more fun and frolics being unleashed on Saturday.

See below for details - and don't forget a decent hat of some sort.

2010-06-30T13:09:00.005+01:00

Here's the flyer for A Secret Gig, which kicks off on Saturday 24th July at about 8pm.

Roll up for a night fresh vibes, fresh vibes and fresh vibes:

Alex Blood and The Diggers

get their neo-gypsy skank on

Michael Fierce Frearson

delves into cheese and clunge

Derby Rhythm Insurrection

organically, minimally hip and hop

Greg Jackson

seduces the unattached with his acoustic musings.

All this barely contained by Big Blue Coffee Shop, Sadler Gate, Derby.

Only £1 entry. Can't go wrong.

See you there.

Left Lion

2010-06-12T11:53:00.003+01:00

This exemplary culture zine in Nottingham was kind enough to chance an interview with me in the run up to Wednesday's gig at Speakeasy, Alley Cafe (Nottingham). I think it looks pretty good.

Thanks very much, guys, especially poetry editor and poet Aly Stoneman, of whom I'll speak more later.

Remember, if you'd like to spit out some of your own vitriol then drag yourself down to Alley Cafe, Angel Row, Nottingham on Wednesday 16th somewhere between 8.30 and 9.00

See you tomorrow.

Big Session Festival

2010-05-26T11:28:00.003+01:00

I'm quite certain I'm playing at this festival on Sunday 20th June at DeMontfort Hall, Leicester.

Could be quite an interesting entrance, though, as I'm clearly not on the lineup.

If you like folk, or if you just like cheese and real ale, why not fork out...blimey, £22.50...don your fleece and wellies, and roll round to DeMontfort in your 4x4 to enjoy the spoken word delights of - we don't know, the website doesn't tell us.

Better come round anyway just in case you're missing someone great.

Speakeasy: the sequel

2010-05-26T10:51:00.005+01:00

Speakeasy is the monthly open-mic type performance session at Alley Cafe, Nottingham.

Apparently there's a Speakeasy Facebook group but I can't find it...so no pics, but pop down, since it's practically on your doorstep.

Biff and I are lined up to fill June's guest slot, which isn't half as intimate as it sounds but does promise some wonderful melody, perhaps even a bit of emotion, and a cheeky cover.

Get down to check it out - like I said, there's an open mic, so come down and give us a taste of your own word sandwich.

Wednesday 16th June, from 8pm.

Alley Cafe, off Angel Row, Nottingham.

The Bard of Salford

2010-05-26T10:16:00.003+01:00

Like a nightclub in the morning, you're the bitter end; like a recently disinfected shithouse, you're clean round the bend...

John Cooper Clarke is coming to the Ass Rooms, Derby. Alex Blood and I have tickets and we're pretty excited to have the opportunity, given JC's fragile condition and my imminent departure from our grey and twisted land.

Whether or not you like Sugar Puffs, JC is a great institution - particularly in performance poetry and punk circles, and especially for those of us who live outside the M25.

Rather than take my word for it, why not have a peek at this vid below:

Obviously been to Derby before, then.

Friday 28th, 8pm. Be there.

Downing Street Fighter

2010-05-01T15:05:00.000+01:00

I can't claim any kind of credit for this genius; I am neither creator nor even discoverer, in fact I was signposted to it by Amiee Wilkinson via Facebook.

However, considering current circumstances this is as viable a way as any of deciding the next representative for the regime that uses our country to achieve its own ends. Perhaps more on this later.

For now, enjoy the ruck.

Taylor Mali

2010-04-03T17:17:00.000+01:00

I'm not an expert on this fellow but I'm not here to be; I enjoy his stuff, I find him inspirational, and I want to share him with you. I'd recommend you check out his website, where I found some really interesting stuff about performing and receiving poetry, but if you don't yet have the time for that, at least check out a couple of his poems - Miracle Workers and Like Lilly Like Wilson, in particular, perhaps - on Youtube.
There is also a list of poem videos that Taylor reckons you should check out, so why not do as he suggests and check them out? He's a teacher, after all, and teachers are always right, right? Because what do teachers make, Taylor?

That's right, man.
Speaking of teachers, Taylor is on a Quest For 1,000 Teachers, so if his footsteps look admirable and attractive and you'd like to know more, why not get in touch with him about the mission and what it entails?

Besides all that, I really like the website design and it's a pretty fun thing to poke around for half an hour. Crikey, he's got a lot to offer - it's difficult not to compare myself to him and come up looking like shit.
I hope you enjoy the Taylor experience as much as I did. Bonjour for today.

Poetry at Everest Base Camp

2010-03-22T08:34:00.000Z

Hello sailors,
I won't apologise for the inactivity of this blog - I was doing more important things.
However, I have returned to enjoy more poetic delights with you all, and I'll begin by sharing a little video postcard I made for you whilst at Everest Base Camp. Is this the first poem ever recorded from the roof of the world? I don't know. I hope it makes you smile, or at least stop frowning.

Coming home

2009-03-16T09:40:00.000Z

Michael Frearson from Writing East Midlands on Vimeo.

Thanks again guys.

Work for cheese

2009-03-16T09:37:00.000Z

Michael Frearson Poetry from Writing East Midlands on Vimeo.

Thanks to Jamie at Rock, Kitchen, Harris and thanks to Henderson Mullen, Catherine Rogers and Antonia Bell at Writing East Midlands for this video. Big up!

Dick Whit (in poetic form)

2009-03-10T10:50:00.000Z

Continuing from the post about supporting Ty in London, I'd love to stick some photos up from the gig but I only got pics of me, sort of stood in between people's shoulders. Anyway the night was great, short and sweet. We had the studio room in Soho Theatre from 8-10 so it was a swift affair, then we all had to dash out sharpish to make room for Michael Macintyre's crew.

Anyway, Benjamin Mellor kicked off with some social, global and personal insights that were excellently written and presented. Ben works with Moksha as a writer, performer and facilitator up in Manchester. Hopefully we'll see him down in Derby pretty soon.
Following Ben was local MC Angel, winner of some open mic competitions down in London. Quite a fun character with a strong stage persona, Angel dropped a few tunes before we all dashed out to grab some water in the sweltering heat.
After the break I stepped up to do my thing, opening with Cynic and following on with Being that person, A break, and then closing with Work for cheese. The crowd was great and I had a brilliant time up there, especially since I got to pave the way for Ty, who stepped up next and did a load of acapellas which was really what we'd all been waiting for.

All in all a really really good night, met some ace people and had a fantastic time. Thanks to Apples & Snakes for putting on the night and inviting me down. I'll leave you with a few pics of me...

...and this one of a very impressive cafe in Amsterdam:

Sh! again

2009-01-28T13:26:00.000Z

I've had another instalment accepted by the interactive library novel Sh!
It's a proud day in Frearson history...in episode 67 we return to The Boss' struggle for clarity of consciousness and rediscover John brandishing his arch nemesis Idiot's Guide.
The title of the chapter is Or something worse.

Ty

2009-01-28T12:37:00.000Z

The last time I saw Ty was ages ago. That's bad, because he played in Notts last year and I didn't go and check him. Something I'm sorry about.
The good news is that I kind of get to make up for that by supporting him at Soho Theatre in February. Yes.
It's a gig through Apples & Snakes, a national outfit supporting the development and promotion of performance poetry. Big those guys up for giving me the opportunity.

If you look on the Soho Theatre events listings I'm the one called 'up-and-coming poetic support' - they actually used my middle name.

So the gig's on Wednesday 25th February at Soho Theatre, London, and I'm well excited about it. Hopefully I'll see you there.

Sh!

2008-12-10T08:04:00.000Z

It's a bit late, but I recently contributed to Sh!, the interactive library novel.
My chapter is number 66 and is called The lingering smell of sellotape.

I'm helping to fill in for Jenn Ashworth while Jenn is making busy on another project. Fortunately for me I seem to have been welcomed into the library quite graciously. My favourite part about this blog is the borrowers, I love the way they are written and it has me guffawing out loud in the computer room at work when I sneak some time off to read it. I'd recommend anyone who has ever been in a library - and especially anyone who has ever worked in one - to give this blog a go.

Here you are. Enjoy.

Xmas on Christmas Island

2008-12-10T07:56:00.001Z

This was a great night; yet again a different flavour from what we've witnessed in the past at Big Blue. I think in all it was quite understated - for the most part it wasn't as busy as previous events, but there were some heavier moments, and again there was quite a nice lineup to entertain and distract.

No photos from the night as yet; if I get hold of any I'll stick em up here. For now you'll have to imagine Kevin in a black shirt with a Christmas tie and Jo Lewis dressed up in some kind of sexy santa's helper type thing.

Alley Cafe!

2008-11-11T07:58:00.000Z

Alley Cafe is quite a hip, mildly stirring little coven upstairs, up an alley, off Angel row in the centre of Notts.
The alley itself is next to a sandwich shop called Pumpernickel, which is pretty much opposite the City Library.
Anyway, they have a night called Speakeasy, which is an open mic night for the general public that also features a guest poet slot. Exciting times - I've been asked to fill this month's guest slot on Wednesday 19th November.
I've only been there once before but I promised to return and I haven't got round to doing that since, but now's a great chance.
I think it might be free entry but I'm not quite sure; the website (up there) might have info on it but last time I looked it hadn't been updated since 2006.
So be there! From about 8pm on 19th Nov. We're looking forward to it.

Ooh - ooh - ooh

2008-11-09T19:11:00.001Z

It's a proud day in Frearson history today.
Sarah Turner has produced some snaps from the launch of This side of poetry.
Without further ado I'll take you through a quick selection.
We started the evening quite pleasently with Rob Hodkinson making the most of the open mic with his usual delicacy and poise. If you've got a website, Rob, let us know and we'll stick up a link from here. Richard Birkin then stepped up with his hallowed sixer as the first of the booked acts. He gave us a taste of what I'd billed as 'ghostly streetwalking' but to be more accurate they were touching melodic pieces to warm the heart and tap the feet to.

After Richard came Derby legend Julie Collings, who filled her slot with great aplomb - a very clear, strong sound, I like it a lot. The audience seemed to particularly appreciate a lovely cover version of Every little thing she does is magic. I think my favourite of Julie's songs is Don't. That might be unimaginative of me, but I suppose the rest of you can bollocks. Why don't you check out some tracks here. Anyway, I braved the spotlight next, continuing the theme with Party Rings

then dropping a couple of new poems before joining forces with a slightly surprised Richard Birkin to perform a couple of poems from Being that person...once we'd remembered how it goes.

Next I welcomed Adam and Todd up to accompany me on jembe and bass respectively whilst I performed the closing few pieces, including a lively rhythmical rendition of Work for Cheese.

Then we had a well earned rest.

We came back from the break with American beat-style swinger ladies ladies ladies man Kevin Wallace, who took us from the personal to the political and back again,

before dropping us in the dexterous hands of sexual melancholic Jo Lewis, who handed out sex and melancholy in equal portions throughout her set, which included a touching rendition of Jolene.
Health & Safety executive had generously stepped in at the last minute to save the day with a great set accompanied by legendary Derby MC I.D.Entity.

After this I waved goodbye to the crowd and the night was then handed over to the soulful vibes of DJ Marley, who really did bring the funk with a righteous set to keep us on our toes until midnight.

I can only speak for myself really but I had a fantastic night and I really enjoyed all of the performances. Special thanks go to HSE for the last-minute set, Ashley-John Stirland the diabetic for keeping an eye on the sound throughout the night, game girl Catherine Rogers for dishing out units at an unreasonably low price (£5 a pop you tight bastards...) and of course Sarah Turner and her valiant husband Simon for sorting out these dramatic shots. Brilliant.

Ooh this has been a monstrous post yet again; I hope you don't mind me not spellchecking it. Anyway, Sarah Turner's Flickr profile is here, where you can check out the wider collection of shots from the night. Thanks again, much love to all, and hopefully we'll see you back soon.

Word to that

2008-11-08T18:29:00.000Z

Kevin Wallace and I hopped down to the Y Theatre in Leicester on Tuesday for some spoken word from a nice little round table of poetic practitioners down there. Good stuff all round.
We got there a bit late actually due to traffic problems so I missed a bit at the start

but I managed to catch up quickly, dripping out Cynic whilst waiting for my pint to warm up

Host Lydia Towsey kept us clapping in between contenders

whilst Janique dropped some love pearls

Bubba was relentless

Ivory Fishbone sang the virtues of the Bachelor Pad

Sureshot gave us his Jazz thing
and we all wondered if James was going to lift the microphone. Jean Luc Pikard made it so

Pam Thompson brought the glamour

Rob Gee did impressions

this lady dropped some home truths about something I couldn't hear

and this man did it a little better by standing behind the mic

amidst the excitement Lydia pulled out a musical collabo

and to 'rap' it up this man (can't remember his name, sorry) dropped his first public piece and made it a good one. Well done for that.

In the break I spoke to local journo Jess Evans

and at the end lauded poet Rachel Pantechnicon entertained with motivational poems for cats and people

and ideas for exciting children's literature.

All in all a great night, thanks for coming, thanks for having us, looking forward to the next one which will be....not sure yet but keep an eye on the Word! facebook page.

what the fuck is going on?

2008-11-04T09:11:00.001Z

maybe I need to learn HTML - but is blogger fucking with my paragraphing just for the sake of it?

Line breaks and line spacing seem to change every time I come on here. What am I doing wrong??

And why do my previews look nothing like the published post??

The Launch

2008-11-04T08:13:00.000Z

Well, we had the launch night and there's been some wicked feedback about it. Personally I had a fab time and this time I got to relax and enjoy myself a bit more than the last one. Of course, the photos are still in production process so we can't publish them yet, so I need to be creative about visual representation. Hence, here's a picture of a launch (above); I think it comes from here; feel free to refer to the licence.

Hmm and here's a pic of a release party:

from here under this licence,

and here's what else came up when I searched for "release party" under Creative Commons on Flickr:

I like the colours.

This was taken from here under this licence.

Got to get back to work now. Cheers.

Rives

2008-10-25T20:19:00.000+01:00

Here he is, the slam poet and multimedia artist, looking all approachable and inoffensive.

I first came across Rives when I was watching Def Poetry Jam videos on Youtube, and I found a couple that were entitled Kite and I think Voice (or was it 'Def Jam'?); simple yet moving stuff, and very inspiring.

After that I looked up more vids on Youtube and I found quite a few, then I checked his website, then I checked TED, which of course I'm still checking now.

I guess I could go on and on about how his work is so great - so fresh, emotive and encouraging - but I should probably stop now before he thinks I'm stalking him. Suffice to say that he was a prime influence in writing both Being that person and This side of poetry. Thanks for the inspiration, Rives.

As a last word I'll say that Rives has been called a '2.0 poet' - I'm really not sure what that means but I know that he does like to incorporate multimedia into what he creates, which is also a path I'd love to go down in the name of trying to make poetry more accessible and engaging in our disillusioned community.

Party Time!

2008-10-22T10:34:00.000+01:00

Just got the flyer for the launch night back off Jim Cork:

I'm sure you'll agree this really is a dapper image. So. Tell your friends, pets, selection of cheeses and show up with a smiley face and a shaker ready to get down with some nice soothing sounds.

Here's the link to the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=40825253141

Time Travel Opportunists

2008-10-21T10:17:00.001+01:00

are publishing my new collection, This side of poetry. We're going to produce 100 handmade copies of the book and sell it on the night or perhaps even via the website.

The collection will be akin to this, my last collection Being that person:

The cover was designed by Gail Hodson-Walker, the stamp was cut by Emma Lannie, the badges were made by Richard Birkin and the ID cards were designed by Jim Cork.

Being that person also featured a CD of the poems recorded at Baby Studios, Derby, where I delivered the poems accompanied by Richard Birkin on guitar.

Similarly, This side of poetry will also feature a CD of the recorded poems with accompaniment from Alex Bowen, DJ Wax On, Alex Blood and Richard Birkin.

Happy times.

Anyway, watch this space for more details of Saturday 1st November when we'll be getting jolly at Big Blue Coffee Shop.

Word to that.

THE LAUNCH NIGHT

2008-10-21T08:43:00.001+01:00

Going to look something like this:

Anyway, something like that, with some new faces...

...and also some old ones scattered about

Anyway it's at Big Blue Coffee Shop on Sadler Gate in Derby from 7.30pm kicking off with open mic slots then getting into the guest appearances. I'll kick out a full guest lineup later.

Phew this takes some attention so I'm going to kick back with a coffee for 2 minutes and then get on with some work.

This side of poetry...

2008-10-21T08:33:00.000+01:00

...looks a bit murky at the moment. We know things are happening but it's still difficult to distinguish what.

The date and the time are set, as are the acts; the main thing is to let everyone else know what's going on, but all that will come in time. This week, hopefully.

A rehearsal yesterday with Adam (jembe) and Todd (bass) went something like this:

"Which parts do you want us to accentuate and break it up a little?"

"...uhh..."

But we got there in the end. It's promising to be an extremely enjoyable crescendo to the set - perhaps not for the audience, but certainly for me and the guys.

Look out for the Rainbow-themed video, probably out on YouTube at some point this decade.