Author: larissamckay

I had a wee moment the other night.  And it came at the perfect time.

Sometimes it is hard not to be brought back down to China Town by the realists and pessimists that worry about me. I’m 25, I’m scrapping the barrel of my forever dwindling funds, I’m working 9 to 5 and I still live at home with my parents.  Some of these things ring serious alarm bells – even in my head, but I’m actually really happy.

I won’t  ever worry about pursuing a career that could possibly end in rehab or homelessness until I’m still pursuing it without the passion and warmth I feel now. I love music, I love writing music, I love creative people and playing piano and filling a room and someone’s soul with my voice. If you have a passion, you will understand me and my celestial rampage.

The 9-5 job isn’t breaking my balls off. My boss is a light-hearted, positive dreamer and surprisingly I am employed to keep her on the straight and narrow.  Our office is in Surry Hills – as close to London as I’m gonna get down under – and I really enjoy roaming the streets and listening to the junkies conversing in rape park (It’s actually called Ward Park but it hugs the housing commission estate.) I have found the most delicious wrap on the face off the earth. Do it. KOKO on Holt St, get the Chilli Beef Wrap and spend the rest of your life trying to repay me.

As the days get shorter and the nights a little cooler, I feel a sense of panic that the Winter months are fast approaching. I haven’t experienced a whole winter for five years. I don’t like the cold. It makes you pale, fat and depressed – a triplet I wouldn’t even wish upon an old boss of mine. He was not a nice man. He also had some dirty habits like constantly wiping his mouth with a hanky and speaking in rhetorical questions, a ploy to patronize his staff and make his ago a wincey big bigger. I would like to yet again dodge the winter drone and see some more of Europe and play some shows. Which brings me to why I’m still living with the rents.

I continue to put pen to paper and write songs about this and that and have met a special someone who makes me super happy. (It’s sickening right?) But by god I deserve it after all the mole’s I’ve fallen for (see Hey You). I have taken up singing lessons again which I am REALLY excited about. And there’s always a live show on the horizon  – just the way I like it.  The band and I played the Annandale on Saturday night and it was possibly the best we’ve ever played. This makes me very happy and forever grateful to Adam and Andrew who help bring my songs come to life.

I was meant to attend Playground Weekender but it was flooded out which is a mega shame. It is my favourite Aussie festival – reminds me so much of Bestival. See previous blog.. best time of maaa liffeeee. But we went to the replacement party which was still fun and nabbed some tickets for Future just to get our fix. Naked & Famous, The Rapture, Swedish House Mafia and Fat Boy Slim were my favourites.

I know I’m late to the band wagon, but my boss played Laura Marling’s album today and I really dug. I always thought she was a bit whingey and boring. But no, I was wrong.. also listened to Lykee Lee who I dug aswell. Bout time something touched me. Tomorrow is my turn and I shall douse her in every song John Mayer has ever written.

The week is International Fitness Week (free gym sesh.. don’t mind if I do) so I went on Saturday with my sis. It had been drizzling all day and as we walked out of the establishment and down the stairs, I took a sip from my Fiji water bottle and ate so much shizzle I had tears in my eyes. It was so wet and I couldn’t get any traction and just kept bumping down each step on my arse whilst shamelessly trying to grab onto the handrail.  It appeared that someone had greased that bad boy up with detergent. I finally came to a halt and my little Fiji bottle had the life squeezed out of it.

I’m editing all the little snippets of video I have captured over the past few years which I’m really enjoying and have been writing with different people and messing around with a beat pedal. I am playing a few solo shows of originals and covers through the week.. mainly at The Pony Room in Manly and The Foxtrot in Crows Nest. They are just the coolest bars ever. Get your tooshy down there for a nice pizza and a quality drop.

Still loving riding my bike round town and  just finished reading Veronika Decides To Die. By Paulo Coelho. It is a great book if you’re looking for one. And finished watching the series called The Slap – big thumbs up! And saw My Week With Marilyn last week and it was great too. Everything’s great innit.

Can’t believe I’ve been back from London for four months. It must be getting warmer over there.. I loved that feeling that the hard yards were over and Summertime was coming. Hopefully I’ll see you soon..

Larissa x

GIGS

Thu April 5, 8-10pm SOLO, The Pony Room, Manly

Sun April 8, 1 – 4pm BAND, The Beach Road Restaurant, Palm Beach

Thu April 19, 8-10pm SOLO, The Pony Room, Manly

 

Hi everyone,

I have just got home from our last band rehearsal before the EP launch and I can’t sleep. I’m so excited to play for you Sydney-siders again with the band and have a good time.

The EP Songs That London Built is available online at CDBABY – http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/larissamckay3  It’s only $4.95 so treat yourself or a friend. I’ll have hardcopies tomorrow night at the launch too if that’s more your go. It’s also up on iTunes, but a little more expensive for some reason. I’m trying to get the price down, but I think iTunes like to make the moolah.

See you tomorrow night!

 

Larissa x

I remember exactly where we were and how I felt when my oldest friend told me he was moving out of our street. It was only a fifteen minute drive away, but I missed him. I’d lost my Nintendo 64 buddy, my pool after school mate, my sneaking chips from the cupboard above the fridge bestie. And I often still feel this described emotion –  I’m always missing someone or something.  Maybe I should quit living in the past, but I’ve been told I’m quite sensitive, and these things burn inside me like a chronic bout of salmonella.

It’s been five weeks since I left old London town, and sadly it feels like a lifetime ago. I have slipped back into life on the Northern Beaches and am playing with my band again, partying at the old hot spots and running into old mate up the shops. It’s lovely really. One thing I am concerned about is the lack of inspiration. No one wrote a hit song from living a lovely day. Break my heart dammit, screw me over! I’m not too worried really, something always happens and when it does, the song bursts out of me.

I was fortunate enough to play Festival of the Sun a week ago in Port Macquarie. Those of you who are avid readers of my blog (there aren’t many) may know that London bestie, Lans, (among others) is born and bred in the fair town so it was super exciting to play there. I had two sets and by the second one I wasn’t nervous, so I really got to enjoy every second. When I played my cover of Bulletproof by La Roux, the crowd sung along and I had a “I love my life” moment. I hope one day hundreds of people will be singing one of my songs. My sis was my wing gal (bless her) and we had such a good time. Chuckled uncontrollably for nearly half trying to go to sleep one night – we got a bit silly. The music lovers who ran that festival were just the nicest people and I can’t thank Scott enough for giving me the opportunity to play. The audience were just really cool too – the festival had such a laid back vibe and so many people came up for a chat after and were really sweet.

I have to thank Kia also, who lent us a car to horde the keyboard and family up in. The sound system was terrific and we just put half the back seat down and fit everything in the cabin. I drove part the way and that cruise control was a gift from god. We hit a MAJOR storm on the way home too (probably the worst storm I’ve ever been on the road in)and I felt so safe in that car – even with us yelling directions like a scene out of Chevy Chase.

Our mates Jared, Robbo and Josh from Sail Croatia (see previous blogs) came to the festival too and the trio and their mates are the biggest champs ever. We had the best time and we hope to cross the QLD border soon to play some shows and party with them again.

Since being back, I’ve played a few times at Moonshine, up stairs at Hotel Steyne in Manly, which is an awesome newish cider & rum bar with great live music acts. Bout time Manly! We’re all very happy they’re supporting live music.

I have the first gig back with the whole band for my EP launch on Jan 18^th at The Old Manly Boat Shed. It’s a free show so you must come down and see us play. We’re really excited and have been practising lots.

 

I also went to Outpost on Cockatoo Island with Jake to see some street art and it was really cool. Despite the torential rain and us missing the ferry, it was a joy. Saw Matt Corby play and seriously, if he isn’t top of the game in a year I’ll eat a punnet of cherry tomatoes. Saw OXBLVD play too and they’ve improved ten fold – standby for them to be all up in your grill. King Cannons and Pigeon at Fotsun were my faves, and of course Hungry Kids of Hungry, Dan Sultan and Ladyhawke too, but I’d already seen them play so it doesn’t really count. 

I should report quickly to my London friends’ delight that the weather here is pitiful. I wore tights and a jacket today and it has pretty much been raining all but five days since my return. “You sure brought the London weather back with you, didn’tcha.” “Ohh you should be used to this weather shouldn’t you?”  Get me a bullet.

Tonight, the night I write this blog, is the eve of my 25^th birthday. It’s a coincidence really, I didn’t mean to be so dramatic.. So let’s have a happy birthday to me and Merry Christmas to you.

As I sit cross legged on my bed I reflect uncomfortably on 2011, probably one of my favouritest years yet, I remember not just what I did and where I went, but all those beautiful people I met along the way. It is those people that have made me happy, inspired me and made me feel loved. So thank you and here’s to 2012.

Larissa

x

I am back home in Sydney, Australia and suprisingly content. I’ve been back a week and a half and I’m already working, playing gigs, writing and getting my suntan on. There’s only been a small amount of mockery over my accent and the colour of my skin so I feel like I’m winning.

My last few weeks in London were just great. I squeezed in so much I wanted to do and Lans surprised me and took me out to High Tea in Mayfair. It was very posh indeed and we both forgot to use our strainers when pouring the tea and embarrassingly sat there with tea leaves between our teeth. We celebrated Halloween at Bec’s place & everyone dressed up and had a mad boogie. We had a pub dinner on Broadway Market and on my last day I went into Central London and walked around in the drizzle. I know I harp on about how great London is, how great my life is, how awesome my friends are etc etc but seriously they are. I just love them so much and they made my time in London what it was. I skyped Lans tonight and she said, “I’m doing all this fun stuff, and you’re not here, and I just think to myself… what’s the point?” lol.  So it may not be the city itself, but more the people that make your life wonderful.

Once home, I smashed some chicken twisties, burger rings, prawns and a strawberry freddo (not in one go) and I’ve returned to talking to strangers – on the walkway, at the RTA  and in the queue at Coles. I keep spinning my head around when I hear an Aussie accent and I remember I’ve flown the 23 hours home.

The Songs That London Built EP will be out Dec 2011. After a little hold up, it is now at the mastering joint so will be in my hot little hand in a week (fingers ccrossed!). I’m excited for you guys to hear it and have a little snapshot of the music I was playing, writing and pushing round town while I was in London.

I must say, being able to drive my keyboard to gigs is absolute heaven. I’m also appreciating the little things like a supportive bed, a shower where the curtain doesn’t flap and stick against the side of my leg, walking my dog along the harbour side to Manly, not having to dodge the gollies on Bethnal Green Road, wireless internet, having an iPhone (I’m actually obsessed), feeling the sand between my toes and the sun against my face, playing a real piano and coming home to peeps who love me (Ma & Pa).

On the other hand, I miss not knowing what I will be doing each night, meeting new people all the time, good falafels, my best friends that became like family and that special feeling like I’m in the centre of the universe.

It rained today and I walked outside and stood in it with a stupid grin on my face.

Last week I played at Pine St Sessions. Three musos head over to Josh’s house and play a few songs each. They record and film you playing and pop it up on their youtube channel. We all hung out and had a beer after and it was just a top day. Tom Jordan, Ziggy and Charlie Gradon played on my day and I was blown away. I played a gig with Tom back when I think he was 14.. I expected this little kid to walk through the door and in comes this man. I must’ve been gone longer than I thought.

http://www.youtube.com/user/pinestreetsessions

And last night I played a little gig at the Cafe on Little Manly beach, and as the sun set down over the harbour side, it was very pretty indeed. I surveyed the crowd and noticed everyone in their thongs and me in my brothel creepers and was proud that I had brought a little peice of London home with me.

Larissa x

I’ve been up and down like a maniac lately. It still seems surreal that I’ll be heading home to Sydney in three weeks. One day I think, get me the hell outta huuurrr, and the next I well up at the thought of saying goodbye. You can’t have it all though, can you? As a result I’ve been pumping out tunes, so I really shouldn’t complain.

My bestie Fliss has arrived in London and we’d been spooning for the past few weeks and she’s just moved into her new flat & landed a job. Yeah boi. It’s really nice having her here and showing her the ropes. She has the time of her life ahead of her. All the best Flus. One night as we were chatting in bed, we could hear this scratching noise in the wall and we thought it was a rat. A RAT!!! I thanked god I was only there for one more month and that Fliss was on the side closest to the wall. It continued every now and then and I told my flatmate and she said there was nothing we could do if it wasn’t actually IN our flat. Is she actually serious? Anyway, when Fliss left, the scratching miraculously disappeared. Interesting.

Lans took me to see Idina Menzel at Royal Albert Hall for an early bday prezzie. Ohh so good. She’s the original wicked witch from Wicked on Broadway and the musical director of the show and symphony was Marvin Hamlisch. I died.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/qnkpnCMwy_w

Steve my mate from home passed through and Fliss and I saw his bro play in Dalston (Mickey Gloss) which was awesome and went to the Old Blue Last to christen Fliss into East London.

We had a night out in Soho with the girls and danced amongst the drags and gays at Freedom. “I whip my hair back and forth.” Had red wine Wednesday with Vic and Kimber in Soho and saw Les Miserables with Fliss and Lans another night. I was a bit disappointed – the woman who sung, “I dreamed a dream of times gone by” was pretty operatic. Shame, I really love that song, but her voice was like a yo-yo.

Lans and I had been saying for so long that we wanted to dress up and have a greasy night out in Essex. So for her bday, Amy pulled some strings and got us VIP into the Sugar Hut. We tandoori chickened up, put on the false eyelashes, had a few cocktails beforehand and caught the train out to Essex. When we arrived, the ten of us were ushered to our roped off booth and our personal waiter poured us Belvedere vodkas all night long. Seriously, was SO much fun. Lans did a repeat of 2010 (shudder) – but we all felt it coming LOL.

The day after, we hit up the cheese & wine festival at Southbank and I had what will be my last visit to Gordon’s Wine Bar, one of my favourite places in London.

Josh Flowers & the Wild had their EP Launch at Queen of Hoxton on Monday and a crew headed down for what was a great gig. Their EP is tops – you should get it, or if you’re in the UK go along to a show. http://joshflowers.bandcamp.com/album/the-observatory-session-live Charlie and Josh will be playing a song or two with me at my last gig at The Troubadour next Thursday Oct. 27th, 9pm. https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=288703651158200

http://www.youtube.com/embed/1CeOXsInGdU

On Tuesday I got to sing a song with the very talented, James Page at the iconic venue, The Bedford. Paolo Nutini & KT Tunstall were discovered there so it was an honour. James played Ricocheted and I sung. We’d wanted to do something together since our paths crossed months ago so I’m so glad we got to do that. The guy on after us, Sam Brookes had a beautiful voice. You should check him out too.

On Wednesday night it hit a delicious 1 degree. I rugged up and Mills and I saw City & Colour at The Roundhouse. OHHH Dallas Green has the best voice in pop. I could listen to him sing for the rest of eternity. As he sung I actually thought, if I ever needed a sperm donor I’d use him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFSbuM1Vym8

It was a great week of gigs to get me inspired for recording this weekend. I’m going to Highbury & Islington again to work with Macks, the producer who did Hey You. We have no idea how the two songs will turn out, but I kinda like that.

Well, I’m off to the steam room.

Till next time, Larissa

London has served up a delicious platter of social goodness as per usual.

My gigs have been going great. I played The Troubadour in Earl’s Court on the 16th and it was killer. The joint was packed and the audience very appreciative. I played two new ones; Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac & a new one of mine called Boat. My friend recorded it, so when she’s back from Octoberfest I’ll try get it up on the web for you. I also played o2 Academy in Islington with James Page and Josh Flowers who were GREAT. Check them out, or just wait a few months and they’ll be massive. Top blokes as well. After squeezing six people, a keyboard and a guitar into a cab we went out in Shoreditch and ended up chatting in the gutter at 5am. I love London.

Went to Koko for Mick’s birthday celebrations to see Steve Aoki. Some lowie stole my camera, but apart from that, it was a top night. If you like electro and dubstep you have to see him live. BRILLIANT! He’s the one that does the Woop woop song.

Saw The Jezabels, who were quality, as always. And The Brick Lane music festival was on and Kimber, Jake, Mills, Jen, Mimma, Lans and I swung by. It was absolutely rammed and the quality wasn’t great.. but we had a good time and got our krump on.

Went to the park near Columbia Road for Josh’s birthday and ate some beautiful food prepared by the master-chef himself. Then Lans, Veronica, Amy and I went on a cocktail hop around East London.

I paid my last bulk of rent today – it felt good. I now have more disposable income so can do all the things on my bucket list if time permits! And perhaps a little recording.. oooooooooooooo.stop it!

I’m booking my last few gigs as we speak, so standby for those dates.

Had a little Croatia reunion and went out in South Kensington. It’s like another world there..

We’re rammed in the club and all trying to dance and a girl approaches Mills and says, “You need to move, b*tch.” What a charmer.

And as we danced a guy kept pushing me with his bum and his girlfriend was giving us dirty looks. Then the dude grabs the straw from my glass and throws it on the floor and looks at me and goes, “What you going to do?” Hahahaha bloody hilarious. Then all the girls were like “ooooooooooo, no you di-in’t”. Gimme a grimey bar in Shoreditch any day over that pretentious cup of joe.

Apart from the people there, it was kinda fun. We had oversized bottles of Grey Goose and Don Perignon in our little area and it was nice to catch up with some of the Croatia crew again.

There’s been a little heatwave in London the past five days. Unheard of temps for this time of year. 25-32 and loving it 🙂 I went to the park and chilled out and to a friends place for a barbie. I ate my body weight in food and Mills and pulled a rabbit out a a hat and showed the poms how we do a pavlova. Sunday I got up at 6am for the NRL Grand Final and Manly dominated!! Yeah boys. Went to the Walkabout with Kristen and Mick for the first time and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It was 7am to be fair.

Then later Vic, Bec, Lans and I went to The Commercial for some ciders in the sun and then to a friends gig at The Rocket in Euston. Blooooody good. Check them out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RUGp2KtBvI

 

The heatwave continues, and the days fly by. How is it October? HOW?

I leave you with some some tunes that help me get through to 5:30pm, when I can run free on the piano and the streets of London.

As Summer came to a close I squeezed two more little trips out of my legend of a boss.

First up was Lagos to visit my friend Jake who has been living and “working” as a kayak tour guide around the grottos of the Algrave coastline. Just by chance I had a few friends from London – Mick & Bob – and Jared my friend from Sail Croatia in town at the same time. We had a big night out Friday and for the rest of the time I swam, sunbaked, listened to music, wandered around the cobbled maze of Lagos’ old town and thought about how good life is.

If you ever visit Lagos, you must go to the Crosiantarria – some seriously tasty food, do a tour of the grottos and venture round from the touristy beaches to some of the nicest in the world. I had a little moment up the top of a headland where I saw one of the most beautiful views ever. So up there with Cinque Terre and my singing teacher’s house at Palm Beach (obviously I’m paying her too much). Jake’s house had the nicest vibe. Him and his flatmates just chill, listen to music, talk and draw. I can’t draw – but I could tell that for them it is what songwriting is for me. Being in that house got me thinking about whether or not I want to live in Surry Hills when I get home. I love the city vibe, and totally froth on East London, but being at the seaside made me feel really happy and content. So I have a wee pickle when I get home now, but either one is only a 30min drive away.

Wow, just got real sidetracked! So after four days in beautiful Lagos I said byes and headed back to rainy London for two days then it was off to IBIZA to meet Lans and Bec. While I was waiting to board I got a text from Bec saying Lans had missed the ferry from Seville to Ibiza. Bloody typical!!!!! She doesn’t travel with a phone, so we just hoped that she was ok and could get to Ibiza asap. Meanwhile, Bec and I cracked open a cider and got the party started. We went to F Me I’m Famous on Thursday night and although David Guetta wasn’t playing (yep, he cancelled two days prior – get me a bullet) it was still so so much fun. There were robots with lasers too, and the music was right up my alley. We bought one drink at £14 a pop which is simply outrageous and decided we’d try woo some men. I chose two victims from across the bar and we made our way over all doe eyed. After about ten mins we realised they were gay. I just have no gaydar WHATSOEVER. So we smoke bombed it and hit the df until 6am. Walking home we kept congratulating ourselves about how god damn pristine our stamina was. One night down, three to go.

We got out of bed about 3pm and hit the deck chairs by the pool and read and napped till the evening. Lans arrived (yay) and we canned on again and went to a club called Privilege. It is the biggest club in the world and had a show on the massive stage. The show included half naked women in a mock carwash, and the music was that stuff that repeats the same line for about ten minutes then builds a smidge and everyone screams and then it drops back down and we start again. Wasn’t really my thing.

Day three we slept till 4pm got up and canned on. We had a few drinks with the French boys next door (who were just lovely) and after a recommendation from the dude at the ticket shop (probably the nicest Spanish/Swiss person on the planet) we went to a bar called Blue Marlin. It was on the beach and kinda classy and had a really nice atmosphere. We boogied and drunk free mojitos from the hot Italian barman. Pretty sure he has put out an AVO on Lans – “Mi Piachhhhhiiiiiiii”.

Sunday we dragged ourselves out of bed at 9am to go to Formentera (Formentera is the smaller and more southerly island of the Pine Islands group – thanks wiki). I don’t know if this is a recent development but I got reeeaalllyy sea sick on the way there. Seriously, not okay. We grabbed bicycles and rode to the beach and spent most of the day there. It was super hot and kinda breezy so we didn’t realise how burnt we were getting, especially as I’d taken my pillow and kept dozing off. By 4am my neck and end of my nose were raw. Sexy. We rode back and of course had to see more of the island and do a massive detour so that we were pushed for time and had to Lance Armstrong it back to the boat. I just kept yelling at Lans, “THIS IS NOT FUN”. We made the boat and sat below deck this time and it was much better on the belly. We had a little nap and then canned on and walked to Space. This was my favourite club as it was big, had high ceilings, loads of friendly people and GREAT music. We danced the night away and at 630am called it a night. We walked home along Bora Bora beach as the sun came up and it was just beautiful. I had one hours sleep and got up to head to the airport. I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. On the bus from London airport to home I started to twitch and went a bit delirious. Got to bed at 5pm and slept through til 9am for work the next day.

Geeeeeeeeeez, Ibiza is one crazy place and I thought that I just had to tick it off the list, but I will definitely go back. I had such a fun time, and I’m sure it didn’t hurt that I was with Bec and Lans who are the best of fun and the nicest peeps around. So now I’m settled back in London and my tan’s starting to fade and I’m already wearing my coat. But last night I saw The Jezabels (boy can Nik Koloper drum) and last weekend I saw Steve Aoki (probs the funnest night out in London since I’ve been here. Dubstep melts my heart). And I’m seeing Gotye in November, just before I come home to Aus.

I’ve started compiling a bucket list – all the things I want to do before I go home, and I’ve crossed off the first thing-  Gordon’s Wine Bar. Had a really great night out there with Ez, Marianne, Vic, Jared and Tyler. Drunk some misc. wine and smashed a whole lotta cheese 🙂  More bucket list info to come.

 I’ve got a gig this Friday at The Troubadour, Old Brompton Road, Earl’s Court 830pm and another at the o2 Academy, Islington, which is actually Parkview St in Angel on Saturday the 24th of Sept 8pm.

I’ve been writing lots – I probably have about 15 new songs, some of which I’m yet to finish but it’s good to know I’m still inspired.

Triple J at home are launching a radio station for Triple J Unearthed which is so great. You must all support it! We really do have great opportunities in Aus. There is nothing like that here in London.

Till next time,

Larissa

So this past month has been off tha heeeezey!

My sister Lauren came to visit for a month. We rekindled our love for one another, our mutual love for cheese, wine and partying and being silly gooses.

First stop was Paris. We did all the touristy stuff and went off the beaten track and had some reeeaally tasty meals and did some shopping. It’s such a magical city that makes you feel like you’re in a film. Then back to London for a few days and we were off to Trieste in Italy with Mils and Lans. We only had a few days there but it is also such a beautiful city. On our second night we had some cocktails and walked around town and came across a little party. The number one radio station was recording live and had set up a little party on the street. We had a few very strong bevs (god bless Europe and their free pooring) and chilled in the sofas. Then one of the hosts came up to us and asked if we wanted to go on live national radio. Why the hell not!!?? They thought I was a dead ringer for Katy Perry and were very impressed I was also a singer. They asked us a few questions – “Why did you come to Italy?” – “Italian boys!! Woooooooooo” hahahaha the vodka had spoken.

The next evening we set off for Split, Croatia on the overnight bus. I had been dreading this bus ride as my neck is easily crunked and my sense of smell easily shaken, but to be honest, after a hefty recline and a few sleeping pills, I was sweet sailing. Mils had told us about a friend who took the same bus and woke up to a freak sucking her toe. Amazing.

The bus arrived in Split at 4am. Feeling pretty rough, we headed to the park where we squatted till we could check-in. We all had a sleep like the one where you nod off on the lounge in the middle of the day and dribble everywhere. Sexy.
That city’s like a maze. We spent a few hours looking for the hostel and asked every god damn Croat for directions and they were all lovely.

We met up with the rest of the crew & had a nice meal and wandered about town and went to the beach. I felt oddly out of place like an English tourist on a Australian beach (go figure) but within an hour I felt right at home. We had cocktails at the beach bar and breathed in that sweet sweet ocean air.

The next day we boarded our special little boat called Penelopa. For the next week we stopped off at different islands and towns, drunk and swam and sunbaked in the day and partied at night. Honesty it was the funnest most relaxing and enjoyable week of my life. Our crew were so lovely and energetic – we were very lucky. One day we docked and hired mo-peds and rode round the island and had lunch. The view was like a postcard. Another day we dressed up in toga and gave all the locals a fright. Another day we hired a convertable and drove round the island and down a dicey round to a nearly untouched beach with the clearest water. We had a photoshoot. Another day we had warning from the captain that the seas were really rough, but we wanted to go to Hvar (the party island) so they were going to push through it!! Bless!! I set up camp in my li-lo with a water bottle and a book. Robbo was in the hammock and Jared on another li-lo. We were chatting away and I thought I seemed fine as I rarely vomit and have developed a slight phobia towards it. As the seas got rougher and the boat rocked harder I put my book down and took a sip of water. Robbo claimed the hammock was prime position as it “rocked with the boat”. As Jared and I chatted, I saw Laur come up deck with her towel in her hand and didn’t say a word. She slumped down onto the li-lo and shut her eyes. Jared and I kept chatting and my stomach gripped onto last night’s vodka harder, and I saw Robbo slink away out of “prime position”. I laid down and wrapped my towel around me. Jared turned over and fell asleep and I went to my happy place. The worst of it lasted a few hours, but the memory of that day will stay with me forever. I didn’t chunder but Robbo reported later that he had gotten cold and went down to his room to get his t-shirt. In his room he got waves of nausea and ran out the the rail and had a wretch over the side. I still picture his face as he slunk away and it makes me smile. Laur said she was very close and Jared had taken a motion sickness tablet the b*stard, but woke up with a crunk neck (karma for not sharing).

We made it to Hvar and took a trip up to the port to the nicest view (see pic) We went to Hula Hula bar and watched the sunset and to a sweaty bar called Nautica where my dreams came true and a French guy did the Dirty Dancing lift when Time of My Life came on. TICK.

Our last stop was Dubrovnik and it is just the sweetest town ever. You must go. We went to the famous Sky Bar where Lans o.d-ed on cocktail buckets and we had another night reminiscent to her birthday bash. Think vomit but with no cast. The next morning we said goodbye to Penelopa, Big Daddy and all our friends (except Lans who couldn’t bring herslef to move let alone speak – I’m not even joking- ahahhaah) and made our way to our hostels for the last night in Dubrovnik. We all had a BIG sleep and in the evening went to a really nice restaurant and walked around old town eating gelato.
Laur and I got up in the morning and walked around the old town wall before making our way to Barcelona!

Another very cool city. Very different to anywhere I’ve been but I loved it. All the architecture is just beautiful and forward thinking. We did a big tour of the city, had a picnic in Guell park, went to the beach and had the nicest meal of my entire life. No joke. We went back on our last night again. Laur’s got the name of the place if you want it, but you have to post me back some prawn skewers.

I met some of the nicest, most friendly and fun people on the trip and I remembered how beautiful Australians are and how much I love to travel this amazing planet of ours. I still have Lagos and Ibiza in a few weeks!! And I have signed myself up to row 23 miles in a canoe for charity. Please sponsor me as I need to know that through my pain I will help others. I’ll post another blog with the details on it when the sponsor page is set up.

My bestie Fliss is now in town and it has been so great seeing her and catching up on the past year and a half. She is travelling for a few months then settling in London 🙂 Hayles, Fliss and I ahd Field Day on the weekend and it was a blast. SBTRKT was awesome.. WILDFIRE went off.

SO some GREAT news!! I am playing at this year’s Festival of the Sun in Port Macquarie on December 9 & 10. I’m absolutely stoked… and this means I will be coming home a little earlier than anticipated. Everyone buy tickets as the lineup is great, and apparently it is a really fun and well organised festival.

My next gig is at Strongroom Bar, Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London on Wed 24th of August at 9pm and I’m playing with James Page who’s awesome so come along. Here’s the FB event.. https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=149391585143871

Till next time..

Larissa

http://www.facebook.com/larissamckaymusic
http://www.twitter.com/larissamckay

I’ve been reading a book that despite giving me war nightmares, is really good. I even walk home from the station reading it, hoping I don’t meet a telegraph pole. It might be one for the girls though – The Bronze Horseman. If you go to amazon.com you can get secondhand books delivered to your door for close to nothing. BOOM.

The gig at Strongroom Bar was great fun. What a cool little venue tucked away in shoreditch. The boys from Cloud control came and I was that nervous. But they’re all top blokes and with free whiskey tokens hot in my hand, we had a great night. I’m playing there again on August 24th with James Page.

I went to a party at Sound Advice and as the night progressed things got more and more surreal. I ended up jamming with a drummer and bass player and a few guys from inxs. I nearly died seriously. We played Just The Wind, Let Me Stay and Freedom (an Amos Lee cover). I chatted to them and their manager for ages after and went into sponge mode. They are veterans and all such nice guys and I learned a lot from them. Also made a contact and might be doing some gigs later in the year up in Liverpool 🙂

At The Slaughtered Lamb I played with a guy called Matthew P. He was from Suffolk so I couldn’t really understand him but he was great. Kinda surfy/pop/ The Kooks vibe so check him out. The Corner Shop gigs are going really well. Thanks to all who are coming down to hang out. Got the last one this Sunday 5-8pm if you’re around. Cnr Old Street & Shoreditch High St in East London. Then next gig is July 1st and then I’m off travelling for a month. My sis is in town so try make it and show her a good time. It’s at The Good Ship, Kilburn High St, Kilburn. 830pm.

It was Leah’s 21st so on Saturday we went to Ascot Races to celebrate! God it was a good day. We had a champagne breakfast with panckaes and crosssiants beforehand and at the track the sun even came out on what we thought was going to be a pisser of a day!  On the way to breakie while Lans and I were waiting for Leah and Amy (yes WE were waiting for THEM) in our races gear, an old man fell to the ground outside my flat. He started moaning and flailing his limbs about so we edged over. At closer inspection I realised he was homeless as his clothes were grubby as hell. He had his hand reaching out to us and was slurring, “heeeellp mooiii aaaarrp”. We edged a little closer and I thought the whole situation was just ridiculous. I looked at his hand and it was so weathered and orange and crustified – I just couldn’t bring myself to touch him. I smelt a rat- and poor Lans (she’s too nice) caved and was trying to help him up saying “you have to help yourself too. I can’t lift you!” She ended up holding his hand and unintentionally spinning him around on his back like a turtle. It was hilarious! As he moved closer and closer to her and her bare legs I started to get a bit worried and she yelled “you’re hurting me!”, and dragged him to the railing. When he was stood up we bolted inside. I poked my head out the door and saw him strolling down Bethnal Green Road. “What a f-er”, Lans said, and ran to the bathroom and washed her hands till they were prawny.

I saw Tim & Jean as Aussie duo from Perth play last week and they were AMAZING. They have set off a weird feeling inside me and I never thought I would say this, but I think I’ll be ready to go home soon. I miss my family, my dog, my band, my friends, driving my car, Australian friendliness and our sense of humour, the music, the weather and the way we’ll give anything a go once. Don’t get me wrong London is bloody amazing – but home is home and I gots the yearning.

But till then imma have a hell of a good time..

Larissa

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