eja slade

Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah. Hello, just thought I would begin today's sermon with something deep and meaningful. How the hell are you getting on? I just wrote my latest tune, called "Change". It's about good friends, and asking them not to change. People who, occasionally, come through for you, and save the day. I hope you have people in your life that do that. We all need them, for sure. At my worst, I thought I had no friends, and was just so despondent. If you are feeling this way, it could be your mind deceiving you. When you're depressed, and down, people may distance themselves, because they don't know what to do or say. It's not that they don't care. I'm not going to say to keep your chin up, because, sometimes, that's just impossible. The best I can do for you, is to tell you that I was once a chronically ill suicide case, with no hope, or any positivity at all in my life. And as for doctors/consultants? They are not the experts, you are. Whatever you're going through, only you know exactly what that is. For me it was severe paranoia, rock bottom self esteem, and serious suicidal thoughts, and actions. Whatever's happening, or is not, in your life, you are unique, there is no-one like you. I fully realise that maybe none of this is helping, but here's the thing : You could, perhaps, be in the same, desperate position that I was. Okay, granted. Well, what about stuff that you used to like to do, things that gave you fulfillment? If you are anything like I was, you have possibly abandoned them. I stopped playing guitar for years, whilst on an extensive visit to hospital. I had no interest in it whatsoever. This was years and years ago, and I was a loose canon, an accident waiting to happen. I will leave you with this thought : Who is serving who? Who is essential in this system of ours? Is it the doctors/consultants, or is it the service users? Without the latter, no consultants would be required, they would be out of a job. And they know it. If you're stuck in a mental rut, a quagmire, give a little thought to what I've said. I wish you well, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Lotsa love and hugs, xxx.

Halloween impression 2024 a small downloadable piece of music. I hope you will like it.

Hello all, hope you are well. I am good, and am on the home stretch with my debut album, "Net". I have work to do (on it) : Yes, I need to re-record some guitars, and vocals. Then my producers have to remix some numbers. Should get it done this side of Christmas, then I can get to having CDs manufactured, with a graphic cover, and comprehensive inlay card, with photos of me and the boys, and lyrics enclosed, and a thank you list, of course. You guys will be in there. I can't thank you enough, for your unwavering support. The first Net gig will be in Springtime, and promises to be a memorable occasion. We'll be rehearsing hard for that. It'll be in our home town of Dublin, Ireland, home of U2. We hope to cause a stir, and get people back for future shows. Net has grown, from a little acorn, to a full-fledged music project, with a life all it's own. I have lots to put in place, which will cost, but which I can manage. Plus, I have a growing fanbase, which is encouraging. Some have pre-ordered the LP, which again, is most satisfactory. I am very thankful. Another thing I must do, is learn how to send merchandise abroad. Not just CDs, but stuff like t-shirts, beanies, badges, patches etc. I am already writing for album #2. Titles include "War", "Roots", "Vengeance", "No Control", "In The Evening", "The Big Wheel", "Mother Nature", and "Tyme Park". Plus more. Until next time, may your god go with you, love and hugs, yours, Eja.

Hello everybody, how are you doing? Are you looking forward to Christmas/Thanksgiving? I'm keeping well, thank goodness. I hope you like "All The World's A Stage", it's not actually finished. When it's complete, it'll be up tempo all the way through, and I will of course send it on. I'm very happy with it, it has set the bar for the rest of the album. Yes, the gig. I played for three hours, to a packed house, with assistance from a few friends, and brought the house down. I did originals and covers, and was surprised at how much stamina I had. The last time I played for that long was well before Covid, and the first time since my accident. I was ecstatic, I must say, and it has given me great confidence for my upcoming gigs next year. A lot of people said they would not miss those, based on my performance. My writing has taken a bit of a turn, with a new song, a slow burner, called "Rainbow Rising". It's something on the same lines as "Fields Of Gold" by Sting. It has a real spacious sound, with synth backing, and everything. Will talk to you again before the holidays. Lotsa love, Eja xxx.

Yes, I've been given an extension! Happy days. Just want to talk about depression once more. I still suffer now and again, but am mostly in fine fettle. Between these texts, I'm thinking about you. I know it's hard to cope, a lot of the time, and ending it all seems the only way. I remember attempting it myself, three times, and thank God I failed. Believe me, suicide is not the answer, no way. You have so, so much to offer, if you think you're a bad person, you're not, you have so much goodness in you, if you could only reach inside yourself, and realise that you are meant to be, you belong on this earth, no matter what anyone might say. I remember my own down times, everything seemed impossible, in terms of really living my life to the full. Now, nothing could be further from the truth. I have managed to totally (99%) turn everything around, and am fast making up for lost time. How? Well, as I said before, anger played a major part in my recovery, and what I actually did was, I got angry with myself, for allowing myself to be monopolised by psychiatrists, and hospital staff in general. I got angry with them too, and, funny enough, all of this led to my being released. What a day that was! They obviously realised I had broken the spell, and belonged in hospital no more. You can do it too, really reach inside, and yes, think of the good times, and try not to take life too seriously. You are the owner of you, not anybody else. You are the expert, when it comes to what your life is about. You. And another thing : Rely on yourself, and yourself alone, especially when no-one understands. This counts for all, both family and friends. I can count my real friends on one hand, and I don't fully trust anyone. Anyone. I am me, I am now, and I will get along, just try and stop me. A little bit of anger there. Don't get me wrong, I am not a hot head, as such, in fact I am a temperamentally controlled customer. It's just that I don't take any crap these days. I was a fool for a long time. No more. I am very, very happy in my own skin, and I believe very much in myself. And here's another thing : you can count me as a friend, because out there, it's dog eat dog, it's (sometimes) a cut-throat world. About trust again. I do trust a small group of individuals, but only up to a point. We all need that. I am not paranoid, not any more. My mind is too strong for that. Going to go now, remember, we all have different ways of coping, I can only tell you mine. Another thing : listen to as much of your favourite music as you can, each and every day. As you probably know, there is nothing like it. Remember, your own personal favourites. Lotsa love, peace, and hugs, yours, Eja xxx.

Yes folks, here we are again, hope this finds you well. I am good, mostly, still get down sometimes, just like anyone. However, the songwriting is going really well, I have written two great numbers, "A Perfect Storm", and "Rainbow Rising". They mark a departure for me, both are a less frantic tempo, they are quieter, and smouldering, below the surface. Very powerful. Also bought myself a brand new white Gibson Les Paul, which is all I hoped it would be, and more. Lovely, low action, easy to tune, and a marvellous sound. Kris Kristofferson (RIP). A great loss. At parties, I sometimes do "Help Me Make It Through The Night". Fond memories. Yes, the album, to be called simply "Net", will have 10/12 tracks, including the above numbers. So far things are shaping up well, we are adding to the tunes organically, all three of us have ideas. It's really dynamic. Hope you are well out there. I was going with a smooth vocal approach, but have had a change of heart, and am using takes with a more gravel-like snarl. Rohan and Al, on bass and drums, really are marvellous, no stone is left unturned. We are gelling together well, and getting tight. Was at a songwriter's convention yesterday, and made a few contacts, DJs, PR heads etc. Yes, depression (bipolar) still under control, big time. No real problems at all. I have actually begun to reduce my meds, and am feeling even better. Hang in there, you can do it too. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as always. Love 'n' Hugs, yours, Eja xxx.

A thousand welcomes is wished you here. Thank you so much for the ongoing plays, it means the world to me, and the boys. They are Rohan, on bass, and Alex, on drums. I am on guitar and vocals. Yes, a genuine power trio, what I've always wanted. I have not posted any of the new songs, because they are not yet at the standard I'm looking for. Actually, I think I'll hold out until all ten songs are done and dusted, and present them as a complete body of work. Whilst I'm learning the tunes off by heart, I'm already started on album #2. Three numbers so far, "Manifold", "Eclipse", and "Everblind". Already I'm feeling a slight departure from album #1, but the energy and power is still there. I'm using first position chords for the most part, and I'm realising that they can be really exciting, when a bit of thought is executed. Yes, the new material is classic rock, together with some punk. But that's not all. I intend for my musical output to embrace eclecticism, you know, stuff that is not so all-out aggressive. I already have such things written, no worries there. Yes, the pendulum will swing from all-out rock and roll, to, eventually, some prog rock interludes. Again, I have some of those works in the can too. But no going soft. Oh no. And no twenty-minute meanderings. I'm going for 3/4 minute tunes, rarely more than that. Of album #1, I have two songs almost done. As some of you may know, I'm getting back into things, after a period spent in hiatus. So, the solos in these two numbers are quite erratic, and sometimes a touch dissonant, but somehow they work. I was gonna change them, but have decided not to. Of course, I have to apply myself, when it comes to the cover of the elpees. And I have to come up with titles also. I have saved hard, and can afford all necessities. You bet your life. I'm getting assistance with the logistics, as I realise I can't do it all myself. Now, a change of subject : Mentally, I'm in fine form, and am rarely depressed. I now write every day, and come up with one or two new tunes each week. I take my time, checking every word. The same goes for chords. If you are down, take heart, cos it's true, the greatest darkness is before the light. Believe me, I was critically suicidal, tried it several times, in all different ways. Now, I'm like a child, rejuvenated in every way. My heart goes out to you. I wish I could be there, to talk you through your day, and to hug you out of your blues. I need you to hang in there. I know it's anything but easy, and I know it's all easy for me to say, from my current standpoint. I don't want you to resent me, I guess. I recently wrote a song, called "The Keeper", which is about my maltreatment in hospital, being kicked when I was down, if you like. I have yet to record it. These wrongs are being investigated, and change is on the way. I've noticed that a lot of those old staff are gone, which of course is welcome, and a good sign. I don't know whether you were/are going through this kind of thing, all I can say is, hang tough, don't let them grind you down, don't let them win. You may not think it, right now, but you are cool, and you have a lot to offer. You are not meant to be where you are. Anger, used wisely, can be a great tool. It did an awful lot for me, in fact it turned everything around. Plus, I'll admit, the right medication (for me). You deserve all the good stuff, and believe me, it's waiting there for you. Once you recover, you won't know yourself. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I send you all the love in the world. Take care, and may the spirits guide you on, until the magic of understanding takes hold, and you see the light as she shines for you, and upon you. May your god go with you. Love 'n' Hugs, xxx.

Hello, how are you all? Whatever you're doing, if it's going well, keep right on doing it! Cut toxic people from your life, even if it means being lonely for a while. Don't let people use you, rid yourself of all parasites. I did this, and was lonely for a good length of time. But now I'm in a better place, no question. Yes, the album is going really well, I have three numbers done, mastered and mixed, sounding good. Should have it finished this side of Christmas, God willing. I have also become, by accident, a kind of entrepreneur/music manager, handling affairs for a couple of friends. These two ladies just ooze talent, and are salt of the earth. I have known them for over two years, and we are close. They both are multi-instrumentalists, and singers supreme. One is like Joni Mitchell, the other like Janis Joplin. Kind of, I mean, both are peerless. They both write also. Will keep you informed, as to their progress. Yes, the latest from Net. It is just what I wanted, a rock/punk power trio. Influences are Motorhead, Sex Pistols, AC/DC, Ramones, etc etc. One thing that is happening, is that people are beginning to take notice, who would not have done before. I guess they realise I'm in it for the long haul. Your own kind attentions have also, of course, been a major driving force. From the heart, I thank you. I am already prepping material for album two, which will drop next year. Will put some up online in the not-too-distant future. To all Net Commandos, young and old, I salute you. See you in a fortnight. Love and Hugs, yours, Eja xxx.

Hello. Are you well? I hope so. I am good, and so is life. Yes, some developments : I'm recording my debut elpee, and tomorrow, Friday, will be my fourth track. There'll be ten altogether, and I'm being ably assisted by two session men/friends, on bass and drums. The guys own the studio, and also engineer, produce, mix, and master. As for the songs, I'm paying attention to every last detail, lyrics and music. I have also changed direction, it's rock and punk, with nods to Motorhead, Sex Pistols, AC/DC, and Ramones. Yes, no nonsense, gritty, grainy rock and roll. I have to say, I am so excited, I never thought I would write tunes like these. I'm already writing for album number two. Thank you so much for your support, I intend to repay you in kind, with some of my best stuff to date. Mind you, the record will not be finished until around Christmas time, or early New Year. But rest assured, it'll be a top-quality package, with graphic cover, photos, and lyric insert. Songs include "Power Thrill", "Refuse To Serve", "The Big Machine", "Nailed", and "Endurance". No title for the LP yet, will keep you informed. Yes, I continue to win the fight with depression, hands down. If you are affected, my thoughts and prayers are with you. With friends, I am fighting stigma here in Ireland, there is great work going on. So don't you give up, you can do it, and you will. Lotsa Love, Yours Always, Eja xxx.

Yes, this is where it's at folks! As many of you will know, I've been trying, trying, trying, to assemble my ensemble, Net. Well, I need search no more, for now. Two young men (younger than me anyhow!) have stepped up to the plate, and so all is far from lost. No, we are putting together my debut album, yet to be titled, and we are three tracks in. Sound-wise, and influence-wise, it doffs the cap to Motorhead, AC/DC, Sex Pistols, Ramones, and classic rock/punk in general. It's energy all the way, with, if I may say so, ten tracks of on-the-money musical nuggets. Net is a trio (power trio?), bass, drums, and guitar/vocals. I put aside all the progressive stuff I had been working on, and, in six weeks, wrote the aforementioned ten songs. It took a lot of work, and involved writing, re-writing, and more re-writing. Words and chords, with attention to detail. Titles include "Power Thrill", "Refuse To Serve", "Bullet Magnet", "All The World's A Stage", and "The Keeper". I'll be collecting the recorded songs tomorrow, I am assured they sound like dynamite. If you don't have my email address, it's link, get in touch, and I will post the links to you. I'm already started album two, with three numbers, "Make Your Head", "Fists", and "The Mule". Friends, and people around me, are beginning to come around to the fact that this is for real, and I'm not fucking about. The launch for the elpee is already in the planning stages, and of course I'm thrilled. I want to thank you all for your unending patience, loyalty, and amazing support. The album should drop around Christmas, or early New Year. Not sure what title I will give it. Maybe just "Net"? Or "Perseverance"?. Or maybe "Net - Mach One"?. The possibilities are endless. What about "Power Thrill"?. Anyway, see ya next time, Love and Hugs, E xxx.

Hello again. I am well, hope you are too. A few developments : I have begun recording my official debut album, and have two tracks down. These are "Kow Tow", and "Refuse To Serve". These are totally brand new, and fresh. I have put all my previous work to one side, and have ten new songs, including those above. It also looks like I have myself a drummer. This laptop crashed, resulting in the delay of this post. My apologies. The two guys who own/run the studio helped me out, on bass and drums. I continue to be in good form, resulting in some solid productivity. What gave me a shot in the arm, was watching Sex Pistols live in Brixton, 2007. It blew me away, and now informs some of my writing. I was also a bit down at the time, for the first time in a while, but am good again now. Don't forget, you are in my thoughts, always. I'll have the above songs online soon. "Be My Last" and "Daylight" are also on my list to record. That's twelve tunes altogether. The LP will be a limited edition, the reason being I'm going all the way with it, ie picture cover, proper inlay card, with photos and lyrics, and picture disc. It'll be thoroughly mixed too. The guys are totally sound, helpful, and professional. The place is called Beardfire Studios, and is in Dublin, home of U2. Check it out, should you visit Ireland. Oh yes, my new guitar : it's a Nexg 2, and is made by Enya, in the US. It cost a bit, but is worth every cent. It has an in-built 80 watt amplifier, making it suitable for most situations. I enjoy recording with it, it has a number of sounds/channels. Yes, I'm switching my focus, and musical direction, to sub-four minute numbers, which are more punchy, and more direct than before. I think you will like them. To record the entire album, will take a few months. I'm planning an album launch for some time before Christmas. All tracks will be on N1M. Once again, hope you are good, mind yourselves, I'll be in touch in a fortnight, Lotsa Love, and hugs, Yours, Eja. xxx.