This is a song about parents, teachers, work mangers and leaders all messing with your head and making you feel inferior when they have got no more of a clue than you'll ever have; so feck it and go with your gut, so long as it isn't hurting anyone :) That's what I say anyway. I've had a lot of practice and experience; but still, what the hell do I know eh? :)

Left of Hardin

Rip up the Rulebooks

I am a singer-songwriter originally from Liverpool (yes, that one; home to Cilla, Everton FC and a few other cultural icons) and now living in Kent, near London, UK. I play in a ‘punk n’roll' covers band called the The Oddball 3 and my own songs solo at open mics. I’m a music nerd/geek obsessed with The Beatles and Bowie and like lots more: Costello (btw my ‘Elvis’ moniker is a nickname I picked playing rugby football – I think I started one season with a decent set of sideburns!), Squeeze, R.E.M., Smiths, Roxy, Bolan, Springsteen, Neil Finn etc. Partial to a bit of synth / electronica/ country/ SKA/ reggae/ Motown/Stax soul too – a very eclectic mix of inspirations and influences. I’m a vinyl and CD junkie and overall,  listening to, playing and writing music is my life's passion...... However, I try ,nonetheless, not to take myself too seriously and I do this 100% for fun and while I dream of writing a classic song(s) from which the publishing could allow me to quit the day job (I'm a school teacher) realistically, I have no ambition other than for friends and strangers to give me the privilege of their valuable time to listen to my songs; and, as a bonus, if they like it; maybe click and comment. I record all my stuff on my iPad using Garageband for iOS. Yeah; for sure I could get a better sound if I used X,Y and Z or mixed this up and that down etc. but I'm honestly not really bothered. Generally, I’m lo-fi, vintage, retro, 20th century kind of guy and everything I present here is purely a demo. It is all about the songs and the sound ‘idea’ for me and not the performance. Although I believe that I’m a very competent/experienced, (albeit technically ‘unadventurous’) guitar player; I’ll hold my hands up to a limited singing range and looping and pre-sets save my life given my keyboard skills extend barely beyond being able to flange out chords with one or two not accompanying bass notes. If you want to talk about my (or your) songs that's cool; as is anything geeky/nerdy about any of the artists above or similar. However, please don't get in touch with production tips and suggestions, because in the nicest possible way, I’m not that interested in such things - But I won't be rude if you don't read this first :) More than anything, think it’s really important that artists respect each other’s’ work even if they don’t like or rate it highly. Anyway, Love and Peace, ElvisOddball AKA Michael Murray