The Music Workers Diary – stories and reflections of a struggling musician on a journey from the rainy north of England to working on a cruise in the Pacific Ocean in diary format. Based on real events, the writer, a former local news reporter, ended up on a ship which was at the heart of world media and the start of an international pandemic.
“A humorous, philosophical and insightful social commentary on being a musician and the music industry in the 21st century. Also, a first-hand account of being on the frontline facing a new killer virus in a global emergency.”
“A unique, streetwise perspective on the coronavirus outbreak and the grassroots end of music.”
From August 2025 The Music Workers Diary is now focused on the forthcoming book of the same name.
This previous role….Music career tips, music industry insights and how to succeed as an independent artist. Honest advice, real stories and how to budget as a musician. Inspiration for musicians, how to deal with audiences, overcome performance anxieties, songwriting techniques, which music gear to use, home studio set up, how to write lyrics, how to structure songs, how to learn and practice songs, understanding music contracts and work in the studio…was a useful idea but I decided this involved me writing free articles for the music industry to make more money. What I’d like to do, if I’m working for free, is concentrate on my own book and my own music. It’s the road to happiness and more meaning. I am certain I am not alone in this thought.
In 2025 I work four sources of income to get by. Teaching ESOL online, working in academic support with young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), teaching the guitar privately and playing paid professional gigs at weddings, private parties, social clubs and pubs.
I’ve played hundreds of gigs since the mid 90s, taught guitar for 30 years, taught online ESOL for three years. Finally I’ve lived at the same address for three years (a record for me) and I’m kind of settled.
I’ve been writing songs, fronting bands, teaching guitar, recording and performing live on a professional basis for over 25 years.
I started The Music Workers Diary in April 2020 after working as a musician on a cruise ship based in San Francisco at the start of the international pandemic. It was originally intended as a lockdown blog but has since evolved.
A professional musician since 2005, I play function gigs, record songs, teach guitar and write music blogs. I trained and worked as a journalist in the 1990s as well as fronting my own bands in Manchester, England. I also trained in social research and teaching.
To hear my original music on YouTube visit https://youtu.be/TtnSqAGLrVU?si=M5n0CmIzohUmMA6O
The Music Workers Diary 