Les Blogs de Belsize

 "Following on ... the second innings ..." The Great A.I. Debate (and its part in my musical history) The John Player League "Around the Wicket' And so ... how to get your music heard if you have used A.I. to 'produce' your content. I feel this distinction - between 'produce' and 'create' is important - as I have used Suno, as it were, as a recording studio with session musicians, rather than as a writing partner or record producer. All the initial ideas were mine - words, music, feel, genre, intonation, colour and shape. Yet, to my dismay, the usual platforms for ensuring that my songs get even the smallest chance to be heard rejected my content, as it was (either created or produced) using A.I. I do find this galling, especially as Suno's terms and conditions stipulated that with a paid subscription (which I had) allowed me to retain the rights to my compositions. Yes readers, I paid for a service! I didn't by-pass it or use some wei...

  The Great A.I. Debate (feat: 'Suno') "it's not real" "you're stealing someone else's work" "you can't trust anyone these days" Introduction : The growth and recognition of A.I. recently has been extremely fast (certainly quicker than people expected) and is now forming a constant debate in everyday life. I'm not an expert in things 'computer' but it seems the possibilities are endless, even beyond our wildest imaginations and the fact that when the internet and World Wide Web was developed we thought "well, that's it then!" Education, politics, the workplace, sport, photography, the arts have (and will continue to be) affected by this rapidity of growth. I, however, am going to concentrate on my passion - music. When A.I. first raised its head, there were comments abound that "all you have to do is press a button and hey presto, you have a song which sounds just like Ed Sheeran!" (Ironically, or...

 Day 24 - Stars on the Christmas Tree Stars on the Christmas Tree - play song on Bandcamp   A simple song I imagined children could sing at Christmas as they look at shining stars on their tree. That's it really!! Merry Christmas everyone!!! 'Stars on the Christmas Tree' by Les Bicyclettes de Belsize Written, recorded, performed, produced by Les Bicyclettes de Belsize (c) Richard Longley 2025 lyrics Everybody count the stars on the Christmas tree I can see them, one by one But they’re not for me Give a little gift and take a piece of mine And the stars will shine Steal a little kiss and look into my eyes And the stars will shine Everybody count the stars on the Christmas tree I can see them, one by one But they’re not for me Give a little gift and take a piece of mine And the stars will shine Steal a little kiss and look into my eyes And the stars will shine

 Day 23 - The Old Bohemian (Indie Disco King) The Old Bohemian (Indie Disco King) - play song on Bandcamp   The original lyrics to the popular carol 'Good King Wenceslas'  were written in 1853 by John Mason Neale, who adapted the story for the Christmas season.  The music, however, is much older and comes from a 13th-century Finnish tune called 'Tempus adest floridum',  based on the real-life Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia (c. 907–935 AD). The idea that King Wenceslas was a Bohemian really fascinated me. My idea of a Bohemian was steeped in Jack Kerouac, Jean-Luc Godard and Lloyd Cole! I decided to re-write the lyrics (to an original tune) imagining Wenceslas as an indie-kid, with dufflecoat and an armful of vinyl from Sarah Records purchased from HMV, making his way on the Northern Line up to a gig at the Camden Monarch in the snow. 'The Old Bohemian (Indie Disco King)' by Les Bicyclettes de Belsize Written, recorded, performed, produced by Les Bicyclettes...

 Day 22 - Under the Mistletoe Under the Mistletoe - play song on Bandcamp   A simple song relaying the activities of so many parents (especially when I was growing up) of sneaking into children's bedrooms on Christmas Eve and filling stockings, sacks and (in my case) pillow cases full of presents. A quick peck on the cheek between husband and wife, mother and father, then up the stairs to perform the role of Santa. 'Under the Mistletoe' by Les Bicyclettes de Belsize Written, recorded, performed, produced by Les Bicyclettes de Belsize (c) Richard Longley 2025 lyrics From under the mistletoe What secrets do you keep Nobody else will know A stolen kiss before you creep Into the bedroom when the lights go out Hiding presents into pillowcases Turning inside out From under the mistletoe What secrets have you got Nobody else will know Be sure that you’re not caught Into the bedroom when the lights go out Hiding presents into pillowcases Turning inside out Into the bedroom when the...

 Day 21 - Music On Christmas Morning Music On Christmas Morning - play song on Bandcamp   Text (c) Anne Brontë, first published in 1846 under her pen name Acton Bell in the collection Poems by the Brontë sisters. (*the author died at least 100 years ago - 28 May 1849) Another instrumental idea I'd had for a Christmas track but lacked any inspiration for lyrics until I found Anne  Brontë's wonderful poem. The piece celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is written in a traditional hymn style, characterised by its simplicity and sincerity. The poem begins with the narrator expressing a love of music, and how it has the power to soothe  grief and pain. They then describe the special music that is heard on Christmas morning, which they say has the power to awaken them from their sleep and call them to worship.   A lovely idea which struck a chord and I edited the text to fit my music and my own beliefs. 'Every Christmas Eve' by Les Bicyclettes de Belsize Written, ...