Live from the Living Room EP89: UK House Concert Tour

A few years ago something happened that completely changed my outlook on live music…

I’d be struggling with the transition between playing in a band to being a solo singer-songwriter. I was finding the crowded bars I was playing in a lot less forgiving now I only had my acoustic guitar to keep me company as opposed to having my mates on stage with me too.

I was finding my feet as a solo live performer but the events I was playing at just felt ‘wrong’. I was writing more personal songs but how could I reach and connect with an audience if they weren’t really listening? Queue the night that changed my outlook on music forever…

I was asked to open up for a local artist at their album release show. There would be no payment for me but a sold out audience of around 150 people who I might be able to win over with my music. To be honest, from my recent live performance experiences my expectations were low but I turned up with a positive professional like I always aim to do.

The room was packed, the audience was buzzing in anticipation for the main artists. The atmosphere was great! It was time for me to take to the stage.

The MC stood by me and said a few words to introduce me as the opening act. What he said to the audience absolutely shocked me. “Guys, please, please, please do not talk during the performance! This is a listening event.” I didn’t know what to think. I felt like the audience would be hating on me for being made to listen to this artist they’d never heard of.

I was wrong. The audience did exactly as the MC asked. They were incredibly respectful, warm and receptive to my music. I had never previously experienced anything quite like it where I felt such a connection between me and the audience.

This completely changed my outlook on performing live as an acoustic singer-songwriter and opened my eyes to some new possibilities. Since then, in my experience as a performer, intimate concerts have been - by far - the most fun, rewarding and memorable concerts I’ve ever been part of. Now, as I plan to hit the road in the UK this summer, we have the chance to experience that together as part of my UK House Concert Tour.

At the stage I’m at right now, this is the only viable way I can do a tour and play shows outside my hometown of Sheffield. I would love to come and play for you and make a memorable concert for you and your friends. Feel free to read through the House Concert Host Guide and get back to me at paul@paulhawksworth.com to book your June/July date this year.

Setlist:

Everyday

Long Way

Silent

One Way Road (Oasis/Paul Weller cover)

No Matter What

Hollow