´óÏó´«Ã½

Lists of who's been sent posters and flyers, lists of contracts still to be received, lists of equipment to find and pack and more to-do lists than anyone could get through in a century. I've been trying to get in to my office for the last few days but the giant piles of lists, cds, various musicical instruments and cables are blocking my path to the desk.

It's just under two weeks before we hit the road with Uiscedwr, and the Yukka Records management and promotion team (me and er.... me) has gone into overdrive.

Organising a tour, whether in this country or further afield takes the kind of military precision that even Captain Mainwaring would be proud of.

Like a lot of folk musicians I chose to start my own record label back in 2003, after 's dad spurred me on, and I've been flat out working ever since! Each gig needs booking, contracting, promoting and then there's the musicians to organise...

We're lucky to work with some wonderful people, (our Agents Stevie and Andy at Iconic Music are angels) and most contacts are patient with us musicians as we try to balance our passion with paperwork.

Yesterday I meant to organise our rehearsals, and put my html hat on to update the websites, but somehow ended up playing an hour of scales on my fiddle, then learning a tune and finally getting blown away listening to the awesome talents of Scandinavian string group .

The best part is when we finally get out on the road. It usually takes about 30 miles of driving before I can relax and start enjoying the life of a touring musician. We'll turn the car stereo up full blast, break out the nibbles, and happily begin our musical adventure.Ìý By the interval of the first gig I'm enjoying it so much I've already started planning the next tour in my head.

So to all the managers, agents, promoters and unsung heroes of the music scene, you are amazing, and I salute you.

Now if only I could find my fiddle mic...