Hello Micky Cochrane here and welcome to my very first foray into blogging. Don't think that I had to be cajoled into to it. I so wanted to talk endless amounts of  bollocks, I'm pretty good at it. I'm the lead singer of The Soviets and part of the new label that is Reckless General Records where I put my ability for talking bollocks to good use. I also feel however that I have pretty important things to say and so I feel that amongst the bollocks there is some intelligent serious stuff. Confused? Do be!

Now, the Reckless General Records project is a collective. It is very important to me that any current  and prospective fans feel very much like they are part of it. This means that they can help us along the way. It all started off in a very friendly and creative atmosphere, me and wor kid (Stephen Cochrane) needed a band, we recruited Andy Mackin on lead who brought in Elliott on drums and for the time being Paul Long filled in on bass. Our very first performance was at Newcastle's City Hall in front of 2000 people as part of Sunday For Sammy. Elated I organise a gig at the Cumberland Arms, again Paul fills in on bass, me and wor kid agree on Iain Crummie as support as we like his stuff. Night is a great success, Crummie offers to step in on bass full-time. He mentions that he's always been interested in setting up a label. Me and Stephen have had those thoughts as well. Crummie mentions bringing in Hattie Murdoch. Oh yeh she's good her. His brother Darren has other skills that we can use and hey presto we have a collective.

We all have our jobs within the label but one of the most important things to me is that the fans of our music and the label have a voice. Give us advice, use our pages, all the acts are on Myspace, Facebook and The Soviets are on Bebo and Twitter. Tell us where you think we should play, what are great venues,other  bands who are like us and you think we should play with, festivals, where to get our music heard. You have a massive role to play and I would love it, (that sounds like a quote from a messiah), yes just love it if you got involved. If you like what we do, The Soviets are your band so give us a shout. I guarantee you there is no better feeling than someone loving what you do and wanting to be part of it.

Right, we've had a busy few weeks what with a trip to Norwich where we played with the Vegas Fame Index who were superb and who will be travelling up to play at our Cluny gig on May 16th. This gig will be the first of 4 monthly promotions at the venue where we aim to put on bands from other cities with a top notch local act. May 16th line-up is almost complete so watch this space. 

I've just had de ja vu. I'm not shitting you. Thought you should know about it.

Almost done but before I finish has anyone seen The Suggestibles improv night before? Well I'm taking part in The Rat Race next week where some improv newbies take to the stage to basically perform and soil themselves. Tuesday 14th of April if anyone's interested at The Cumberland £5 entry.

And before I go big shout out to Daz who mangaged to fall asleep during one of the loudest DJ sets I've ever heard post gig at a club in Norwich. Sitting up straight with a smile on his face. Magic. That's why he's admin.

See you soon and remember, 'This is who we are and who we'll always be.'

Micky