What's
New?
2001 |
2000 | 1999
|
1998
1999
December 2nd, 1999: Brilliant New
Song
Robert Crosbie has written
a brilliant new song, called "Lions". Amazingly, this song
was recorded in the same day the writing was complete.
"Lions" began life over a year ago as a simple riff, and
until now had never been finished. Robert is quite proud of
this song, which he describes as "inspired". More details
will follow on the Robert's recent recording.
November 10th,
1999: "Radiate" Complete, Demos Begun
"Radiate" has been finished at
last, and Robert has now begun to record demos in his new
home studio. So far he has recorded "Smile At Me" and "Walk
To The Lake". He intends to demo the songs quickly as he is
very enthusiastic about this batch of new songs. He will
probably work backwards and then begin recording songs from
"Secret". He is recording these demos
without Johnny Lappin, who has more or less left the
group.
September 20th,
1999: First Lotus Fan Site
There is a new Lotus site on the web, made by
a devoted fan! This is a very good page giving detailed
descriptions of each album and up to the minute news, plus a
full song list. The page can be accessed by clicking
here.
August 31, 1999:
Fifth Album On The Way
Robert has begun writing the
fifth Lotus album of songs, which he is calling "Radiate" as
a working title. He has so far written five songs, which he
describes as a return to the rock style of the first two
albums.
July 21, 1999:
Lotus Back In Studio?
Robert & Johnny are
planning to go into the studio sometime during the month of
August to do some recording. They still haven't got a bass
player to replace Lillis so Robert will play bass in the
studio. The plan may be to record another 6 song demo like
the previous CD, but of newer songs. Also Johnny didn't drum
on the last CD, so he is eager to get something
down.
April 20, 1999:
Robert Records Again
Robert Crosbie was in the
studio recently, recording a new song "Why Don't You Say
Something". The session marked a departure for Robert, as he
recorded in the new Binn Eadair studio, with a different
producer, Paul Meehan. His technique differed too: Robert
used loops and a sampler as well as his usual guitar and
bass. The song is still unfinished but sounds promising. Rob
says "It's a great song, based on 3 chords, with a great
riff and a great chorus. I see it becoming a big 60s-style
jam with bongos and maracas and loads going on". Johnny
wasn't at the recording but should record his overdubs at a
later date.
April 4, 1999:
Lotus Seek Bassplayer!
A lot has happened to the band
in recent times. Most importantly of all, Mark Lillis has
left the group, due to musical differences, and differences
in opinion of how the group should continue. As a result,
Lotus have had to pull out of a planned appearance in the
regional final of the Hot Press Unplugged Band of the Year
competition. Watch this space for further details on what
Robert and Johnny will be up to next.
March
15, 1999: A Lotus "Secret"
Robert has
finished writing his fourth album, which he calls "Secret".
It features 14 songs, and Robert describes them as being "a
little more developed and less catchy than before. I wrote a
lot with different beats - shuffles and off beats. Its also
very varied - lots of extremes. I have the most
country-influenced song I've written followed by the hardest
rock song I've written. It's great though!" The full
tracklisting can be found on the Albums
page.
February 9, 1999:
Mark Lillis Quits Group!
Lotus again
regrouped for another session, during which they rehearsed
Rob's new song "Not A Second Time", which he says was
influenced by David Gray. At the end of the session Mark
Lillis announced he was quitting the group. Although
disappointed, Robert and Johnny agreed it was the best thing
to do, as Mark was unhappy for some time.
January 20, 1999:
Rehearsals Begin Again
Lotus regrouped last
night for their first session of the New Year. They had a
quick run through of most of their set, but also played an
impromptu song made up on the spot, with improvised lyrics.
Luckily this magic moment was captured on tape!