<![CDATA[Deaf Fret]]>

<![CDATA[Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!onU8!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F61711162-2913-4a3f-bd1a-34db475090e9_1080x1080.pngDeaf Frethttps://substack.deaf-fret.comSubstackTue, 28 Apr 2026 10:23:17 GMT<![CDATA[A Week in the Day of Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-1ebhttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-1ebThu, 23 Apr 2026 09:36:44 GMTHaving waiting in line for a long time, the video for Ross Merrin’s ‘Say It Ain’t So’ is finally released.

The third song from the ‘Hide and Seek’ EP completes the releases from that set of tunes.

On to ‘The Damage Done’ EP - the studio is booked in late May to film the video for the title song and it will be another collaboration with Miles Skarin at Crystal Spotlight…so it won’t be anything other than top notch.

The singer known as DECLAN is recording more of his songs with Deaf Fret next week, Sam Macdonald is still demoing 5 new tracks with two from his previous sessions yet to be released (they will be imminently).

A new poet is in discussion with Deaf Fret about filming their work for release - these poems will cover several decades and act as a verbal history of this poet’s experience of London so Deaf Fret is keen to bring this kind of time-piece to an audience.

]]><![CDATA[A Week in the Day of Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-8dbhttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-8dbThu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:33 GMTMostly this week has been about preparing for future releases at Deaf Fret.

Declan, mentioned not for the first time (sorry to tease so…), has finished two of five releases, mixed and mastered.

But you’re going to have to wait…

Sam Macdonald has finished the last two of the Deaf Fret produced songs from his first sessions - both absolute crackers - and has recorded demos of the first first two of the next sessions.

But you’re going to have to wait…

Ross Merrin has booked a date to film the video for The Damage Done, the title track of his next 3 song EP and is half-way through the edit of his second novel.

But you’re going to have to wait…

Ross has also lined up the release of a video for the last song from his previous EP (keep up at the back, it’s not that complicated to follow all this), Say It Ain’t So.

That EP had this as title track:

But you’re going to have to wait…

But not for as long as the others because it will get posted next week.

DF

]]><![CDATA[A Week in the Day of Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-fd7https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-fd7Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:23:45 GMTDeaf Fret spent the last week working mostly with songwriters.

The artist about to make some debut releases, known as DECLAN, has demoed several tracks which are being developed and explored before the final recordings are completed and released.

Sam Macdonald, regularly mentioned here, is working on many new songs - Deaf Fret wonders when he isn’t..?!

All of his output is of a very high calibre - be sure to check that this is no fib…he has posted a home-made video to accompany how most recent song ‘It Ain’t Real’ which is linked below.

Ross Merrin continues with the second draft of his second book, provisionally titled ‘Echo Debt’ - this joins ‘How Beats the Original Heart’ as another in the trilogy known as ‘Moments of Tiny Violence’.

]]><![CDATA[A Week in the Day of Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-0d6https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-0d6Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:14:22 GMTMore music-orientated for Deaf Fret this week.

New songs are being demo-ed by Sam Macdonald who has worked with Deaf Fret for a while and, it’s fair to say, carries a very high standard into every song he writes.

Even the quick takes of the new songs stand out with their combination of energy and melody.

Ross Merrin’s EP ‘Hide and Seek’ reaches the end of its release cycle with the video for the third song, ‘Say It Ain’t So’, due for imminent release but, ahead of that, a quick look back at the creative process of the title track and lead single was posted here:

With the full video here:

Next week - more about ‘Say It Ain’t So’, ‘Hide and Seek’ video insights, Sam Macdonald, Terence Charles and, well, who knows what might happen in the next 7 days..?

]]><![CDATA[A Week in the Day of Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-517https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-517Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:56:54 GMTIn Deaf Fret terms, it’s been a relatively quiet week - but that’s only in comparison to Deaf Fret’s normal.

The first recording session with Declan is now booked and ready to go, with the choice of songs now confirmed.

Social media posts relating to the making of Ross Merrin’s ‘Hide and Seek’ video are now ready to post - thanks Rob at Crystal Spotlight and, of course, Miles at Crystal Spotlight for filming it and ‘going there’ with it.

Ross Merrin also continues with the edit of his second novel and the mastering of 3 new tracks.

Sam Macdonald’s ongoing brilliant song-writing is being supported with the mastering of ‘Who’s to Blame’ and the final mix of ‘The Truth Ain’t Yours to Hide’ - you’ll hear more about them here for sure.

His latest release, ‘It Ain’t Real’ can be found on Spotify….

…and is sampled with images of his recent trip to Brazil here:

]]><![CDATA[A Week in the Day of Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-e7dhttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-e7dThu, 19 Mar 2026 11:17:46 GMTAnother week and another selection of creative activities and projects at Deaf Fret.

A new artist, known for now as Declan, has brought his very real and authentic original songs over here for some input from Deaf Fret. A very complete act already so Deaf Fret is looking to help where possible, if only to bring him to a wider audience.

Terence Charles tunes will continue to be promoted - his back catalogue is comparable to any and will be hosted on the Deaf Fret YouTube channel- ongoing.

Ross Merrin is starting on the mastering of a new 3 song EP as well as the first edit of his second novel.

Margaux Valarche releases another brilliantly wry poem - again on the Deaf Fret YouTube channel.

It can be seen here:

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]]><![CDATA[A Week in the Day of Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-4d7https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fret-4d7Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:23:43 GMTDeaf Fret had a typical week in support of creatives.

New song ‘The Truth Ain’t Yours to Hide’ is now mixed and mastered for singer-songwriter Sam Macdonald.

The song for release after that, ‘Who’s to Blame’ is mixed ready for mastering and a new composition (provisionally title ‘Through Your Eyes’) has been demoed in the Deaf Fret studio - one to look forward to for sure.

Deaf Fret is due to release Margaux Valarche’s third poetry video in the next two weeks and is also in the video pre-production stage of Ross Merrin’s next single (‘The Damage Done’) with Miles Skarin at Crystal Spotlight.

The video for another Deaf Fret artist, Terence Charles, is worth visiting - an incredible live performance of his song ‘Crossing Over’, captured by renowned cameraman Charlie Grainger and Deaf Fret’s mobile studio.

]]><![CDATA[A Week in the Day of Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-frethttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/a-week-in-the-day-of-deaf-fretThu, 05 Mar 2026 11:26:51 GMTDeaf Fret is always at work and the last week has been typical.

Deaf Fret has been completing the video for the third release from Ross Merrin’s ‘Hide and Seek’ EP, the song, ‘Say it Ain’t So’.

This will be released imminently with the usual quality assistance - this time in the edit - from Miles Skarin at Crystal Spotlight.

The Deaf Fret produced song ‘It Ain’t Real’ by Sam Macdonald was released this week with a playful post from Sam (see below).

Preparation for Margaux Valarche’s third poetry video is complete and this will also be released imminently.

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]]><![CDATA[New Video by Ross Merrin in Edit Stage]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/new-video-by-ross-merrin-in-edithttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/new-video-by-ross-merrin-in-editTue, 13 Jan 2026 10:35:58 GMTDeaf Fret has started editing a new video with Miles Skarin at Crystal Spotlight.

It will be the third and final release from the Hide and Seek EP and continues the long-standing and creatively rewarding relationship Deaf Fret has with Crystal Spotlight - Miles and his brother Rob are never front of camera but make us all look very good indeed with the incredible things they do for Deaf Fret, Steven Wilson, Dream Theater and so on.

So, a shout-out to them on this post.

https://crystalspotlight.com/

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]]><![CDATA[Looking Forward to 2026]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/looking-forward-to-2026https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/looking-forward-to-2026Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:08:16 GMTSo much to look forward to in 2026 - even without any new projects, there is enough pending for Deaf Fret to have another busy year in several creative areas.

New new recordings from the singers and songwriters, videos for same made by skilled, imaginative film-makers, more poetry, new acts to be introduced through Deaf Fret.

Always with an eye on the art not the market - crazy I know but…

https://www.youtube.com/@Deaf-Fret

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]]><![CDATA[Terence Charles Channels Adele and Oasis]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/terence-charles-channels-adele-andhttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/terence-charles-channels-adele-andThu, 18 Dec 2025 16:10:59 GMTAside from the fantastic performance, don’t miss the ‘found footage behind the scenes’ after the take has been confirmed as ‘in the can’.

Good times for those of us who worked on this and hopefully fun for you too.

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]]><![CDATA[More Terence Charles from Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/more-terence-charles-from-deaf-frethttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/more-terence-charles-from-deaf-fretFri, 12 Dec 2025 12:12:43 GMTTerence Charles channels a folk melody and a traditional styling through a driving rock filter to create this wonderful, hooky tune.

Deaf Fret is always reaching new heights with the artists it is lucky enough to be working with and this is a great example of that.

Building a wall and tearing it down again on the hottest day of the year was captured perfectly by Miles Skarin at Crystal Spotlight in this unique video.

]]><![CDATA[Another Fantastic Terence Charles Tune]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/another-fantastic-terence-charleshttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/another-fantastic-terence-charlesTue, 09 Dec 2025 16:05:24 GMTDeaf Fret has been working with Terence Charles for a few years now and it is never anything other than entirely rewarding and deeply satisfying creatively.

In contrast to ‘The Maker Made’, for example, here is another example of how Terence Charles holds your attention regardless of the size of the production.

]]><![CDATA[Deaf Fret Presents 'The Maker Made' by Terence Charles]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/deaf-fret-presents-the-maker-madehttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/deaf-fret-presents-the-maker-madeFri, 05 Dec 2025 12:11:50 GMTWith either delicate, intimate songs or immense, sweeping arrangements, Terence Charles delivers a compelling musical tale.

Deep, involved and layered, ‘The Maker Made’ - with an extraordinary accompanying video by Miles Skarin at Crystal Spotlight - makes for an unforgettable release.

]]><![CDATA[Terence Charles Stripped Down]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/terence-charles-stripped-downhttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/terence-charles-stripped-downTue, 02 Dec 2025 12:06:47 GMTTerence Charles has been releasing songs and videos through Deaf Fret for a while now and has the kind of voice that can ride the most epic of arrangements.

However, when stripped to the bare essentials of just voice, instrument and song, such as in this live performance, it has the power to draw you in and hold your attention just as effectively.

]]><![CDATA[Ross Merrin's 'Around You' Video Released by Deaf Fret]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/ross-merrins-around-you-video-releasedhttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/ross-merrins-around-you-video-releasedThu, 27 Nov 2025 11:11:21 GMTRoss Merrin has followed up the extraordinary video for ‘Hide and See’ with one just as striking - featuring the ‘windows of the souls’ of a number of incredible women, it presents an arresting accompaniment to this love song and includes a captivating routine by dancer Haddie Mills.

]]><![CDATA[Sam Macdonald's Full Video for 'Gone']]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/sam-macdonalds-full-video-for-gonehttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/sam-macdonalds-full-video-for-goneMon, 24 Nov 2025 10:30:13 GMTThe second Deaf Fret-produced release from standout singer-songwriter Sam Macdonald, ‘Gone’, now has a full video released on YouTube.

Deaf Fret has worked with Sam on five original songs, ‘Gone’ being the second to be released.

Following the release of ‘Distant Light’, ‘Gone’ keeps the standard up with it stomping energy and hooky vocals.

Enjoy!

]]><![CDATA[Terence Charles and Another Great Tune]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/terence-charles-and-another-greathttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/terence-charles-and-another-greatTue, 18 Nov 2025 15:56:31 GMTDeaf Fret is delighted to present yet another catchy tune with depth and musicality from the effortlessly-talented Terence Charles.

Filmed by the renowned Charlie Grainger and edited by Miles Skarin at Crystal Spotlight, the video brings light to the accessibility of the song.

Not to mention those vocals…

]]><![CDATA[The Legacy of Mark Willis]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/the-legacy-of-mark-willishttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/the-legacy-of-mark-willisFri, 14 Nov 2025 10:50:55 GMTBeing so deeply involved with music and musicians for as long as I have been, it’s natural that I should encounter talented people but very few have made the impact Mark did.

Suffering serious injuries as a young man and having what was clearly a very promising musical future taken from him, he was still quite the personality and, when asked to help Mark in bringing his music to life by his Mum, Bev, when he was older, we clicked immediately.

Since Mark passed, I have been working with Bev to make sure his legacy is accessible and this page link is a tribute to the friend I had and what we missed, for sure, but also what he left behind.

https://deaf-fret.com/project/me-myself-and-i/

]]><![CDATA[Poet Margaux Valarche and Her Desert Island Diss]]>https://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/poet-margaux-valarche-and-her-deserthttps://substack.deaf-fret.com/p/poet-margaux-valarche-and-her-desertTue, 11 Nov 2025 11:14:46 GMTPoet and musician Margaux Valarche presents the second of her poems filmed by Deaf Fret in 2025.

Despite a wry humour evident throughout, the expression of distance and being separate from a loved one is beautifully articulated without losing any emotional impact.

More about Margaux can be found here:

https://deaf-fret.com/

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