Posted on by loia

🎙️Songs From the Bathroom #5

Covers by Pat Green and the band Cracker

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For anyone new to my blog…

I started playing guitar in November of 1988. I was 14. I had no intention of learning, but after the tragic death of my best friend, a guitar found its way to me one night and somehow made a way for me—a way to face things.

Music has always been the heart of me.

But a handful of years ago, I arrived at a place inside where it just didn’t matter anymore. Life was hitting me hard. I lost the fire. The desire for it. So I stopped playing completely for over three years and honestly wasn’t sure I’d ever play again.

Then recently, something started bubbling up in me. I could feel it coming back, strong.

So about three or four months ago, I picked it back up, and I honestly feel like that kid again. Maybe even more than before.

Since then, I’ve been playing most every day for a few hours, conditioning my fingers and getting my calluses back. A few people close to me have been asking me to record and share some songs with them, so that’s what I’ve been doing.

I started recording in my room but eventually moved to the bathroom because the acoustics are much better. It’s nothing fancy—just me, my guitar, and a simple app on my phone called Lexis Audio Editor.

As the recordings started piling up, I decided to make it a series. A few people here on WordPress had also been asking me to share, so here we are.

Honestly, these posts are nothing more than me sitting around doing what I normally do. They just happen to be captured this time.

Also, many of these are recorded late at night while others are sleeping. So I try to play and sing loud enough to make it decent without waking the dead. 😁

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Pat Green – Texas on my mind

Cracker – Euro-Trash Girl

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sometimes you just got to go live it.

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© 2026 Bryan Loia Hudson

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33 Replies to “🎙️Songs From the Bathroom #5”

    2. and actually I think it was longer than 3 years… probably a lil over 4. But it’s kind of like riding a bike lol

      well I played a few times… then I didn’t touch it again for over 3 years but… before Those few times I didn’t really play at all for over a year. So might as well say I didn’t play for over 4 years

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  4. It’s great that you returned to music. And found comfort in playing after your friend died. Therapy in music can be profound. Like yourself, I returned purposefully to music and songwriting too after a very long time. Having retired from my nurse role, it was fantastic to pick up a guitar again with a bit of true intent.

    Good fortune in all you go on to do. Love your sound produced from the bathroom. Lifts the spirits.

    Cheers and all the best Ioia.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Thanks, brother. I really appreciate this.

      It’s so nice to be back. I’m glad you’re back too, and yes, it’s definitely some profound therapy.

      I came across your blog a few days ago, and it’s so cool. I’ve checked out some of your posts and listened to some of your recordings. As I have time, I’ll dig a little deeper and check out more.

      I love your style and your sound too.

      Thank you again for the kind words. All the best to you.

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      1. Thanks for visiting. I always listen through Bluetooth headphones and it means you can listen to music on here whilst getting on with other things. There are good vibes on the WP site and feedback is always positive and supportive.

        Cheers for the reply. It’s very much appreciated too.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Using headphones makes you appreciate the range of sound. I bought the Mac M2 system with a few extras to allow recording without too many pitfalls. The mixing and producing a decent sound is a huge downfall on my part. But this is a simple retirement project. So capturing the songwriting is great as a therapy really. That’s the most important thing.

        GarageBand, especially on the Mac, is pretty good for adding the layers and helps build ideas. Fun times are nice with this adventure.

        Cheers.

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Yes indeed they do 🎧 and I’ve never tried the apple products but I’ve heard some good things… one day I may get back into that… back in the 90s and early 2000s I had some set ups. Had a Boss 8-64v track unit and some other accessories and ran Pro Tools. I really enjoyed it. I would create stuff and layer it with me playing all instruments and singing back up and harmony on myself haha… like I would do the rhythm guitar, the lead, the bass line, had a drum machine, I played keyboard on them, harmonica sometimes, I had alot of fun 😁

        Liked by 2 people

      5. Sounds like you had a decent set up. As you have experienced this before, the Apple set up may interest you. Currently I am trying the same ideal as you in that I’m flying solo. With the Mac M2 Mini computer box, I have a Studio screen monitor, an AKAI MIDI keyboard (small) to play simple melody or percussive beats with orchestral choices from the GarageBand library of a plethora of various instruments (including percussion choices as you describe…but also full drums choices included too) and I sing and play directly through an M Audio interface for vocals, electric bass and six string guitars. Acoustic guitar, amplified guitars and vocals are picked up through an old 1970s USA built Shure SM58 mic. I also use a Tonor pre amp booster. Especially for the old mic. It needed it as it sounded like it was down at the distant end of a long tunnel.

        Logic Pro would be nicer to use than GarageBand. But as a pensioner now I need to watch costs. But Apple have set up a ‘studio’ app that covers many media accesses. Movie, artwork, music, Logic Pro, podcast recordings, etc. You pay a monthly/yearly subscription which sounds affordable. So looking into that currently. I am only typing all this stuff because, as said, it may be of interest to you if you are thinking of building a small home studio set up again.

        I started a band with my younger brother back in 1972. Later, my other brother, the youngest, and myself created a three piece band when Punk and New Wave arrived around 1977. My guitar playing brother didn’t like punk music at all, so formed a rock band. My youngest brother started to play drums. The band we created lasted a few years. My drummer brother died at 20 years old in a car accident. So my guitar playing just stopped and I found careers as a potter making mystical/mythological characters (stories and poems were written around the characters created), a photographer, trained for five years as a note taker, lipspeaker and sign language user and then worked alongside Deaf students on college/university courses and finally trained to become a Staff Nurse. Retired five years ago and will be 70 years old in September. So five years retired now. After about three years as a gardener and DIY’er, back to being a musician. Again, I’m saying this just to say life is so fascinating Ioia. A brilliant opportunity for living and enjoying the adventures it throws at us. As you say ‘a lot of fun’. Having thrown a lot of opportunities my way and after all the bits and bobs done…..music has returned to be treasured again.

        Sounds like you have a lot of skills. Your music, guitar playing and voice are certainly strong and great to listen to. And writing songs is always an interesting skill to own too. Allows us to put our thoughts into the lyrics. A bit like journalling therapy.

        I truly hope you have good fortune in all your future journeys. Sorry for the long reply. But I thought the tech choices may be useful for you. Saying that…..I’m a complete technophobe. Learning is fun though.

        Cheers and all the best. 🙏🏽

        Liked by 1 person

      6. That’s so cool, man, about all your studio equipment your running, and Logic Pro sounds awesome. I will have to look into it in the future. It’s all so interesting to me. I’ll have to start researching everything.

        That’s so great about your background. I’m just sitting here reading and thinking, taking it all in. I was also born in Sept. of ’73, so you were already a rockstar 😁. Sorry about your brother.

        I started at 14, like I said. My roots were country, rock, and blues to begin with. Over the years, I added much to it. I was into all the old stuff from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, like The Beatles, for example, and much more from that era. The ’90s were a huge influence on me. Bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam, just to name a few. I got into punk in the late ’90s. Then I spent much of the 2000s blending it all together, kind of forming my sound.

        I also added Christian music. I’ve been in some bands along the way. I was involved with a bunch of worldwide musicians known as The Pond. We were a tight-knit group. I got to perform at some music festivals and many online concerts. Later, I had a traveling Christian music ministry, and I was the worship leader for a place called the CCC. I was also in a Christian band at that time called KingsGuard.

        At some point, I just got burned out. I laid it down. I’m glad I did because it made me realize what it all really means to me now.

        I love to write, but for whatever reason, throughout my music journey, it was hard writing songs. I actually was more into covers. But it’s OK, I guess, because now I’m a living jukebox, haha. None of it belongs to me, but that’s OK… I’m cool with just being originally familiar 😁.

        At some point, I just got burned out. I laid it down. I’m glad I did because it made me realize what it all really means to me now.

        And thank you so much, friend, for your kind words about me. I really enjoyed reading your comment

        Wishing you the best as well. 🙏

        Liked by 1 person

      7. September is a good month for a birthday. You have a very diverse and eclectic background with music choices. That’s great and it holds so many choices and styles for you to dip into and play. We too had all kinds of music in the house from our parents’ choices too. As the eldest, born in 1956, it was nice to have two brothers and a sister bringing all their influences musically too. So we had, like yourself, so many choices to listen to. The Beatles are definitely number one. Music was constantly on in the home. All our ‘mates’ on the estate used to crash our house, so there was always a buzz in our teenage years.

        Initially, our first band played covers early in the 1970s and did the pubs and clubs circuits. But really early on, my own songs were amongst the song covers crowd. And when punk hit, it was a case that every song was our own. I am crossing my fingers now that a few of my old band members will get on board and play on the songs written over the last few years. My brother has recently retired and luckily has kept up his guitar playing over the decades. And a drummer I played with in a band is still playing to. Our bass player from the first band changed to keyboard playing. So, with my bass playing, it kind of works. Trouble is I live 140 miles from all of them. So it’ll be difficult to set stuff up. Hey ho! Fingers crossed. Busy lives as parents and grandparents now can impact time spent on music and other art forms.

        You have a really interesting history, with many experiences to influence all your ongoing plans. That’ll never be taken away from you. So you will end up with a richness of sounds. I understand your burn out. The Nursing role was the cause for mine. As you say though, music kind of heals the spirit. So you, yourself, are definitely in the right place spiritually.

        Thanks for these exchanges. It helps bring focus and clarity that we are treading the right pathways. I’m currently on holiday….hence these long early morning ramblings. Sorry.

        Cheers again. Good fortune Ioia. 🙏🏽

        Liked by 1 person

      8. Indeed September is a good month 😁 I’m the 12th… I’m the eldest too and im the only son. I have one sister 8 years younger than me. That’s it. My early music influences were from my parents. They are your age. I also have an uncle who is a musician. He’s in his 60s but he also influenced me much. I used to jam with him and his friends growing up and he introduced me to guys like Neil Young and many others.

        That’s so cool about your band history and your own songs. I too played the bars and clubs for awhile in bands and solo. I also performed weekly on piano and or acoustic guitar at this one Sports Bar. I did that for about a year. I so hope your old band members get back on the train with you 😁

        I’m glad we ran into each other on WP
        I actually don’t have many musician friends here… and you and i have much in common I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from you.

        Also feel free to call me Bryan if you like.
        Ok take care buddy. And enjoy your holiday.

        Liked by 1 person

      9. Thank you Bryan. It was a blessing you had family input. Got you on the confidence path to starting your own playing. Birthday? I’m the 11th September. A very dark day historically really.

        There are other musicians here. Probably more than we realise. I follow a guy called Stan from the USA (an amazing musician) and a harp (harmonica) player called Old Shep from Australia. He’s great too. A lady called Sheila also dabbles in music. Her husband writes songs and has written hundreds. We do exchange fantastic supportive comments for each other, but the exchanged comments are far shorter. But great guidance and pointing each other to various music sources. Actually, in truth, Sheila does write more thoughts than the guys.

        Musicianship in my family really started with us. No parents, aunties, uncles, etc. played any instruments. I do know my grandfather was a natural drummer as he told me a story of himself when working in a theatre and a ‘big band’ came to play. Fascinated by the drumming, the drummer noticed him at stage side watching. Called him over to have a go and then hearing my Grandfather play, told him he was a ‘natural’. But he told me, with regret, he never pursued it again. My brother was a natural too. Picked up the sticks and played a beat straight away. After a few weeks he was brilliant.

        The last band I was in (1980 to 1982) supported and toured with a couple of chart hitting bands (who are still popular now). Big crowds were a good vibe. But in reality, probably like you yourself found, the pubs and clubs were more audience intimate and dynamic. But all of those days were a great experience.

        It’s been good to exchange some past thoughts with you. Yes. I’m glad you exchanged your thoughts and experiences. Take care yourself and it’s good that you will keep on playing and enjoying. All the best Bryan. 🙏🏽

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      10. Oh wow, we are one day apart on our birthdays… but yeah, the 11th is tough. I’m sure it’s hard to celebrate…

        Today I searched briefly for other musicians here. I think I came across your friend Stan. I subscribed to him. I have a few others, but at the moment, I can’t remember their names lol we don’t really have a back and forth thing going and they don’t post often. Recently though I came across a piano teacher named Ruth Pheasant. Her blog is cool and she’s an amazing pianist. She also has much on different scales and modes that I enjoy checking out… there’s another guy, Julian Fromen (i may be mispelling his name) I enjoy his blog as well. He posts a lot of informational learning stuff, Iike scales etc.

        That’s cool about your grandfather playing drums. I’m good with my hands on the drums but I’m not so good working my foot at the same time haha. My great grandmother played piano beautifully… she was a Christian woman and played mostly old hymns. I spent much time with her when I was little. To my knowledge, there are only 3 musicians in my family that I’m aware of, me, my uncle, and my great grandmother.

        Oh man! That’s awesome about touring with the popular guys 😎
        I never did all that but… I know some famous folks lol. One of which is a top rock producer here in the US but him and I kind of got distant after a while. I haven’t spoken to him in many years. I met some famous people through him. and I also was a commercial truck driver, I drove 18 wheelers all across the states but he’s pretty tight with Kid Rock, if you know who he is, but he was trying to get me a job hauling Kid’s equipment to and from shows but it didn’t really pan out and I ended up taking another job haha.

        Yeah man! It’s been great chatting with you and sharing 😎 hope you have a good one

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      11. I’ve never been a birthday celebrator really. It’s just that 70 is a bit daunting age wise. Getting older and now thinking of slowing down a bit. Get a bit more of the ‘tread softly’ vibe from now on. But life is good. I may look up your musician blogger suggestions. But I like to keep the WP site minimal really. Just a few people who exchange conversationally and have become friends.

        I used to play a very basic beat on a full drum set back in the day. But nothing great. Probably couldn’t do it now. I’m useless on keyboards. And my six string playing on guitars is pretty basic too. My brother is the guitarist. Loves rock bands like the band in your last blog. Also the Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy guitar styles too. He’s jamming with my old drummer colleague at the moment. Playing covers. Dr. Feelgood songs are his current favourite. He just bought himself a Gibson Les Paul for his ‘to self’ gift in retirement.

        Bass guitar had to be learned all over again a few years ago. Hadn’t played one since 1982. When I left playing music for good I sold my old Fender Jazz bass to buy a kiln. Hence my time spent making ceramics. I do love to play the djembe. A couple of friends here locally and myself ran a drum and dance workshop at the Arts Centre for a short while. The band I was in supported The Specials, Madness and Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Fun times. We also did some really cool London venues on our own too.

        It seems you have lived a great life. Meeting other famous musicians, producers, etc.. Truck driving is pretty impressive too. See life to the full with a job like that.

        Cheers and have a good day too. 🙏🏽

        Liked by 1 person

      12. I feel ya… I don’t celebrate them either, actually I don’t even remind people haha… someone gave me a surprise party once and it was so embarrassing and uncomfortable haha. I’ll be 53 this year, it’s crazy because I’m in better shape and healthier today than when I was in my late 20’s and 30’s… the rockstar life back in the day led me down a path of drugs and alcohol but I’ve been sober for many years, today I try and take care of my body, eat right, and I workout 4-5 days a week. I’m making up for lost time lol. and my girlfriend is 12 years younger than me so I got to keep up 😁

        I hear ya… nothing wrong with the basics. It’s all about feeling it and helping others to feel 😎

        Oooh your brother likes Social Distortion that’s awesome. Mike Ness started the band in 78′ and they are still going. I just watched an hour long show they did about a month ago for a small audience at a radio station out in California, they are promoting their new record. They sounded as good to me now as back in the day. Mike is recovering from throat cancer too. They are one of my favorites. Mike especially.

        Also last bass I had was a 1975 Fender Pecision… I bought it at a pawnshop cheap and restored it and sold it for way more years later. I haven’t played bass for over 10 years. I also haven’t played an electric guitar or piano in about the same amount of time. I don’t have a keyboard or piano today. I’ve had so many great guitars over the years… both electric and acoustic. Today all I own is two low end acoustics haha but they both play and sound great. I got a Yamaha F335 and a Washburn D10N. Both were a gift to me from my uncle like 4 months ago.

        Wow bro That’s so awesome! I’ve heard of those bands. Especially Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Wow I’m sure that was some fun times.

        Thank you, seems I’m not the only one who’s lived a great life 😁

        It’s been great chatting

        Liked by 1 person

      13. It’s good you’re health aware. Well being is a definite aim in life. And feeling benefits is awesome for the mind. I’ve been vegetarian for about 50 years now. No meat or fish. So it feels okay eating wise. No fast food stuff. My wife’s Wholefood shop means I can get to know new foods that are arriving and there to try out. People do ask if I tried out the lifestyle choices of drugs when I was a musician. But never tried anything. It wasn’t a moral issue. I suppose I was just scared of them. Still am to be honest.

        My brother probably has heard of Social Distortion because he listens to that genre and sound style a lot. He suggests loads of bands to listen to all the time. I was going to get in touch with him when I get back off holiday and point the way to them.

        My acoustics are two early 1970s Eko dreadnoughts made in Italy. And a late 1970s Cherry Guild dreadnought. I play electric with a Hohner L75 Les Paul. One of the Eko guitars I bought when I was about 16.

        Thanks for the info again. Really interesting.

        Liked by 1 person

      14. That’s cool about being a vegetarian… I eat a lot of fresh veggies but I also do the meat and fish but nowadays I get most of my protein from eggs.

        Yeah I feel ya… I wish I had of stayed away from the drugs. I got to a point where I felt I needed to be high to play for people. It was just a mind thing. I thought I was a better musician and singer and writer when I was under the influence. It was just a big lie I had convinced myself of.

        Ooh those are some great guitars. I’ve never played an Eko but I absolutely love Guild’s. I love the Les Paul’s too. and wow at still having the Eko you got when you were 16. I still wish I had all mine from throughout my life. My very first guitar was a 1980s model Alvarez 5059 dreadnought. I’m not a 100% sure the year of it. I think it was already a few years old when I got it in 88 but I sure wish I still had it. My first electric was a Mexican sunburst Fender Strat with the dark fretboard. I was at the music store and I was looking at the strats but the cheapest at the time were $800 and I didn’t really have enough because I was on a budget and needed an amp too… well the guy says “we have the more affordable Mexican strats” those were $300. So I bought one lol. This was early 90s

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    1. Thanks!!! I was diggin your post too… I’m honestly not familiar with Pepper. Not that I’m aware of anyway. I’ll have to check them out and see if I’m familiar with any of their songs

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  7. Sounds nice! Glad that fire came back to your soul. Nice to hear about your music! I was born in november 1988 and started to play guitar when I was 20 years old. Never it’s too late to start doing something new!

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    1. Thanks brother… I appreciate that. Oh that’s cool you were born the same year and month I started playing. And your so right. It’s definitely never too late. Thanks for subscribing. I did the same.

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