Two self-confessed “song geeks” from the University of Winchester have turned social awkwardness into an artform.
Under the name BGH*, Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Daniel Ash, Visiting Lecturer on the University’s Composing Song Lyrics module, are to release an album, We’re Too Awkward to Say Hello.
The duo have put their writing skills to good use across 12 songs which weave together character studies, short stories and deeply personal reflections.
Inspiration has come from a diverse range of sources including James Joyce’s Ulysses, The Bill, cricketer Graham Gooch, pebble dashed houses, skateparks and ready meals.
Tracks include Tracy Blue, a nostalgic look at awkward first dates; Chief Brody, an ode to the imagined night of celebration following the events of the film Jaws; The Lighthouse is inspired by Robert Eggers’ 2019 film of the same title; and EastEnders villain Dirty Den is referenced in the song The ‘80s.
Can I Say Something to You? is a multi-part song suite featuring angelic vocals from local singer/songwriter and occasional Music Performance & Production Lecturer Sarah Rose Shawcross.
More Winchester input comes from Creative Writing graduates Antosh Wojick and Matt Butler who play the drums on four and eight of the tracks respectively. Matt also mixed and mastered the album.
Daniel (on right in pictures) said: “Glenn and I have been collaborating on music-related projects for years now. Lecturing, plays, books, articles - how funny that it’s taken us so long to finally get to an album together. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved here and think our pick ’n’ mix bag of an album offers a little something for everyone.”
We’re Too Awkward to Say Hello by BGH is out on 2 February on all major streaming platforms.
The Composing Song Lyrics module is part of the University of Winchester's BA Hons Creative Writing course. For more details follow this link.
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