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Some album titles just fit. That’s their job, of course,
though so many don’t. But ‘Light & Dark’ really fits
this, the second album from Brighton College Of Music
graduate and truly lovely folkie (though there’s nothing
remotely Brit School about her) Kate Walsh. The
lights stay off, by and large, with chinks of soft light
and warm embers ebbing through to pad the lonely darkness.
It’s the follow up to the acclaimed ‘Tim’s House’ and
she floats forward on a gentle breeze turning her spindle
to weave thoughtful, melancholy and wistful dandelion
heads of songs, following closely in the footsteps of
Kathryn Williams. What also might be worth mentioning
is that she’s got some help from a Turin Brake and more
excitingly that she’s paid a visit to obscurity and
dragged Crispin Hunt, most underrated vocalist of the
90s with The Longpigs, out of it to provide unmistakable
if understated backing vocals on one twinkling little
track, ‘On The Stage’. Before the album’s release on
31 August we caught up with Kate to find out where her
head is at…
Where are you now? What can you see?
I am sitting at my kitchen table, watching people going
in and out of the doctor’s surgery across the road.
There is also a window box with bright orange marigolds
in it. A couple of caterpillars are making there home
amongst them.
What was the last thing you ate?
A load of different fruit and some cashew nuts.
What was the last album you bought?
A collection of Tchaikovsky compositions. I was a bit
disappointed as I thought the performances weren't that
up to scratch.
What was the last movie you saw?
I started watching 'The Lives Of Others' and was really
getting in to it. I'd been putting it off for ages as
it is in German with English subtitles, so then when
the DVD started to skip i was a bit pissed off. I've
got another copy of it now so i will finish watching
it tonight. Thanks for reminding me.
What are you most looking forward to?
I'm very much looking forward to releasing the album
on 31st August, I can't wait to get people's reaction
on it.
Who are you most indebted to?
I owe my parents everything. Me and my two brothers
were always encouraged to follow our hearts growing
up, and they've always shown me how to appreciate the
simple things in life. They will always be there for
me and would never ever expect anything in return. They
are wonderful.
What was the last thing you liked that you saw on
TV?
I gave my TV away about 2 months ago, but a couple of
days ago I watched the documentary about Philippe Petit,
the French wire walker who walked the tight-rope between
the 2 towers of the World Trade Centre in 1974. It was
fascinating and beautifully filmed.
Where or how do you feel most comfortable?
When it's raining outside and I'm cooched up on the
sofa with a strong sweet coffee and a good book.
What would you class as your most defining moment?
When i gave up alcohol four months ago. It has allowed
me to see the world completely differently and to re-assess
my life for the better. I feel like a different person.
What are your plans for tonight?
Tonight i will be meeting up with friends for coffee,
and maybe a slither of cake....
‘Light & Dark’ is released on August 31
The single ‘June Last Year’ precedes it on August
24
www.katewalsh.co.uk
Photos & Report ~ James Berry for Crud Magazine
2009©
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