Kate Walsh on Tour

I know what you’re thinking. Do we really need another female singer/songwriter from the UK? Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Sia, Kate Nash, Kate Bush. The answer is yes, and it’s another Kate: Kate Walsh.

Her second album, which she originally released on her MySpace page and then persuaded iTunes to sell it, is named Tim’s House. Where does the title come from you might ask? Well, it was recorded at Tim’s house, of course (her friend Tim Bidwell that is). After selling phenomenally, it was picked up by Mercury Records, and eventually it’s made its way across the Atlantic to us here in the States on a label that I've been seeing a lot of good music from lately, Verve Forecast.

To describe the album as sparse would almost be an overstatement. You have some extremely light instrumentation (sometimes only a guitar), and Kate’s vocals. Arrangement and production magic are very minimal, and in this case, that’s an outstanding choice to make, and I’ll tell you why. The real draw on these ten tracks is Kate. All ten tracks were written by Kate, and when she sings them, she sings with a tragic forlornness that really tugs at your heart (which isn’t necessarily surprising when you consider she wrote much of the album dealing with a break-up). I’m not talking throw up in your mouth sickly-sweet here either, there’s a genuineness that doesn’t feel forced or fabricated.

Try Your Song below to see what I mean about her quiet but tragic feeling anguish. Then listen to French Song, the closest thing to an upbeat track on the album and one that will make you feel like you're in a Parisian cafe if you close your eyes. Kate's on tour now and playing some select dates across the country. Check below for dates.

Kate Walsh - Your Song : Tim's House

Kate Walsh - French Song : Tim's House

Visit her website, her label Verve Forecast, and become her friend on MySpace.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Upcoming Tour Dates

5/12 - Douglas Fir - Portland, OR
5/13 - Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA
5/15 - Cafe Du Nord - San Francisco, CA
5/16 - Roxy - Los Angeles, CA
5/20 - Club Deville - Austin, TX
5/22 - Eddies Attic - Decatur, GA
5/24 - Iota - Arlington, VA
5/25 - Johnny Brendas - Philadelphia, PA
5/27 - Middle East - Cambridge, MA
5/29 - Club Café - Pittsburgh, PA
5/30 - Schubas - Chicago, IL
5/31 - Café Montmarte - Madison, WI
6/01 - Duck Room - St. Louis, MO
6/03 - Soiled Dove - Denver, CO