We had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Miss Kate Stables on a Southbound train from Clapham Junction. It was Christmas and we were, of course, packed in like sardines. So much for finding one's seat; this Londonista's bags - stuffed with presents for the family - was too heavy and cumbersome to move, let alone navigate down the all-too-narrow aisle (seriously, South West Trains, did luggage not exist when you built your bloody rolling stock?!). Luckily for us, a fellow traveller offered to babysit our case while we went in search of the elusive 4A and 4B.
A week or so later, when the festivites were over and the case - still bulging at the waist, albeit with different presents - needed repacking, we discovered a mysterious CD tucked snugly in its front pocket. 'This Is The Kit', it read. We listened, and loved what we heard immediately. What a wonderful way to discover a new homegrown talent, we thought.
Have a listen to "For All That Fills Your Limbs"
Check out www.thisisthekit.co.uk or www.myspace.com/thisisthekit
Without further ado, here's Kate (or "train girl" as she's become affectionately known) in her Londonist debut:
This is the Kit
Who's in your band?Me (Kate Stables) and sometimes Jesse d. Vernon of
Morningstar, and sometimes my twin sister, Emily.
What do you do in the real world?i do music, cycle around, and try and learn french.
Describe your sound to us:guitar and voice and sometimes banjo. that's the best i can
do i'm afraid.
Who are your influences?i grew up with a lot of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. and
British folk music also. Hmmm and what else...i like Fridge a lot. And Jeffrey
Lewis, And Klezma stuff and Swedish cowcalling.
What's the state of play with you / the band at themoment?
well, playing gigs and recording some new stuff here in
paris where i'm living at the moment.
Where can we hear / see you next?no English shows booked as yet for this year. i'm always on
the lookout mind, so keep an eye on my website: www.thisisthekit.co.uk
What's your big game plan for your music?keep writing songs and playing concerts and learning new
things. it'd be good to eventually live off this here thing that i do.
Who would you most like to support?hmmm, that changes from day to day, but i'd very much like
to support Alasdair Roberts. i think he's a good'n.
What's your ultimate label to be on?probably my own, if i had one.
What's the best gig you've ever been to?The Liftmen, at the Cube Cinema in Bristol
Any great stories from the road?ah yes, many a story. but none for the ears of anyone else
i'm afraid. far too scandalous and top sectret.
Recommend one album to our readers you don't think theywill have discovered:
Morningstar "my place in the dust" i like this album a
lot...a lot.
Why should Londonist readers go and see you?well i'd go and see them if they were playing their stuff.
What's your favourite......venue to play in London?
the River Lee Rowing Club, Spring Hill
...venue to go to in London?the Rivoli ballrooms. very nice
...record store?Rough Trade's a goody
...shop (non-music)?any bike shop
...market?the farmers market in Hackney i think. anyway, it's in an
old fire station and it's very good indeed.
...place to people-watch?on my sister's narrow boat on the river lee. lots of good
passers by on the tow path
...place to chill-out?it's got to be on the boat again i'm afraid
...place for a post-gig kebab?anywhere on Green Lanes. very good for post-gig anything.
...view in London?the view from the top of Springfield Park is very fine.
...form of public transport?bus bussy bus bus bus
The world is ending in 24 hours. How would you spendyour last day?
by the sea side.
Have you ever been sick on the Tube?luckily, no.
Greatest thing ever to come out of London?Jean Stables
If you wrote a song about London, what would it becalled and what kind of song would it be?
it'd be a song called something like 'my sisters live in
London. and so does my aunt'
Sum up London in just one word:cyclists
