IT’S OUT NOW!

Yes, great news from the Folkroom stable today, as we bring news of the debut release from live favourite Lucy Cait! ‘Gabriel’s Wharf’ is Lucy Cait’s debut album, and the first Folkroom release of 2013. You can buy the EP either physically or digitally here. It’s an astounding EP that was recorded back in January with label producer Ben Walker.

Anyone who has caught Lucy live over the past couple of years will be more than familiar with not only her winning charisma, but also with her unique sound – one that is borne somewhat from an upbringing fairly separate from folk standards. Her live performances are collaborative affairs in which the audience often become a vital part of the set, but there will be plenty amongst you who have not yet heard Lucy’s music. In the interest of spreading not only the love, but also the word of Lucy Cait, we tracked her down and asked her a few getting-to-know-you questions!

How did you come to folk music? I wasn’t really brought up listening to folk music, but the honesty of the genre captivates me. I love being able to tell stories through my lyrics. I came to folk music through the sounds of Johnny Flynn, his earnest lyrics inspired me. I’m not a classically trained guitarist; I come from the generation who were taught to play like The Strokes but I’ve always played in finger picking kind of way and hearing Johnny’s style made me realise that it’s okay to do that!

Why title your EP ‘Gabriel’s Wharf’? Gabriel’s Wharf is a place that I relate to my childhood and to me this is almost a childhood EP, as it’s the first thing I’ve really released. I’m not going to stretch to calling it ‘childish’ because I think that distorts mine and Ben’s hard work.

Is there a theme to the EP? Most of these songs were written while I was at school doing A-Levels and I can honestly say that, although I loved school, I just wanted to get away. I think that most of these songs are about me trying to escape.

Your EP takes in most of London – from a northern line tube journey, to the central location of the title track and the Deptford based artwork on the cover – what does London mean to you? I’ve only ever been exposed to London life, it’s a place that I’ve grown up in. Every quarter is completely different, I live South London and it is completely different from North. I used the different sounds and album image to pay homage to what it’s taken to make the record; the tube journey really pays homage to where the EP was recorded, whereas the big cranes in Deptford are literally just down the road from me.

What’s your favourite secret spot in London? Well, it won’t be a secret when I say it… but, The Big Red Bus in Deptford is a great place. They show films on the weekend, host live music events and make the best cocktails and pizzas.

Who are you listening to right now? Right now I’m listening to Angel Haze, Peace, Clean Bandit and Haim; I’m currently trying to persuade my sister to start a band so that we can be like Haim. The new Foals album is wicked too. But Johnny Flynn and Warpaint will always be firm favorites.

What is it about singalongs you love so much? I think as a performer you have to engage the audience, if they’re kind enough to listen you have to be nice enough to entertain them. A singalong is a great way to get the audience hyped up too!

What’s next for Lucy Cait? Throughout the summer I will be gigging around the country and taking some time off – hopefully an album will be on the other side!

Buy ‘Gabriel’s Wharf here!