We caught up with the proud Brummie and chart-topper, Katherine Priddy, ahead of Moseley Folk and Arts Festival to talk all things Birmingham, an unexpected e-mail from Elbow and lockdown dilemmas
Whether you’re a fan of folk or your introduction to Katherine Priddy was her haunting appearance on Later… with Jools Holland, you’re about to see and hear more of her. Katherine will be performing at Moseley Folk and Arts Festival in August with an hour-long set on the main stage featuring tracks from her new album, The Pendulum Swing plus some older tunes. Of the festival Katherine says: “It’s a great event with big family vibes and a home crowd for me. It feels like the last hurrah of the summer. It’s special.”
Katherine’s debut album, The Eternal Rocks Beneath was released in 2021 to much critical acclaim with a five-star review in Songlines and radio play on BBC 6 Music and Radio 2 as well as topping the official UK folk chart. The second album, The Pendulum Swing recorded in Birmingham by Simon J Weaver was a different experience from the first.
Katherine says: “With the first album there were no expectations and no time constraints. The songwriting has matured, it’s more personal. Sound-wise, it’s bigger with a broader spectrum of instrumentation – cinematic I’d say.” Covid lockdowns in some way inspired The Pendulum Swing. Katherine lost all her work, moved back in with her parents and was living off savings. She says: “I was torn between desperately wanting to move out and treasuring that time. Pendulum Swing is perhaps about the urge to leave and the urge to stay – striking that balance.”
PINCH ME
Over the last couple of years Katherine has enjoyed some ‘pinch me’ moments. She played at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms accompanied by the BBC concert orchestra as well as performing on the acoustic stage at Glastonbury. She has performed in Australia, the US and Holland and appeared as a special guest at Guy Garvey’s show at the Roundhouse. Guy has been a champion of Katherine’s music since the get-go, giving her airplay on his BBC 6 Music show, so much so that Katherine recently received an e-mail asking her to perform at an Elbow gig at Ludlow Castle which she describes as ‘amazing’.
Katherine performed a gorgeous version of A Boat On the River from the new album on Later… with Jools Holland which we thoroughly recommend watching on catch up. She says it was ‘utterly terrifying’ adding: “It’s a prestigious thing. I always watched Hootenanny with my family, so it was quite bizarre being there and talking to Jools. There aren’t many opportunities for folk musicians to get that kind of exposure.”
GAME CHANGER
Talking of exposure, social media has been a game changer, but Katherine is keen to keep things authentic. She says: “Whether we like it or not it’s a big part of being a musician. The way to deal with it is to bend it to suit you. Keep it personal – genuine. It’s a brilliant way to reach a global audience which wouldn’t have been an option before social media. Just do it on your terms.” Katherine’s manager is her best friend – someone she trusts completely which she says is a ‘wonderful’ arrangement.
Birmingham has always been home and of the city Katherine says: “I love it. Some of my friends have moved to London to get into music but I don’t think it’s necessary anymore. You can do so much from wherever you are now. Birmingham has a great scene. The Kitchen Garden Café is the perfect size when you’re starting out, as well as the Hare and Hounds. The open mic nights at The Yardbird were great – it’s sadly not there anymore. The city and the culture are encouraging and supportive.”
Katherine’s dream gig would have been headlining Union Chapel except she’s just ticked that off the bucket list, so next up would be her own show at Symphony Hall which she says would be ‘great’. Also, a duet with local legend Robert Plant would be Katherine’s ultimate collaboration. Robert – if you’re reading this…