New Pornographers member Kathryn Calder preps solo debut, gives away mp3
After five years playing keyboards and singing with the New Pornographers, Kathryn Calder steps out this summer with her solo debut, “Are You My Mother?”
As it happens, Calder’s mother is the sister of A.C. Newman, the New Pornographers’ leader, though none of them were aware of that fact until about 10 years ago. That was five years before Calder joined the band, filling in for Neko Case while Case was busy with her solo career after the New Pornographers’ third record, and developing into a first-rate singer in her own right on two subsequent band releases.
Now she’s responsible for the songwriting, too, which works out pretty well on first track “Slip Away.” It starts as an understated number with tinkling piano and gentle, breathy vocals, then blossoms for a few bars here and there in the middle with big drums and heart-turning wordless vocals.
Case and fellow New Pornographers Kurt Dahle and Todd Fancey contribute to “Are You My Mother?” along with members of Ladyhawk and Frog Eyes. The album is due Aug. 10 on File Under Music.
LISTEN
Slip Away mp3
Photo by Caleb Beyers
I like this song. Now, how about more New Pornographers gossip?