First/Last-Kathryn Calder

Kathryn Calder
Are You My Mother?
Released August 10, 2010

While participating as a full time member in the formidable indie super group The New Pornographers, Kathryn released her first solo album this year. With heavy themes of life and loss, she delivers a light, airy pop gem of an album. This is a collection of songs I loved on the first listen and haven't at all tired of it with repeated spins. In other words, I totally dig this album. Kathryn was kind enough to participate in this ongoing year end countdown of my favorite 'potentially' under the radar albums edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

2 Unlimited - that techno band from the early nineties... I wish I had bought something more seminal as my first record, but I was 10. What are you gonna do?

Your last album bought?

Duffy and the Doubters, a great band from Vancouver. It's the lead singer/songwriter from Ladyhawk's solo album.

Favorite album of all time?

Of all time??? Man. David Bowie's Hunky Dory, or Joni Mitchell's Blue.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Oh, I have no idea.

First concert attended?

Weird Al Yankovic. He had a fever and almost didn't go on. He did go on though and I recall loving it.

Last concert?

Just watched a bunch of bands at the Bowlie 2 weekender (ATP) curated by Belle and Sebastian in Minehead, UK. I saw Best Coast, Teenage Fanclub, The Zombies, Frightened Rabbit, Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand! It was awesome.

Favorite concert ever?

Really loved Paul Simon when I saw him, but I'd have to say Radiohead was the best concert I've ever seen. They were totally amazing. I didn't hurt that I knew every song, as did the rest of the audience.

Least favorite concert?

I've seen lots of 'least favourite' concerts but none of them worthy of being singled out.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

The last time I was in Pittsburgh, it was with the New Pornographers and we played a college show with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, who I adore. It was all very pleasant from what I can remember!

Thanks Kathryn. I always wondered if musicians playing festivals really have the time to hang and enjoy other bands on the bill? The Bowlie gig sounded quite amazing.