Life is Bon for Cate
In the past few months the young singer/songwriter has scrapped the recording sessions on her debut album, acquired a new band, moved house, seen the end of a long-term relationship and joined one of the coolest bands of the year.
But if anyone is capable of taking things in their stride it’s Le Bon, who is so laid back she should be prescribed on the NHS as a cure for stress.
When we met for a cup of tea in Cardiff Bay’s stylish Cantina Bar I was keen to find out how her debut album was coming along.
But rather than being a setback for Le Bon, that aborted effort has spurred her on and, earlier this week, she released her debut EP Edrych Yn Llygaid Ceffyl Benthyg, a five-track Welsh language offering of woozy, bluesy alt-folk.
“Recording the EP was a chemical reaction to the first attempt at the album going nowhere,” she says, distractingly picking up a red cushion, placing it on her lap and stroking it like Blofeld’s cat.
“It was quite an impromptu gathering at a friend’s parents’ house in Cardiff but, obviously, Gruff is a really talented songwriter with real musical integrity, so that was quite nerve-wracking.”
Since then Rhys has offered Le Bon numerous to-die-for platforms, including the support slot on his solo tour and a guest vocal on I Lust U, the first single from Stainless Style, the debut album from Rhys’ superb side project Neon Neon.
That inclusivity has extended to Le Bon joining the Neon Neon band as a bassist and backing vocalist for their upcoming summer tour, which lessens the rush for her to find a new home.
Le Bon has uprooted from her Cardiff base following the end of a long-term relationship and is currently bunking with her parents back in West Wales.
Her changing love life has also sunk a new seam of inspiration which has impacted on an album, which has the very loose working title of Pet Deaths.
But far from seeming emotionally delicate about the situation, Le Bon’s perspective is in serene check.
Tags: cate, romp, spira