Mediaeval Baebes

Well before the release of their most recent album, Undrentide, (Nettwerk), this offers some insight into the process of being a medieval baebe.

Q: How did the Mediaeval Babes come about? I know it rose followed on from Miranda Sex Garden, but the reference points with this band hark back to MSG's first record, not what came after.

A: The Mediaeval Baebes started when Katharine Blake met Dorothy Carter in Berlin in spring 1996. Dorothy inspired Katharine to form the initially recreationally orientated vocal group with a close circle of her friends. (Dorothy is the instrumentalist with the Mediaeval Baebes,playing dulcimer, hurdy gurdy and zither). Rumours of Miranda Sex Garden's demise have been greatly exaggerated - they will be releasing an album in the New Year.

Q: From my copy of the record I have no idea if the songs are originals or from manuscripts, but the style seems pre-madrigal (hence the mediaeval, I suppose). What attracts you to this? Are you serious scholars of early vocal music?

A: The Mediaeval Babes repetoire is made up of: arrangements of medieval/traditional material and medieval poems set to music composed by the band. The appeal of medieval music is its simplicity and power. The emphasis is on creating accessible medieval pop songs rather than trying to recreate an authentic sound.

"The emphasis is on creating accessible medieval pop songs."

Q: Instrumental accompaniment is used sparingly, giving the listener a chance to concentrate on the voices, and with so many people, you're almost a small female choir. 11 people on the road has to be a nightmare - why SO many of you?

A: Initially the idea behind forming the band was to be able to perform outside for fun without amplification. So you need a fair number of people for it to be loud enough. About 5 people turned up for the first rehearsal, more people turned up to subsequent rehearsals until we had to put a limit of 12. We now maintain the band at 12 singers because this seems a good number for making an impact and it also divides nicely for part singing. Life on the road is a mobile party - with 12 singers, 2 drummers and 1 instrumentalist that makes 15 musicians plus crew!

Q: Who do you think is the real market for this kind of music?

A: So far we have had a predominately classical audience. The music has the potential to cross over to a wider audience judging by the reaction of innocent bystanders at the Lillith Fair.

Q: What's next for the band?

A: We will start recording our 3rd album in two weeks time, with John Cale producing. Then towards the end of the year a 6 week tour of the UK with Jools Holland including a gig at the Royal Albert Hall.