oh well, i just do
Hello hello -
I write to you from the backstage at New Century in Manchester. The light is dim, the room is a little smoky and “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” is playing on my tiny speaker. The tour is winding down and what an adventurous and energetic and complex one it’s been. It’s a really unique experience to come to places that are both culturally and geographically so far away from my typical settings, the backdrop of my songs, and to look out and see people singing every word. I feel grateful and I just want you all to know that I saw you and we were all connected and it was so glorious. A pedal steel really does hit different in Zurich or Berlin or Paris (in an amazing way) and I’m happy to know that now.
On Thursday we played in London and it was astonishingly fun. Before the show I could see everyone forming a line down on the sidewalk from my dressing room window above. Everyone was excited which made me excited. Everyone was wearing cool outfits. I blasted Brat out the window as I watched big groups of dark gray birds flying against the light gray sky in pretty shapeshifting circles. It all felt very specific to London and got me hyped. The show was indescribably perfect so I won’t even attempt to recount it. If you were in the audience, thank you. The energy was just what we needed. Dan said the new song reminded him of a 90s movie soundtrack much to my delight. Afterwards we all ate rainbow cake and danced.
While I was walking around in Switzerland I listened to Tiger Trap and then Go Sailor and then The Softies. I had this really visceral memory of hearing Tiger Trap’s self-titled record when I was 15 years old and clinically addicted to researching and then downloading relatively obscure but occasionally adorably ubiquitous records on Kazaa. I remember hitting play and feeling emotional because it was as if this music that had existed subconsciously and ambiguously in my head was actually real and had been recorded 10 years earlier. I didn’t even know the word “twee” yet. Anyways. If you’re unfamiliar, go listen to that record. It’s perfect for a city walk. If you are familiar, consider taking it for a spin soon. I’m very proud to say that Rose Melberg has become a dear friend and I’m elated to report that the Softies have two new songs that are amazing.
I went shopping with Shaad and Liam in London and I’m unsurprised to share that my European tour cops are predominantly menswear. Buttondowns, Studio Nicholson trousers, some crunchy French sneakers I keep getting complimented on. My favorite discovery in all my travels so far though are some velvet ballet flats I picked up in Brighton at Tidy Street General. Drogheria Crivellini makes them. An Italian brand that’s been around since before WWII. They’re perfect, I got 2 pairs and I regret not getting 10.
That’s about all. We have one more show in England, one in Scotland, two in Ireland and then we fly back to the states. Our late summer US run is coming up very very soon. Some of the shows are sold out and some are not! Tickets here. I’ll leave you with some more photos from tour. Sending love and Euro summer vibes. XO.
-KC
