We have a special video premiere (also our Song of the Day) from Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman. ‘La Monica’ (Queen of the Island of Dolls) is the first single to be taken from their forthcoming album ‘Tomorrow Will Follow Today’. The song takes its name from Isla de las Munecas which is a real place situated South of Mexico City, that was created by a doll-collecting hermit in memory of a drowned child whose life he was unable to save.
Whilst this sounds like some long lost imaginary world from a fairy tale it’s a real place. Kathryn & Sean add their own creative magic to this tragic tale adding to their reputation for finding inspiration from unusual places and their gift for producing some of the finest song-writing today.
Directed by Laura Saunders the video was filmed at The Old Mine House – Sortridge, Dartmoor where they re-create Isla de las Munecas. It also features their twin daughters Lily and Poppy Lakeman.
After being voted “Best Duo” in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2014, and also nominated for “Best Original Song” (The Ballad of Andy Jacobs), in ‘Tomorrow Will Follow Today’ they add two traditional songs to eight original compositions to create this superb new album.
This husband and wife duo appeared to be absent from the music scene for almost a decade before their highly-acclaimed “Hidden People” CD (2012) was released. Infact, though they had been bringing up their twin children, Sean had also been busy touring the world with brother Seth’s band and developing a parallel career as a respected producer, whilst Kathryn remained in Devon, writing new songs.
The Roberts-Lakeman name has become synonymous with “quality” during their musical careers which started when they were signed to a major label as teenagers in a band that also included Cara Dillon and Kate Rusby. Now after nearly two decades in music, Kathryn’s sublime vocals merge seemlessly with Sean’s deft and inventive live guitar work on stage – and his award-winning sonic skills in the studio. In addition to his chart-topping hit records for brother Seth Lakeman, Sean has this year alone produced albums or tracks with The Levellers, Billy Bragg, Frank Turner, Imelda May and Bellowhead…as well as a string of other folk/acoustic acts.
We’ll be bringing you more on the album very soon. Kathryn & Sean embark on a nationwide tour in March/April 2015. More information to be announced shortly.
