in conversation// kate jackson

After finding fame as the front of the epic The Long Blondes, a band whose ending left a gaping huge whole in the indie scene, Kate Jackson is on the verge of launching a new life as a solo artist. On Thursday night Kate plays The Portland Arms in Cambridge, a city she that feels like home, in anticipation Slate The Disco chats to Kate about the new album, female leads, Bernard Butler and going solo…

Hey Kate, how is 2012 going so far?

Not bad. I went to Hong Kong in January for a holiday which was cool. It’s always good to start the year with a holiday right?

What can newcomers expect from your Cambridge gig this month?

Hot guys in spats playing Gretsch guitars.

The Portland has a reputation for getting pretty sweaty, can you cope with that?

I know, I played there a long time ago with The Long Blondes. I hope it is sweaty – we’ll need heating up if this weather carries on!

You’ve been working on new material, How’s that getting along?

It’s all written and demo’d. I just need to get into a studio and record it all properly now.

Who is the best female lead in rock?

In contemporary music either Karen O or Beth Ditto. But I cried when I saw Blondie in 2009 – no one is better than Debbie Harry…. Or Patti Smith. Cried when I saw her perform too…

Many will of course know you as the former front of The Long Blondes, how do you think that era of your career has effected your music in the present?

I learnt how to write melody in The Long Blondes and that’s something I’ve taken into my new music. It’s melodious, melodramatic indie rock.

How did you find the transition from working in a group to working solo?

I’m still in that transition. It’s pretty tricky – how many singers from indie bands successfully make it on their own? Not many. We’ll see.

You worked with Bernard Butler on your first solo material, how was that?

Fantastic. He’s a real sweetheart. He helped me a lot and gave me a lot of confidence in my own abilities as a writer.

How does performing with the Kate Jackson Group compare to performing with The long Blondes?

It’s more relaxed at the moment. I don’t compare the two though, there’s no point. I am not the same person I was when I was in The Long Blondes.

You’ve sung about Peterborough, Cambridge is way prettier, will we ever get a song?

Why not! I love Cambridge. I grew up in Bury St Edmunds so spent a lot of time shopping or punting in Cambridge as a kid. It feels like home to me.

Who has more fun, blondes or brunettes?

I’ve never been a blonde so I’d have to say brunettes.

Kate Jackson plays The Portland Arms on Thursday 9th February, with support from Ill Murray and Bricolotheque, more info