The name Nelly Kate has been on the tips of everyone’s tongues for close to a year now. A debut show at Sprout set everything in motion, and the future has been bright ever since. Ish Ish, her sophomore full-length, is a dynamic record full of lush soundscapes that Kate achieves remarkably. She unveils her latest work with an incredible assortment of unique events over the following few days. The celebration begins with a performance on WRIR during Activate, Wednesday between 7 and 9 PM.
SoftSpot
On Thursday, March 1, Ish Ish will receive an official release at Strange Matter (929 W. Grace St.). Nelly Kate's exciting performance will be accompanied by friends from all around. Seattle's The Pharmacy and Brooklyn's SoftSpot will provide out-of-town support. The Pharmacy will certainly bring forth their psychedelic-infused punk array for the evening’s festivities. The indie wisdom of SoftSpot will be sure to turn heads and win over new fans. A long-time favorite of Kate’s, the trio’s live performances have been called inspiring and effervescent. Rounding out the bill will be local favorites The Diamond Center, doing what they do best--a full-blown sonic explosion that always aims to shock and surprise. The night will be made even more special with the inclusion of ridiculously awesome projections by Dave Watkins, and APESCAPES will be spinning records in-between sets to compliment the musical fare on offer this evening.
Digital copies of Ish Ish will be given out to the first fifty people that walk through the door, and physical copies will be made available for the first time as well. Plans would indicate that there should be close to three hundred 180-gram vinyl copies made available with a subsequent CD copy included. Along with this, there will be a pre-order available for Kate’s limited edition seventy-five page book of original artwork. A preview of these illustrations can be seen the following evening. The show starts at 10 PM, and tickets are $7, with advance tickets available at the venue.
Nelly Kate, Contour Drawing [22x22] Watercolor + ink. ISH ISH Series, 2012.
On Friday at Gallery 5 (200 W. Marshall St.), Kate will be presenting original illustrations from the limited edition book that accompanies the deluxe "True Love" edition of Ish Ish. It should prove to be another exciting night of music, as well as a delightful visual spectacle, with video projections provided by Dave Watkins. SoftSpot will be stopping by for their second set of the weekend along with the critically acclaimed Caged Animals. Caged Animals' visit to Richmond will act as a rare show for the outfit before they venture towards Austin, Texas for their upcoming appearances at this year’s South By Southwest festival. Last, but not least, Boas, the brainchild of Tyler Newbold of Coald Toast and The OK Bird fame, will be supporting the two acclaimed acts. Recent sets from the group, which has now become a full-time project for Newbold, have already been receiving acclaim. If it’s anything like his past output, it should be a sight to behold. This event begins at 6 PM, and is free, but donations for touring bands are suggested.
Caged Animals
Finishing out the weekend on Sunday will be an Ish Ish Listening Party at Steady Sounds (322 W. Broad St). Musical peers and friends White Laces will join Kate as they spend the afternoon sharing their sounds with anyone who drops by this phenomenal record shop between 12 and 4 PM. Copies of Ish Ish will be available, along with copies of the soon-to-be out of print releases that White Laces have been dropping like mad of late. Be sure to visit and finish out the celebration weekend with a cozy afternoon with Kate and the absolutely incredible release she has in store for the Richmond music zeitgeist.
Nelly Kate is one of the best musical exports to find their way to our city in the past year. Her record is something special, and to spend a weekend celebrating its release seems more than appropriate. There are multiple opportunities available to discover Nelly Kate and Ish Ish this weekend. Take advantage of them, and discover the avant-garde sounds of a splendid artist on the cusp of great things.