Matt Stalker & Fables don’t quite fit the mold of the archetypal modern folk band. The titular frontman was once a forensic psychologist, and the cellist, Jenny (also in Bridie Jackson and The Arbour), works on a psychiatric research study looking at Bipolar Disorder.

They have songs on their début LP about the medical procedure auscultation (listening to the body with a stethoscope) and the misuse of the humble apostrophe (Apostrophe Catastrophe). Their new crowdfunded record (Knots) is inspired by the work of the ‘anti-psychiatrist’, R.D. Laing, and was recorded in a repurposed Victorian primary school in Britain’s highest village (Allenheads). 

The first single from Knots, Wildfire Smiles was written in New Zealand in 2011 on an eight-date mini-tour to promote the first Fables record, The Man Who Said This Died of Alchemy. Co-written with Katie Scott, a kiwi actress/singer who supported Matt and Jenny on the tour, it describes two polarized views on the same one-night stand, given all the more pathos for being performed as an exchange between Matt and Ditte. It’s proved an infectious song with live audience in NZ and the UK to date.

Knots is due to be released on 12” vinyl, CD and digital download on Monday 16th June 2014, with an album launch show at Gateshead Old Town Hall on 21st June. Tickets here: http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/matt-stalker-and-fables/

MATT STALKER & FABLES - Wildfire Smiles

Matt Stalker & Fables don’t quite fit the mold of the archetypal modern folk band. The titular frontman was once a forensic psychologist, and 
the cellist, Jenny (of Bridie Jackson and The Arbour), works on a psychiatric research study looking at Bipolar Disorder. They have songs on their début LP about the medical procedure 
auscultation (listening to the body with a stethoscope) and the misuse of the humble apostrophe (Apostrophe Catastrophe). Their new crowdfunded record (Knots) isinspired by the work of the ‘anti-psychiatrist’, R.D. Laing, and was recorded in a repurposed Victorian primary school in Britain’s highest village (Allenheads). There is something different about this band. 

Unashamedly bookish and obsessed with language, Matt “exudes geeky cool" (newcastlegateshead.com), and though there are only four Fables they play a dizzying array of instruments to create what Matt once dubbed, ‘chamber folk’. After five years in various incarnations, their name has become synonymous in the North East with beautifullycrafted music, and they have developed a reputation for breathtaking intimate live shows.

They have played shows around the UK and in New Zealand and supported bands including Bright Eyes, Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations, Sharks Took The Rest, This Is The Kit, The Shivers, and The Wooden Sky. Songs from their 2011 début album (“a masterpiece of care and craftsmanship” - NARC) received airplay from Tom Robinson at BBC6 Music, from Nick Roberts at BBC Newcastle, Amazing Radio and Spark FM, and made it into the end of year 2011 Best Of lists on a number of international music blogs. Knots is due to be released on 12” vinyl, CD and digital download on Monday 16th June 2014, with an album launch show at Gateshead Old Town Hall on 21st June.

Instrumentation:
Matt Stalker - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Jenny Nendick - Cello
Adam James Cooper - Viola, Banjo, Clarinet, Saxophone
Ditte Elly - Vocals, Piano
Ged Robinson - Drums, Vibraphone, Percussion



Matt Stalker & Fables

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