Transcript for the Piece Audio version of Mediaeval Baebes

Music

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Mediaeval Baebes have come a long way since the 16th century. AND THE band CALLED the Mediaeval Baebes have come even father since singer Katherine Blake formed the group in 1997.

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KB: Well I think we've calmed down a bit as a band. The Mediaeval Baebes used to be incredibly "rock n roll". It was, you know, really extreme the amount of partying that goes on. So for myself, in particular, because I've become a mother, I've had to, you know, calm down quite a bit. (laughs).

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The Mediaeval Baebes brought rock attitude to the original gothic music. Beyond the image, which has included diaphanous white gowns, dominatrix leather,and vixen vamp attire, the Mediaeval Baebes sang enchanting songs from the middle ages with heavenly voices drenched in sensuality that can be bawdy or serene.

Music

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On their debut album, Salva Nos, they sang traditional music from the Middle Ages, but on their latest CD, Illumination, there are no Mediaeval songs at all. But the Baebes never sell out their mediaeval roots, even with songs co-composed by Katherine Blake's husband, Nick Marsh, who used to play in the group, Flesh for Lulu.

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KB: Yeah, i mean he's very much from a rock and roll background, you know, so he brings, a lot of the songs are sort of song-y songs, versey-chorusy, than what im used to doing.

Music

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But even though they don't sing in middle English or Latin as much anymore, they're careful to maintain the Mediaeval mood. Emily Ovendon says they aren't trying to make contemporary pop music.

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EO; Anything really modern would stand out. In Sunrises there are lyrics "We will not be parted, Never brokenhearted." And when I was writing it I wrote, We will not be parted, get this party started." And I immediately took it out because it's completely wrong, but it's quite funny.

KB: It would break the spell if you used something too colloquial or modern. We're trying to put the listener in some kind of spell instead of bringing them to reality a bit. Which is not why people listen to the Mediaeval baebes, They want to go somewhere else.

EO: Totally. You have to keep that enchanted realm going the whole time, I think, you know.

Music

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You can experience The Mediaeval Baebes enchanted realm on their latest album is Illumination. I'm john Diliberto and this has been an Echo Location, Soundings for new Music.