Los Angeles – Welsh singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon, known for her dark, quirky lyrical style and her vocal resemblance to Nico, took a few moments out of her busy touring schedule to answer some questions for BestNewBands.com.  BNB writer Brigit Anderson reviewed CLB’s Dec. 6 show at Barboza in Seattle, in which she described the artist as “coolly aloof and delicately charming.”  Le Bon will be playing LA venue Bootleg Bar on Saturday, Dec. 14.  Here’s what she had to say (or not say) about living and recording in LA, her latest album “Mug Museum” (released Nov. 11) and music today.

BNB: How do you like living in LA compared to Wales?  Did LA influence “Mug Museum” and did you record it here?

CLB: I have always been enamored with Los Angeles and am loving being here.

It is a joy to spend so much time in the outdoors. I love how much greenery and nature exists in every little pocket possible in such a massive sprawling city. I’m certain it will have seeped into the album, but it’s impossible to say how right now.  I think that will come from listening back in a few years.

BNB: You said in another interview that on the second album you were more aware of instruments than on the first.  Was there a new awareness of some kind on “Mug Museum”?

CLB: I suppose it was to really consider which parts truly deserved their place on the record.

BNB: You’ve been described as freak-folk, charming, haunting, Nico, retro horror, dark, psych, pop—what does all this mean to you?  How would you describe your music?  Was this a theme (dark) that you were going for from the beginning or did it just kind of happen?

CLB: I have also been described as many other less favorable things. It’s best not to engage either way.  It is what it is.

BNB: How would you compare this album to the previous two?  Is it different/similar, or was there a common theme/inspiration you drew from?

CLB: I think the approach has always been the same.  I like to record the bones of the songs live and then spend the time in the studio writing the other parts that color the songs. It’s important to me that it’s enjoyable and spontaneous which is why I record in as little time as possible. What was markedly different this time was going to a different country to record, which meant that it was more purposeful than the last two albums as I had no distractions and could wholly give all my time and thought to it. There was also a calm brutality that Noah Georgeson instilled into all the sessions which was an exciting way of working.

BNB: How do you write?  Is there a place, or a mindset you have to be in? Do you start with a feeling or an idea? What inspires you to pick up the pen?

CLB: As far as lyrics are concerned, I can never commit to, finish or sometimes start until the night before I’m due to sing them. I have tried many times to alter this, as it always winds up being a drama, but there’s a delirious 4-hour window that usually falls between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. when it finally comes out.

BNB: Who are you listening to these days?  Do you have any favorite artists, new or old?

CLB: I am currently listening to Kevin Morby every night as he’s playing with me on tour, which is a real treat, as is his new album “Harlem River.” I was recently stopped in my tracks by the Ed Askew song, “Blue Eyed Baby” that came on the radio. It is almost frightening how beautiful it is. It’s no secret that Connan Mockasin’s new album is a real breath of fresh air.

BNB: What do you think about music today?

CLB:  :/ (an undecided, hesitant, skeptical emoticon)

BNB: Has music changed for you over the course of these albums?

CLB: I suppose it’s become apparent that the only real reason for doing it is out of enjoyment.

BNB: If there’s one thing you want someone to take away from this album,
what would it be?

CLB: That it is what it is.

For more on Cate Le Bon go HERE and HERE.