This Is The Kit

This Is The Kit, the nom de plume of Kate Stables, has been in existence since the 00s, when Kate moved to Bristol and started playing and collaborating with local musicians. It was here where her debut album Krulle Bol took shape, recorded and produced by PJ Harvey's long-standing musical collaborator John Parish. Her second album, 2010's Wriggle Out The Restless was made in France alongside members of Francois and the Atlas Mountains before final touches from TITK's extended musical family were added in Bristol, Belgium and several points in between. “The aim is to have fun playing with people whose work I really like,” says Kate in her simple and direct fashion. “The more you exchange and share with people the better things get and the more you learn.” This is the Kit has opened for artists such as The National, Jose Gonzales, and Iron & Wine and was selected by Sharon Van Etten as her “Favourite New Artist” in an interview with Pitchfork. This is the Kits’ 2015 album Bashed Out, was produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner and released on his Brassland label. Bashed Out features performances from Aaron, his brother Bryce Dessner, Benjamin Lanz (Beirut), Thomas Bartlett (Doveman, The Gloaming) and Matt Barrick (The Walkmen) alongside her regular cast of collaborators. On its release, Bashed Out received critical acclaim, and was quickly seen as a breakthrough record. Packed out performances followed, including a headline show at the Scala, and the album was picked as Guy Garvey’s Album of The Year for 2015 on BBC 6 Music. 2016 saw This is the Kit continue to tour relentlessly, including shows in Paris, a Scottish Highlands tour and an appearance at BBC 6music Festival in Bristol. Following on from a raft of shows and festival dates throughout the summer (including appearances at Festival Number 6, Bestival, Cambridge Folk Festival, WOMAD, Glastonbury and Guy Garvey’s Meltdown) This Is The Kit played their biggest London show to date with a rapturously received sold out London Union Chapel in November, before commencing work on the follow up to Bashed Out

Sam Amidon, born Samuel Tear Amidon (born June 3, 1981 in Brattleboro, Vermont) is an American folk artist. His parents are folk artists Peter Amidon and Mary Alice Amidon. His younger brother, Stefan Amidon, is a professional drummer who performs with The Sweetback Sisters among other groups. Amidon attended The Putney School in Putney, Vermont for one year. In 2001, Amidon self-released Solo Fiddle, an album of traditional Irish fiddle instrumentals.