Lake Me

The duo Lake Me consists of Nathalie Stern on guitar and vocals, and Lucy Hammond on drums. Both have been writing, recording and touring their music in various bands for a total amount of 20 years. Although Lake Me started out as a guitar and vocal based solo project in 2001, the sound was made complete by the addition of drums two years later.



Playing nationally and internationally, Lake Me have created a base around Europe with their bare set up. Their music draws references from Led Zeppelin to Lucinda Williams, Lungfish to Neko Case without the risk of disintegrating their unique sound. On the contrary, the songs have a distinct sound which has been derived from a diverse musical palette and assembled to provide a combination of subtle vocals and full on instrumental batterings.



The band has netted international tours in the US, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. Their distinct blend of musical genres has seen them support acts as diverse as Erase Errata, PW Long, Stinking Lizaveta, Stars and most recently Young James Long.



Forging links with other aspects of art, Lake Me have worked with two visual artists at several shows, merging their aural performances with live and pre-recorded film footage. This came about as the result of a project which culminated in a show at an arts centre with experimental and improvised projections intermixed with the band playing live, creating a conceptual space of music and visuals.



In the summer of 2005, Lake Me released their debut album entitled Solace. Keen on keeping their hands-on approach at the forefront of their creativity, the album was self-released and spans two years of Nathalie's and Lucy's collaborative musicianship and self-reflective musings. The CD comes in a recycled cardboard packaging which is designed, hand printed and assembled by the band itself. The album contains 11 tracks of stripped down blues-infused tunes and off-beat rhythms, epitomising the uncompromising offerings of their music. Also available on vinyl now!



Alongside Lake Me, both members have projects of their own involving music and art. Both are involved in organising autonomous non-corporate events in the region to promote women artists, be they regional, national or international.

As well as arranging a women focused music festival, events and lending a helping hand with setting up Ladyfests, Lucy is involved in several separate music projects and sometimes works as a DJ.

Nathalie pursues a solo project experimenting and improvising with traditional and own folk songs, using only a loop pedal and vocals. Many of these are songs that she grew up with in Sweden, and although her solo shows are displays of more subdued performances, the harmonies and beats found in traditional folk music can be heard in some of the more subtle songs of Lake Me.



TO PURCHASE THE ALBUM, PLEASE GO TO www.amazing-zone.com. THANK YOU!



What others have said:



"The Newcastle based duo's first album is a thing of beauty and delight. They've managed to wring a hugely impressive clutch of songs from a musical palette made up of the bluesy end of rock and folk and skillfully slide around an impressive range of moods and styles from bone-jangling rock outs by way of hypnotic poundings and acoustic fancies. Time to take a dip into this Lake." - The Crack



"Got a CD in by Lake Me that reminds me of Snowpony from the word go. It's got a cyclic, minimal feel to it, simplistic & primal. There's hints of PJ Harvey here, even old Yank rock such as Seam or Bitch Magnet in places. The drums have that dense Albini sound with the whole album by these two talented ladies spilling with all kinds of wholesome rock goodness. If you like raw, alt-Americana with some cracking female vocal harmonies then go for this." - Norman Records



"When i purchased 'Solace', the latest release from the Lake Me girls, I knew instantly that between the two layers of recycled cardboard, would lie an absolute stunner of an album. And god was i right. Bringing every ounce of the raw, pure, and powerful adrenalin from Lake Me's live performances, this album will rip out your heart and really make you bleed. With classics like "Sisters Song" and "Hit and Run", combined with some of their newer material, there is a selection which will accommodate every emotion known to man. I find myself amazed that one guitarist/singer and a drummer can compile such a full and unique sound, both on the stage and in the studio. Nathalie (Guitarist/Singer) has jumped at the chance to show off the astonishing range, depth, and quality of her voice by adding some perfect harmonies throughout each of their songs, and Lucy (Drummer) is an equal match, providing some tight and edgy beats that will send shivers down your spine. Often you will hear a second, subordinate melodic line driving through the weeping riffs of Lake Me's music. No, this is not a second guitar, or a bass. This is simply the style that Nathalie treats her rather attractive Fender Jaguar to. Amazing. This album will teach you a lot about yourself, it truly is tailor made, perfect music." - Future Killed Cassettes



"Hypnotically repetitive yet ever changing alt. rock textures from this guitar/drums/vocals duo. Lake Me have perfected the ability to write the kind of deceptively simple yet stunning songs that will work their way in to your subconscious." - Forest of Sound



and now for the fun bit.