Tectonics 2024 Artist Profile
Kate Armitage is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. She is most usually an improvisor. She is opposed to mystification of all kinds. Among her least favourite mystifications are the most deadly boring: "glamour", "talent" and "expertise". These are systems of false relation that her work makes conscious and supersedes. These systems are operating now as you read this, and you hear how important Kate's work is said to be by Kate. Yet what Kate makes is made of nothing, is abundantly available, is not on the side of the inner parent, is in the child's corner.
Kate started out touring in punk band Hotpants Romance, sharing a stage with Ted Chippington. She is a vocalist/guitarist in Silver Dick ( LP Feeding Tube records) with Joincey and Martin Greenwood. She is half of the multifarious duo Sippy Cup, with THF Drenching, and a third of a trio which adds Dave Jackson on saxophone.
Kate and her entourage will perform a total of six improvised pieces over the weekend. The performances will be on the theme of instinctual liberation, and the denial of the reality principle! Really the only conversation worth having. Kate has chosen your favourite outcasts' favourite outcasts as collaborators in this conversation to ensure that common sense is not allowed to establish a foothold.
In between performances she will relax and rest. Kate has Multiple Sclerosis and an acquired brain injury and so public performances are always a balancing act between comfort and action. Too vertiginous to stand? Lie down and play the cello! Can't use both hands right now? Let's squawk! Instrumental technique is a vicious rumour started by able-bodied folks. We must consider technique to be officially ended. We work on the other side of technique.
