Music: Beth Orton – Singer songwriter is back with a new album and Brighton Festival dates

Back in the early ‘90s, Beth Orton made a name for herself by hooking up with the likes of dance and electronic pioneers the Chemical Brothers, William Orbit and Red Snapper, whilst exploring her own sound that could be loosely described as folk-pop-electronica. In forging a career she has, for the most part, emphasised this side, on albums such as her breakthrough debut, ‘Trailer Park’, and 2012’s ‘Sugaring Season’. But, the release of ‘Kidsticks’, her sixth studio album, sees her return to those electronic roots.
“This record doesn’t have any acoustic guitars on it to speak of,” says Orton. “I play keyboards and synths. A guy called Andy Hung, we made the beats together, then I wrote to
some loops, and then I brought in some live musicians. It wasn’t a record of great expectations, it was more a record that made itself. Even though it is electronically based, it is a very warm sounding record. It’s still very song-based, but it’s a beautiful sounding record. I’m very pleased with the way it has turned out.”
The day of the release of ‘Kidsticks’ sees the first of two consecutive dates at the newly refurbished Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (formerly Gardner Arts Centre), and she’s both excited to be playing again, and to be a part of this year’s Brighton Festival. “I’m excited, but I’m nervous. But, I feel that is a good place to be. I heard a brilliant thing the other day that David Bowie said: ‘You know you are in the right place creatively when your toes don’t quite touch the ground. You’re just a little out of your depth’. And also, Laurie Anderson is curating the festival, which is extremely exciting.”
Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, 27 & 28 May,
8pm, £17.50