Mediaeval Baebes prepare for their 2024 Christmas tour

The Mediaeval Baebes are one of the most successful female-led, early music and folk ensembles in Europe.

In addition to receiving two Emmy nominations, they have toured with Jules Holland and supported Michael Flatley in Hyde Park. They have won a Royal Television Society award alongside composer Martin Phipps for their soundtrack to ITV’s hit period drama ‘Victoria,’ and have also won an Ivor Novella Award for their performance on the BBC serialization ‘The Virgin Queen.’ They are set to perform in venues across the UK throughout December.

So what gave you the idea to start The Mediaeval Baebes Katharine?

To be honest, I have always loved mediaeval music and performing. But, the idea of forming a mediaeval band really took hold after I broke into a North London cemetery with several friends over 25 years ago and we sang together for fun, clad in flowing white gowns and crowns of ivy.

I then met Marie at a festival. Apparently I was drinking cider and singing a mediaeval song that she loved. She asked what it was and I realised that she was as passionate about all things mediaeval as I was. I told her about the new band I was forming and asked her to join us. I didn’t even know if she could sing! It was the start of a wonderful collaboration and a friendship that has spanned over 27 years. Best decision ever!

How would you describe the sound of Medieval Baebes, Marie?

Ah, I never find it an easy task to describe or classify our sound. I love that we create a real mix of haunting melodies, ethereal enchantments, rousing incantations, and cheeky ditties with catchy hooks! Many of us are classically trained and I like to think that with a style of unconventional arrangement and composition, along with a playful and fantastical image, we have used our talents to create a different music sound.

Many of our musical backgrounds come from a more rock and roll origin and although we do replicate and sing traditional Mediaeval songs, we often set Mediaeval poetry to our own original compositions too. This means we perform a soundscape that plays to everyone's romantic sense of our past, in an accessible, fun and beautiful way.

Why The Procession – what is the significance of the procession, Katherine?

We are always looking to add some more magic, theatre and story- telling to our performances.

For us the pageantry seen in our costumes and headdresses, is just as important as the composition of the songs. The procession is an extension of this. For the past few years we have processed to celebrate the Winter Solstice at our Christmas concert in London and I liked the idea of making 2023 our "procession year".

Every one of our concerts this year has started with a procession and at Christmas time it just makes it even more magical and fun. We invite everyone to join in, so our audience can become immersed in the Christmas pageantry and fantasy that makes Christmas special to us all. And of course, in mediaeval times street processions were an intrinsic part of holiday celebrations which often featured chanting voices and ringing bells.

How has the Mediaeval Baebes grown or changed over the years Marie?

I think we are definitely more ambitious and diverse, especially when you look back to the simplistic and traditional approach that we started out with. We now enjoy singing in many different languages such as Middle English, Latin, Mediaeval Spanish, Arabic and Modern English; as well as performing with an enormous range of ancient and exotic acoustic instruments including Recorders, Viol da Gamba, Hurdy Gurdy, Oud, Cuatro, and acoustic guitar. This has really helped us grow both musically and professionally.

What is the best part of being a Mediaeval Baebe Katharine?

We all have our own, different wow monuments and there are so many different experiences where do I start… I really enjoyed performing across the world in Canada, Asia, Europe and the United States. We have sung in castles and caves, through to cathedrals and Glastonbury, as well as performing at the Jersey Opera House and the legendary Lilith Fayre. But, performing on Iggy Pop’s Christmas day special was one of the best for me. I am a huge fan of his, and he of us, so that was a real ‘wow’ moment.

What is yours Marie?

I agree, a difficult one to choose. The Baebes are an astonishing collective of very talented women who are just fun to be around both on and off stage, so going on tour is one of the best parts for me. I love it. Also, my life-long obsession has been history, and our songs are designed to be sung in old churches and Cathedrals. Our sound rises into the rafters and vaulted ceilings. For me it is just perfect. Always a wow moment. I feel so very privileged to be able to sing in so many awe-inspiring venues.

However, singing at the Royal Albert Hall was just an absolute honour and another favourite of mine was the Minstrels Gallery at Hampton Court Palace. Here I felt a huge powerful sense of history and real a connection to all the musicians that must have sung there through the ages.

Katharine, how will the Mediaeval Baebes top their huge achievements next?

Ha, I am not sure we can! But… as we have found over the years, we have changed and new opportunities always come up for a new exciting challenge. For example, in 2023 we collaborated with Orbital ‘Ringa Ringa’ and enjoyed being part of the number 6 status in the album charts. And, we were also invited join our siren call with the TikTok lockdown sensation The Wellermen when we collaborated on part of their remix album ‘Explorations.’ So who knows what will be next!

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