The Kaje Sessions: Benny Marchant

The Kaje Sessions presents Benny Marchant. Far from a newcomer to the music world, Marchant formed his first band NRG with a group school mates, which lead to gigs all over the globe, however, post-Graduation NRG split and Marchant relocated to Nashville to pursue his musical dream. After scoring minor success on local radio, Marchant relocated once again to Southern California where he found success awaiting him. With the So. Cal. crowd cheering him on, Marchant has set his eyes breaking Europe and as our The Kaje Session in the park shows, Marchant may not have to have to wait too long…

Where did you record The Kaje Session?

Queensway, Kensington Gardens.

What made you choose to use this location?

I was excited to get an opportunity to explore London and perform outside of a studio!

What is the most unusual live date you have ever played?

My College Alumni Festival.  Was interesting playing in front of all of my friends and family .

What made you choose to sing ‘Be With You’ for the session?

This is one of my favourite songs to sing live!  This setting seemed like a great place for it.

The Kaje Sessions: The Ex Senators

The Kaje Sessions presents The Ex Senators. Having been blown away by The Ex Senators  latest single “Start A Fight”, The Kaje could not resist hooking up with D-Mac and Van when they hit London for a brief visit. With a promise that they will return later in the year for a full-blown UK Tour, we jumped at the offer to record an exclusive performance of album track “Angel”, a number which immediately highlights the group’s versatility. With the album set to hit in August, we hope you enjoy this spine tingling rendition…

Where did you record The Kaje Session? 

At St James Square in London. 

What made you choose to use this location?

We needed a quiet space in London and St James presented itself quite nicely at the time. 

What is the most unusual live date you have ever played?  

Too many to count. But most recently we played an acoustic set at a club while the Semi final with Spain in the Euro’s ran long And we had to start the set while the giant screen was on above us.  So in mid song the whole crowd yells Oi!  Or a big “aaaaah”.  And you kind of look over your head to see who scored.   

What made you choose song title for the session?

Since The Kaje so kindly featured our first single “Start A Fight” last month we thought it best to play the next single “Angel” which kicks off the album.  Incidentally the album kicks off August 7 at online retailers everywhere (shameless plug there!). 

http://www.theexsenators.com

The Kaje Sessions: Maria Doyle Kennedy

The Kaje Sessions presents Maria Doyle Kennedy. Dublin born Maria Doyle Kennedy is no doubt best known by the public for her portrayals of Katherine Queen of Aragon in The Tudors and Francis in The General, but the actress first set her musical talents to record on her 2001 debut album “Charm” and with solo album number five “SING” finally ready for release on August 27th, The Kaje feels distinctly privileged to be able to share this exclusive rendition of title  track “Sing” for The Kaje Sessions..

Where did you record The Kaje Session?

We recorded SING in our kitchen in Dublin and Kieran floated some images of Pat Scott’s paintings into the video. He is my favourite painter and has been hugely inspirational for me.

What made you choose to use this location?

We are preparing for the release of SING, the album, and as it’s released on our own label, our kitchen table is literally Operations Central and where we are spending every hour that we’re not out gigging. We are the very definition of cottage industry!

What is the most unusual live date you have ever played?

We played in a tiny circular church in Hartburg, Switzerland last year. We were gigging across the road and decided to lead the audience across to the medieval Church… They all carried candles as there was no light. It was magical.

What made you choose Sing for the session?

SING is about being courageous, not giving up. It has become a manifesto.

The Kaje Sessions: Helena Jesele

The Kaje Sessions presents Helena Jesele. Manchester born, Dublin raised singer/songwriter Helena Jesele towers above her contemporaries in many respects. Physically clocking in at 6ft, Jesele is a distinct presence physically, but her height is far from the focal point when watching the charismatic chanteuse perform her delicious ditties. Having blown The Kaje away with her stomping single “Let The Games Begin”, we are honoured to have The Kaje Sessions play host to this tasty rendition of “Sun Is Rising”.

Where did you record The Kaje Session?

It was recorded at a friend’s flat in central London.

What made you choose to use this location?

It’s a very light, airy and relaxed space with lovely big windows, so it felt like the right fit for the song.

What is the most unusual live date you have ever played?

I did a gig at the top of The Gherkin once. It was amazing, but didn’t do my fear of heights any favors…

What made you choose “Sun Is Rising” for the session?

Well, “Sun Is Rising” is quite an uplifting, summery track, so as it’s been raining in London nonstop for the last couple of weeks, I thought it’s be nice to give The Kaje a little sunshine!

http://www.helenajesele.com

The Kaje Sessions: The Sea

London based brother duo The Sea blew The Kaje away with their latest album “Rooftops”, a release which saw a move from The White Stripes lo-fi fuzz into 90s heavy indie pop akin to Mansun and Kula Shaker. With bite and bark, The Sea ride the wave and get those hips and heads shaking. With the boys now back from their German tour, The Kaje jumped at the chance of a stripped back rendition of the riotous “Shake Shake”…

Where did you record The Kaje Session?

At The Sea HQ (Peter’s apartment in Camden).

What made you choose to use this location?

It’s where we live (weirdly we’re listening to ‘Our House’ by C, S, N+Y right now! How fitting!)

What is the most unusual live date you have ever played?

A Romany Gypsy camp in Italy in a derelict house. That was class!

What made you choose “Shake Shake” for the session?

Well it’s the new single but we thought it was kinda cool to do a slower, bluesier version (which is how it was originally written).