Lynelle Miller
lynelle.miller@heraldbulletin.com
Kate Lamont has had a deep and passionate love for music that began at a very early age.
“My parents have a tape of me singing when I was 2,” said Lamont, 30, Indianapolis. “There are pictures of me listening to music. It was kind of a family thing to sing. We all sang together, and we even have a family Christmas album from, I think, 1989. I’ve had a lifelong love for music.”
Although she went to Ball State University to become an architect, Lamont, a 1994 graduate of Highland High School and member of Highland Singers, found her true calling — music — while in Muncie.
“I learned a lot about music through the form and composition while there,” said Lamont. “I took what I learned and put it into songwriting.”
Lamont has been on the music scene in Indianapolis since the late 1990s and has sung for bands playing everything from progressive rock to trip-hop.
Blueprintmusic is her latest and most successful venture with longtime musician and friend Doug Sauter, whom she met in Muncie.
Blueprintmusic is a six-piece ensemble that does not fit in any genre. “It’s hard to pick a genre,” said Lamont, lead singer for Blueprintmusic. “We do have bluegrass influence and it is progressive in nature, but I think indie fold or Americana would be a good place to start to describe our sound.”
With everything from a banjo, cello, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass and African drums, Blueprintmusic is like no other out there.
“We truly are world music,” said Lamont. “We just don’t fit the mold. We’ve been called everything from indie folk to fairy punk. We just feel we have something unique to share.”
And you can check out their unique sound this Friday.
A CD release party for their third album, titled “Slow Pace Quickening,” will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the American Cabaret Theatre, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis.
“This album is a collection of songs that give a lot of attention to detail,” said Lamont. “Each song is framed by the instrument in it. Each song is its own story. The string arrangements really define the sound. It is a metaphor for where we feel we are at musically.”
Lamont said she’s been at this a long time but feels this release is the anticipation of a faster pace in terms of getting more recognition for their music.
“It’s the best thing we’ve ever done, and our hard work is paying off,” said Lamont. “We’ve taken the slow road and been true to our calling, and we feel this is a big payoff.”
Lamont encourages residents of Anderson to come check out the show. “The live show is extremely exciting,” she said. “It’s just not like anything you usually see. It’s tight and well-practiced, and the band is just incredible.”
Jan Newbold, professor of French at Anderson University and Lamont’s mother, also encourages the residents of Anderson to check out the music. “I think (Kate) has been courageous and very persistent and determined to do music and do it with integrity. You will see that Friday,” said Newbold. “I’m very proud of her. It’s just going to be a good show. The entire group of Blueprintmusic just works so well together. It’s just a lovely sound. You really have to hear it to know.”
Besides being a full-time musician, Lamont is also a full-time wife and mother. Her husband of three years, Joshua Strodtman, plays percussion and African drums for Blueprintmusic. Her 2-year-old son, Noah, loves to play the harmonica and is taking after his parents with music.
“He keeps me busy,” Lamont said, laughing.
To check out samples of “Slow Pace Quickening,” visit www.blueprintmusic.com.
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If you go...
What: CD release party for Blueprintmusic’s third album “Slow Pace Quickening”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: American Cabaret Theatre, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis
For more information on Blueprintmusic or the upcoming show, visit www.blueprintmusic.com.
