Cath Elms: Meet the Artists- P4MH Swansea Alternative Big Weekend 25th-27th May

Playing the Sunday afternoon of the Punks 4Mental Health Alternative  Big Weekend on 27th May in Creature Sound is the brilliant Cath Elms. 

Here, Cath answers some questions about her music and playing the event!  For those who haven’t heard your music, can you describe it ?

I’m a singer/songwriter and pianist, and my music combines dark cabaret and heavy rock – it’s a blend of influences ranging from gothic rock to indie to blues to dark wave. For fans of Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Amanda Palmer, PJ Harvey. Are there any of the bands or artists who are playing Swansea’s Alternative weekend that you have seen before/ or / and are looking forward to seeing? 

I’m a big fan of Ben Luc, I think his style is really creative and melodic, so I always look forward to watching him perform. I like King Goon too, they’re always so fun and energetic! At a time when lots of big acts who have no connection to Swansea are being brought in for the Big Weekend, it’s so important to have something going on that showcases some of the varied and talented musicians who live and perform in Swansea. Punks 4 Mental Health is about challenging stigma around mental ill health . What does it mean to you to be playing this event?

I’ve been open about my own mental health journey, having battled with anxiety and depression for years. Challenging stigma and acknowledging that mental ill-heath is part of being human, is an important part of challenging how our culture deals with and supports mental illness and wellbeing. For me, it feels affirming to be able to perform somewhere where my mental health isn’t something I have to hide, it’s something I can draw upon and acknowledge the way it influences the music I write. Challenging stigma and myths about mental illness is an important first step, but it’s also important to lobby for increased funding into mental health public services where provision is constantly being cut. Most people with mental illness can’t afford to pay for private counselling, and so have to wait for months (sometimes years) for a short course of NHS counselling, and this delay can result in people’s mental health deteriorating even further. One of the ways you can fight this is to write to your MP and let them know that this issue needs addressing. What can people expect from you if they come out to watch your set ? 

Powerful emotional music, unexpected covers, a small person making a big noise. Anything else you want to add?

Proceeds from the Alternative Big Weekend are going to an amazing cause – Matt’s Café, which is a volunteer-run café that intercepts food waste destined for land fill and uses it to feed people who need it, on a pay as you feel basis. This provides an invaluable service for the homeless and vulnerable in Swansea, so I’m proud to be part of something that supports the 

fantastic work that they do.  

You can buy tickets on the door At Creature  Sound 4.50 for the weekend. Children are free on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.