In our latest edition of ‘First, Last, and Favorite’ we’re excited to introduce Black Belt Eagle Scout, the musical alias of Katherine Paul, aka KP. Her debut is set to be released this week via the esteemed Saddle Creek label.

KP grew up in the Swinomish tribal community on the rugged and beautiful coast of the Puget Sound right here in Western Washington. She returned to that locale to record Mother Of My Children, pulling inspiration from that unique world. Her perspective as a songwriter is undoubtedly shaped by her upbringing (see the embedded video for ‘Indians Never Die’.) In the end, Mother Of My Children is a natural, intuitive, and gorgeous record imbued with the unique perspective of a Native queer feminist raised here in Washington. It’s a rewarding listen.

KP was kind enough to share a few thoughts on a few favorites, revealing some of the sonic influences on her musical perspectives. We really hear a lot of the spirit and magic of her favorite record in the sounds on Mother Of My Children, which is out this Friday the 14th.

First

SLEATER-KINNEY CALL THE DOCTOR

I was in high school and just heard about this band called Sleater-Kinney. I was pretty excited after hearing this album because I learned they had a ton more albums. This one is definitely an inspirational album that helped shape me growing up. 

Last

SAINTSENECA ‘HOW MANY BLANKETS ARE IN THE WORLD?’

Every night on the tour I'm on, Saintseneca will do this song in their encore and it's my favorite song of the night. Zac's guitar part is so beautiful and everyone in the audience can tell with the straight silence and attention that happens from them. 

Favorite

CAT POWER MOON PIX

This was my favorite album for about 5 years straight. I was obsessed with it. I don't listen to it as much but it comes into rotation on my record player at home from time to time. ‘No Sense,’ ‘Say,’ and ‘Metal Heart’ are my favorites off of it.