Kate Rusby, the new album, the migrant crisis and the Yorkshire superhero

Boasting six Rusby originals and produced by husband Damien O’Kane, the 12-track album will be showcased on an autumn tour that visits Leeds Town Hall on Saturday before she plays Harrogate Royal Hall on December 15 and York Barbican on December 18 on her Christmas carols tour.

Vocalist Kate and acoustic and electric guitarist Damien made the recordings with regular band members Duncan Lyall, on double bass, Nick Cooke, on diatonic accordion, Steven Byrnes, on bouzouki and tenor guitar, Steven Iveson, on electric guitar, and Josh Clark on percussion.

Ahead of her Leeds concert, Kate answers Charles Hutchinson's questions on the new album, the migrant crisis and one Big Brave Bill.

Damien is taking a stronger hand on the tiller as the producer. What has he brought to the album sonically that expands on 2014’s Ghost. Kate?

"Yes, Damien had a longer sit in the producer’s chair for this album! I love the way the sound on Ghost was heading so we experimented more with technology for this album.

"Damien is very happy sat in the control room trying all different sounds out. We also have more percussion on this album than any before; I was adamant that I wanted the percussion to be 'computer generated' rather than played, so it had another dimension to it.

"Even songs written a hundred years ago are still relevant today," says Kate

"I love the way we have the new technology rubbing up next to the old songs; it’s something I was really keen to try. We also have lots of Moog on this album; it’s a retro sound but sounds so modern and space age next to the songs. I love how it’s all turned out."

Do you see a link between exploring the 21st century migrant crisis on the title track, Life In A Paper Boat, and songs from folk’s past that you interpret?

"There is a link, there’s always a link, 'cos that’s what folk music does; it documents and comments on us humans and what we get up to. It passes on stories form one person to another, and also has a political history, even songs written a hundred years ago are still relevant today.

"There were lots of songs written about the migrants from Ireland during the potato famine, for instance. In fact Damien sings quite a few songs with that theme that were written years and years ago. This is unfortunately happening now; it’s unbelievable in this day and age. But I don’t have any answers, just a heavy heart and a song.

What draws you to writing songs about the moon, the latest being Hunter Moon?

"I spend a lot of time travelling at night so I stare at the moon a lot, so he’s a good friend of mine. I often wonder what he can see from up there. Even arriving home after gigs, I always have a little stand outside and look into the night sky. I find it very calming, especially after the busy day of travelling and sound-checking, gig, then travelling home. It kind of empties my mind and aids sleep!! Yep, I love the moon, he’s a good pal."

Kate Rusby: "I don’t have any answers, just a heavy heart and a song"

How did the album's bonus track, the superhero tale of the Yorkshire Tea-drinking Big Brave Bill, come about?

"I love Bill!! He’s become another friend of mine!! He started out life as a bedtime story for my two girls, Daisy and Phoebe, and he kind of grew from there.

"For a few months we had to sing Big Brave Bill every single night before they would go to sleep, and even now still they request it. I have begun to write his next adventures, so they wait until another verse has been written and then they get the updates!

"I just wanted the girls to grow up with a sense of pride for the area they live in. I tour all around the world and do encounter a lot of bad press about Barnsley, but it’s a gorgeous old town and this area of South Yorkshire is just so gorgeous.

"After sitting and thinking, I came up with the idea of Bill, 'cos why wouldn’t there be a superhero from Barnsley?! The town's made up of tough ex miners, and kind hearts who have suffered over years gone by, but they carry on and endure and grow. Perfect hero stuff."

"Why wouldn’t there be a superhero from Barnsley?", says Kate

While on the subject of Barnsley, how do you feel about becoming a Freeman of your beloved town this summer?

"Yes, how very posh and grown up of me! I was totally overwhelmed by that. I received it on June 7, but I knew a couple of months beforehand after we received a letter from the Mayor asking if I would accept it.

"I was sat with my mum and sister and just kept saying, 'Do you think they sent it to the right person? Are they sure they mean me?'. I couldn’t believe it, and of course there were a few tears too both then and on the day!

"I am one of only seven people ever in history to have received it, so it’s a really big deal."

What does Barnsley mean to you?

"I've been spreading the word about how amazing Barnsley and the surrounding area is for all the years I've been touring.

"I'm a patron of a number of charities here (and also a patron of Yorkshire!), and with the work I do to spread the word of the South Yorkshire carols, and the concerts I play in the area and of course the Underneath The Stars festival we now run, the town council thought I deserved the honour.

"Like I say, I was totally overwhelmed but incredibly proud, and I can see my leather-bound scroll in its little glass case as I write!

"In fact the first time Big Brave Bill was ever sung in public was as part of my after-dinner speech after the ceremony. We even had the councillors joining in; it was such a lovely moment, and a whole day of cherished memories surrounded by people who all love, adore and burst with pride about Barnsley. Just brilliant."

Next year will be your 25th year of making folk music. Any early thoughts on how you might mark that anniversary, Kate?

"I know, I can’t believe it's been so long! So, we are just in the early stages of planning some special things for that. I’m not revealing any of the ideas yet though! There will be a new Christmas album next year though too. It’s going to be a busy one!"

Kate Rusby plays Leeds Town Hall on Saturday, 7.30pm; box office: 0113 376 0318. Kate Rusby At Christmas tour dates include Harrogate Royal Hall on December 15 and York Barbican on December 18; box office: Harrogate, 01423 502116 or harrogatetheatre.co.uk; York, 0844 854 2757 or at yorkbarbican.co.uk