Live webchat with Cerys Matthews, Radio 6 presenter, singer, songwriter and former member of Catatonia, Wednesday 12 June, 10.30am

[RachelMumsnet]

Cerys Matthews is coming along to Mumsnet Towers on Wednesday 12th June for a mid-morning webchat and to tell us about her beautiful new book, Hook Line and Singer that has just been published. Everyone who joins the webchat will be entered into a draw to win a signed copy (total here at MNHQ of the lucky winner)

Cerys is best known as a singer and songwriter from the band Catatonia. (Remember RoadRage and Mulder and Scully?) She now produces and presents the popular Sunday morning show on BBC Radio 6, makes documentaries for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 2, curates festivals and regularly appears on television shows like the Culture Show and The Voice where she joins Sir Tom Jones as a singing coach. She lives in West London and has five children.

Hook, Line and Singer is the result of this lifelong love-affair with singing: a beautiful songbook filled with Cerys' favourite songs, ballads and lullabies from around the world. The book is completed with music scores to make this the perfect sing-a-long book. Interspersed with the songs are personal anecdotes and tips of how to sing the songs and even suggested dances.

Put the date in your diary to join Cerys at 10.30am on Wednesday and if you're unable to make that time, post a question to her in advance on this thread.

Oh wow. Welcome to Mumsnet, Cerys.

I was playing International Velvet last night, my favourite chillout music. I especially like the lyrics - I Am The Mob especially, much more fun than the monotony of most bands - and I wondered if you actively set out to produce something different or if it just happened that way?

Hello Cerys! I listen to your show all the time on 6 Music. How did you get into DJing and what's your favourite type of music to play when you're on? And you plays such a wide range of stuff, have you ever played something really antisocial for a Sunday morning?

Hello cerys

Have you had any plastic surgery? and if not then would you consider it? I really want botox but dh thinks am being ridiculous

Cerys, congratulations on the book. I am a happy listener of your 6Music show and want to thank you for providing me with an expanded soundtrack for my life.

Would you consider re-mixing and recording the songs in your new book and if so, who would be on your 'shopping list' to record alongside?

This is an album that I would buy for every child-'owning' friend I know.

I LOVE your show. Just saying ;)

Hi

What was it like working with tom jones?

Who is the most intresting person you have meet and why?

Thanks :)

PS im a huge fan, thanks for doing the webchat

I love her!

Does she remember me from Clwb Ifor Bach?

Hi, Cerys. I love your show and turn my radio over for it, if I'm in the kitchen on a Sunday morning.

I know your tastes are way too eclectic and your show far too geeky for Radio 2, but have you ever thought of giving TPTB over that way a prod and pointing out that their daytime line up is entirely dominated by men and that it's just not acceptable?

Oh I love her show, always lovely, interesting music :)

Hi Cerys, I love your Sunday show on 6 music, I am frequently to be seen dancing around my kitchen or loudly singing along. From all of recorded history who would you choose to sing you a lullaby?

Love your show Cerys. Do your kids know you are famous? What do they think about that?

Hi Cerys,

Love your stuff

If you were just starting out would you audition for shows such as the X factor and the Voice?

thanks

Hi Cerys, my husband bought the CD of Sweet Catatonia last week. (we were still buying vinyl when it came out so the album doesn't get out much).

Still one of my favourite songs. No question, just wanted to say!

Hi Cerys, love the 6 music show and was a big fan of Catatonia.
"You've got a lot to answer for" still has me singing very badly in the car.
I sing my boys a lot of traditional Scots lullabies, do you sing ones from around the world or mostly the ones you grew up with?

Hi Cerys,

You have such a unique voice, which female artists (if any) have influenced your vocal style?

If you were on Desert Island Discs, what luxury item would you choose?

My youngest is called Cerys...what's the most ridiculous pronunciation of your name you've ever heard? We once had "cerise"...

Hello Cerys, just wanted to say you are the object of a bit of a girlcrush. That's all

Given the opportunity, Mulder or Scully?

Hi Cerys,

If you weren't a singer/song writer, what alternative career do you think you would have taken?

Clwb Ifor Bach or Chapter (before its poncey revamp)?

Hi Cerys

My most played album ever is International Velvet, and especially it's namesake single is sung almost daily in this house, especially by my very patriotic Manshape. My question is - how important is being Welsh to you? Do you miss home, now you live in London?

Hi Cerys,

I've loved you since I was 12. Now 30. Nothing more to add.

I would love to ask Cerys if, after their joint appearance on The Voice, a new collaboration with Tom Jones, possibly festive, may be considered, I love 'cold outside'.

Also, are there any songs out there you would love to cover and put your own spin on?

Hello Cerys,
I am organising. 'The Middle of No-where Children's Literature Festival' in Cornwall (Sat. 20th July). The main emphasis of the Festival is to encourage children and families to actively participate in creative workshops that are related to the literature field, but mainly to do with Stories and using creative media to bring them alive.

Workshops include, songwriting, illustration, story dance improvisation, theatre performance and improvisation, perinting and book-making, story sketchbooks, and quirky narrative activities which will stir their imagination, and encourage children to explore their own narratives on the day. In addition Gill lewis - award winning author- 'Skyhawk', 'White dolphin' and recently published 'Moon bear'. will be presenting, alongside Ian Thomas - diver, expedition leader and documentary film-maker - 'Planet Earth' & 'Life' series with Sir David Attenborough and 'Oceans', - who will be giving talks about their life experiences and inspiration to write for children.

On the recent publication of your new book, I wish to invite you to attend, to speak to children about your book, and experiences of songwriting and stories and how they weave together. My friend mentioned that she heard you on Radio 4 this week and at that point i knew that i had to ask you to attend as you will fit the bill perfectly. I can arrange accommodation, but do not have any other budget to pay a huge publishing fee, Although you would have plenty of opportunity to sell and sign your books. This is our pilot Festival, which his steering a clear course, but already it has wings and wants to fly! It would be great if you could attend!

Please contact me, Angeselle Haslam-Hopwood (organiser) on 07974 829 570. It would be lovely to speak with you. [email protected].

With kindest and most hopeful regards,
Angeselle.