Carolyn Berk has her own band, Lovers, but she's the kind of woman who also likes to step out by herself from time to time. A citizen of Boston and Athens, Georgia (home to REM), this singer-songgwriter's music features elements of these two distinctive scenes. Two little-known facts about Berk are that her strongest most unshakeable belief is for love, and that her porn star name would be Dusty Bibles. Berk is playing a rare solo gig in London this spring, don't miss it. Meanwhile here's a little interview with the woman herself.

How would you describe your music to someone who's never heard it?
I started playing music because I love to write. I sing my poems. My songs seem to always revolve around themes of heartache and loss. I love music that's got longing in it, dark and dirge-y. I write songs and then I bring them to my band and we all come up with ways to orchestrate them. People have compared my work to Patti Smith, Cat Power, and Neutral Milk Hotel.

What's your favourite song that you do?
Well, 'Winter Takes a Lover' always seems to be a crowd-pleaser, even though it's totally dark and depressive, but it's fun to sing.

So you have a band, but you also do solo stuff?
Yup, I have a band, they're wonderful, wonderful guys, but touring is a lot more free when it's just one person. Lovers is becoming more of a group recording project, and a solo performing project, it seems. It's strange, touring solo. I miss the company and the accompaniment, but it's sort of cool to make these songs stand up by themselves, and see what they're like in the raw again.

How did you get the nickname Cubby?
I'm like a little bear, I guess.

What's the most memorable thing that's happened to you whilst you've been on the road?
Our van blew up in Virginia, that was pretty memorable. The back axle broke, the wheel flew off, and the propane tank from the stove was dragging against the highway and caught fire. We all got out unharmed, but we lost all our instruments and pretty much everything we all owned. Then we rented a mini-van and drove six more hours that night, completely freaked out, and played our first show that next night.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?
This is my first visit to London, it's gonna be great. I fancy I'll be taking the tube to my flat, then. Cheerio!

Carolyn Berk
Bodrum Café
61 Stoke Newington High Street
Londo,n N16

Sunday 9 May 2004, £3

Lovers also appear 12 May at the Hope and Anchor, 207 Upper Street, London N1

Treat yourself to The Gutter and the Garden, The Lovers' new CD, online and save money.

Get The Perfect Square, REM's latest DVD recorded live in Germany.