Horses and Burning Cars marks Kate’s solo debut. It was recorded with the help and guidance of Tony Scherr (of Sex Mob, Jesse Harris and the Ferdinandos, Bill Frisell’s trio and his own eponymous band) at his studio in Brooklyn, New York. Other contributors include Chris Brown on Wurlitzer and organ, Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith) and Kenny Wolleson (Tom Waits, Jesse Harris) on drums.

Kate says: “The songs are a bit about broken hearts, a bit about loss, a bit about contrition, a bit about poets, a bit about fires. They hope to be love songs and songs of disguised hope.”

Norah Jones had these kind words to say about Kate: “She rocks … she’s one of my favourite singers to go hear in NYC.”

Bill Stunt on CBC Radio One’s Bandwidth program says “Horses and Burning Cars” is an “amazingly artfully-crafted work.” Kate was nominated ‘Artist of the Week’ on the show, joining other talents, including Kathleen Edwards, Sarah Harmer, Ron Sexsmith and Emm Gryner.

“The poetry that permeates this album and its delivery unmake me. I finally begin to understand what Helen Scarry was talking about in On Beauty and Being Just when she explains the de-centering nature of beauty. This album displaces me, awakens my compassion.”
— Sid (on CD Baby)

“You feel her emotion. You hear her soul. The song Twin Griefs will tear you apart. This CD is one of the most poetic and beautiful musical explorations I have taken. This is my my new ‘get in the car and drive to nowhere’ CD.”
— Rod (on CD Baby)

“Kate Fenner’s lyrics remind me of no one else’s. They’re original, evocative and leave you needing to know more. About Sarah and America; About complicated dreams and mustangs. What a lovely, soulful cd this is.”
— Mark (on CD Baby)