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Emerging Artist Spotlight – catl

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Photo by Alyssa Faoro

July 14 2012 – We love to support live local music and finding new bands. When we run into some new music we like, we make it a mission to get a hold of the artist(s) and ask them for an interview to get to know them or their band better. Today we get a chance to speak to the blues band, catl.

Hey catl, thanks for taking the time out to talk to us. Let’s start off with the obligatory introductions. Who’s in the band and what instrument does everyone rock?

catl: 


catl – guitar, vocals; Sarah K., vocals, keyboards, piano, maracas, tambourine, accordion, drums; Andrew Moszynski, drums.

How did you come by the name catl?

catl: 


It’s a meaningless name I’ve recorded under for years.

How about the history of the band, when did you get started and how did it happen?
catl:


I wanted to learn to play Mississippi Hill music and turn it into loud Mississippi Hill music. Sarah and Andrew made that happen.

Who are some of your musical influences?
catl: 


Dead Mississippi Blues Guys.

Photo by Alyssa Faoro

What is your favorite single line of lyrics the band has written and why?

catl:


I think I’ll let other people decide what they like and don’t like. After it’s written down it doesn’t really carry any meaning or significance for me anymore.

What does the rest of 2012 and 2013 hold for you?

catl:


we’re playing as many shows as we can. We have our U.S. visas and want to go down south a bit more. At some point soon we’ll put together a new group of songs to record. We’re playing the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Nov. 22nd which is a gig I’m pretty fond of.

Imagine that you were asked to be the opener for any band’s world tour (both current and historical). Which band and tour would be your dream opening gig.

catl:


Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet……..this Saturday July 14 [ed. note: at Lee’s Palace, catl at 11pm]

Photo by Alyssa Faoro

What is the future of the music industry? With the concept of the album and physical CD’s facing extinction, how will we be consuming music in 10 years? Are the economics feasible for emerging artists?

catl: 


No, there’s no money in playing music. We’re just as happy playing music on our front porch making no money as we are playing in a club for no money.

Where can people get your music/CD, is it being sold anywhere?

catl: 


Various record stores in Toronto (Sonic Boom, Soundscapes, Rotate This!), iTunes, zunior or catl.bandcamp.com

Photo by Alyssa Faoro

Any closing remarks for our readers?

catl: 


Stay in school and read some books.

I had the chance to see catl at the Dakota Tavern last Sunday night at it was, for fans of the rootsy Delta blues, a mind-blowing show. catl (the singer/guitarist) has an awesome gritty voice for the blues and played a great slide guitar on many songs. catl (the band) is a three piece band but, like Little Foot Long Foot, the third is organist Sarah K. rather than the usual bassist. Also like LFLF, they have an incredible drummer whose heavy playing makes you feel the music, not just hear it.

catl played Lee’s Palace on July 14th and again one the 21st at the Dakota for three sets. Those are shows not to be missed!!

There’s something about catl that makes black & white seem appropriate


Thanks so much to catl for the interview. The band’s website is catl.bandcamp.com and as you would expect they are on Twitter and Facebook. Check out their video for their wicked song Gold Tooth Shine.

 

Supplemental coverage:

catl played a packed Lee’s Palace on July 14 opening for the surf band Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet. The hot and sweaty room was at capacity for Shadowy Men but the crowd emphatically supported catl cheering loudly for all their songs. As good as Shadowy Men were, in this reviewer’s opinion, catl was very more entertaining.



Interview and photos by Steve Mallinson

Steve Mallinson
Author: Steve Mallinson

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