Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Cat Reynolds shared his stirring new single ‘Ancient History’ on the 20th of May this year, and since then, its been a constant source of entertainment and inspiration.
The Limerick-born, London based musician draws from his combined influences as well as from a plethora of genres, from classic rock, jazz and pop to form his distinctly soulful sound, and we thought it was about time we got to know him a bit better.
Wonderful to meet you Cat, and congratulations on the success of 'Ancient History'. Looking back, how did it all begin for you?
"I think I’ve probably always sung to some extent and my first christmas present was a set of bongos but I first started playing music when I was about 5 years old, my mother sent me down the road to the local music teacher and I began playing the piano. It wasn’t until I was 15 that I actually started making my own music though. I started to learn the guitar and it stirred something in me that made me want to attempt writing something, I did and I’ve never stopped."
You're sound is a bold amalgamation of styles and genres. How would you describe it?
"I think my sound is an ever evolving thing. I’ve always focused on a sound that utilises real instruments mixed with electronic sounds. I’m a fan of most types of music and I like to incorporate as many different influences as possible. I think a lot of my songs have big choruses and wordy verses too. To be frank I’m not sure how to answer this question properly. I think that’s often a question a listener can answer easier."
What influences most define your music?
"I think my roots in music will always influence me. People and bands like Jamie Cullum, Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, Avril Lavigne, Theo Katzman, John Mayer, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles have been big influences growing up. But I’m also influenced by people i listen to now like Dominic Fike, Still Woozy, Remi Wolf, Jeremy Zucker and Jon Bellion to name a few."
We've been enjoying 'Ancient History' for a while now, but can you tell us a little more about it?
“Ancient History” is the first single from a four song EP that I wrote in the attic of a house in West Cork, Ireland over the course of four days. It was the last song I wrote for the EP and it’s probably the most emotional song for me. I won’t go into detail but 2021 wasn’t a great year for me personally and the song (and the EP) is a culmination of some very strong emotions poured out and set in music form."
What is your songwriting process? How does it all come together?
"I almost always have a general feel for the mood of a song before I write it and the music generally comes first, followed by melody and lyrics and then finished off with production. I co-produced this EP with a very very talented man by the name of Duncan Brookfield and although the song(s) sound like a band is playing it, myself and Duncan are the only two playing all of the instruments."
What’s next for you as an artist?
"I’m about to release my first EP that this single is part of and I think the only way is up from here, I’m just starting out in my career and I’m very excited to see where it takes me."
Do you have any advice for artists and bands who are looking to make it in the music industry?
"I think I’m not necessarily the best person to ask yet but I believe if you work hard at your craft, keep an eye out for opportunities and try to enjoy the process you have a good chance of making it where you want to go."
One last question before you go, what has been your best moment as a musician/band so far?
"I remember the first time one of my songs was played on national radio in Ireland my Granny heard it and rang me immediately to congratulate me and tell me she was proud. That’s a moment that sticks out for me."
Growing up in Limerick, Cat spent his childhood surrounded by music. He started playing piano at the age of three, and guitar in his teens. At eighteen, he studied popular music and voice at Cork School of Music for four years, while at the same time gigging around Ireland. In 2020 he was accepted to study a masters in songwriting and production at Tileyard education. Since then, Cat has been a mainstay of London’s live music scene.
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