Indie-Pop Artist KATANAK Shares New Single ‘Valentine’ - INTERVIEW
Fresh indie tunes with catchy pop hooks are the signature style of emerging Brisbane artist Dylan Cattanach, the face and creator of the indie-pop project Katanak.
Combining the storytelling of The 1975, the anthemic nature of Circa Waves and the hooklines of The Wombats, Katanak is building a reputation for creating colourful songs that get the crowd on their feet and moving to the groove.
Today marks the release of his highly-anticipated, crowd-favourite single ‘Valentine’. Writing and producing the high-energy record, Katanak explains that at first glance it might be considered a love song. But it’s actually about ‘lost love’. It’s about taking someone for granted and then once they are gone, realising they were the best part of your life.
We caught up with Dylan prior to the release to have a chat about Katanak, his new single and what it means to him… check it out!
Hey hey Dylan how the heck are you!?
DYLAN: Really good Darcy and great to be here chatting with you!
First things first, for anyone that doesn’t know ‘Katanak’ – describe your project in 4 words…
DYLAN: Fresh, Groovy, Youthful, Colourful.
As the face and creator of Katanak what have been some of the highlights of your journey so far?
DYLAN: I’ve had some good times with Katanak since I started this project in 2019. Very early in 2020 I was chosen as one of the 24 finalists to be part of the QUBE Effect with my track ‘Astronomy’. That alone was the perfect start to 2020 but throw in the mentoring we received by some industry professionals such as Tyler Mclaughlin, Maggie Collins and ‘Magoo’ and the professionally-shot film clip each group got to make made it an awesome start.
This program culminated in an awards night and I was fortunate enough to win The People’s Choice award which has given me the opportunity to get into the studio and record one song with ‘Magoo’ (Powderfinger, Regurgitator) which I am currently in the process of doing right now. There’s a gig planned for August with Fresco Kyoto at BEMAC but there will be more information on that closer to the date.
I’ve got a couple of great musicians backing me now, Niall Gilday & Josh Mellor, and these guys are helping me take my sound to a whole new level so the story isn’t ending any time soon!
Now you’ve just released a brand new single today titled ‘Valentine’ – talk to us a bit about that! What does the song mean to you and how did it come about?
DYLAN: Valentine is about losing someone in your life that you didn’t know meant so much until it was too late. That last line of the chorus ” the worst part of you is the best of my life” says everything really. That even the worst parts of a person were what made life special.
DYLAN: I’d done a couple of shows with Pete Murray and I showed him this track. It was mostly finished but he helped me put a few finishing touches to the lyrics.
“This one is just a straight up good time! Kooks, San Cisco sorta vibes that’ll have you moving no matter where you are.
”
What’s your typical song-writing and recording process?
DYLAN: Every demo is recorded in my bedroom and I work on it consistently until it’s at a stage where I’d be happy to take it to a studio. I normally will write the whole song (music) before I even touch the lyrics so that I can craft and tailor the lyrical flow and melody to what I’ve already written. I find the music much easier than the lyrics which is why I have a number of unfinished songs just sitting there waiting for lyrics, haha.
This was the first time I’ve worked with Jared Adlam (Hazel Mei) and the experience was so easy. He’s won Aria’s for country music but I was told he’s more an indie pop guy and he’s certainly added some studio gold to Valentine.
Last year you were the well-deserved recipient of the People’s Choice Award supported by BEMAC (congrats) how has this helped you?
DYLAN: Let me start by saying that if you are an emerging musician from Brisbane you have to apply for QUBE Effect. Great program – go check it out. The People’s Choice Award has helped me get my name out there in the Brisbane music community. I’ve noticed that more people know the name now. Not just in music though - I had a guy come into the deli I work in and asked me was I Katanak, so that’s my first taste of fame, haha. Part of the prize was recording with ‘Magoo’ and that’s been something I would never have been able to achieve if it wasn’t for this award.
You’re also quite the regular for Tomcat sets, what’s your favourite thing about the venue (besides the frozen pinacolada’s duh)?
DYLAN: I personally think Tomcat is one of the best venues in Brisbane for live music. I’ve never played a set there that didn’t go off and the people that go to that venue genuinely want to hear live music and always stay to watch the bands that play. The bartenders and soundies are also legends so shout out to them for being champions whenever we play.
What can fans expect from Katanak for the rest of the year!?
DYLAN: Fans can expect a heap of new music being released and with those releases lots of live shows and other events that they can be involved in and join the Katanak fun.
I found that while I didn’t get a chance to record at all after ‘Take Us Back’ due to covid, that time was put to good use and I’ve been doing a few collabs with some artists and that music will be released this year. I’ve written music with Joolz from Electric Lemonade, Nic from Telescreen (Melbourne) & Sam Windley.
To wrap it up let’s do a few rapid-fire Q’s:
Best pop ballad to boogie to?
DYLAN: Not a ballad per se but ‘She’s American’ by The 1975.
Favourite Brisbane venue?
DYLAN: Tomcat!
Best beer?
DYLAN: Personally, my go to drink is a double shot of whisky but beer wise I’d have to say Corona.
If you could tour with one artist who would it be?
DYLAN: The 1975 hands down, greatest live act around. I’m sure they’ll be reading this and I’ll get a call this arvo!
Cheers KATANAK!!
Listen to Valentine on Spotify. Katanak · Single · 2021 · 1 songs.
Do yourself a favour and go listen to Valentine….
And don’t forget to catch Katanak at his single launch on the 13th of March at Tomcat! Playing with mates and all round legends - The Baby Breaks and Tripitta!
RSVP here
KATANAK SOCIALS
Article by Darcy Goss.