Eight questions with Catgod

(c) Ian Wallman

1. Who are Catgod, and what does the change of name represent for the band? (a short introduction)

Catgod are a groove collective based in Oxford who combine trip-hop, jazz n’ soul with too many lead vocalists ;) It signifies us moving away from our previously more flamenco inspired sound(as Roberto y Amigos) and towards influences from more souly types like Otis Redding and darker types like Portishead and Massive Attack.

2. How long have you been making music together, and what have the highlights been so far?

Well we started writing for our album around a year ago now. We’ve been working on our live set together for around 4 months. Being played on BBC Radio 6 Music twice in one week was pretty exciting but it doesn’t top the look George and Henry give me when something goes wrong when we’re playing live…

3. Your debut record ‘Ready When You Are’ was launched just over a month ago with a really successful show at ODHHC, how does it feel to have the record out for people to listen to? Feel free to big up everybody who worked on the record and any interesting stories behind how you started playing together!

Personally I felt pretty relieved to get it out there. I think after you’ve released something you’ve been working on for a while, you feel like you a ready to move onto new things and realise it was taking away some of your energy. Think everyone felt kinda proud? Ggguys? Peeps who worked on the album were a mixture of friends from school and mates from other bands. I’ve been trying to steal George Purnell from his other band Homeplanetearth for years now…

4. As the gig in December was such a hit, for any artists reading this who might be looking to organise a show with Tigmus, or have one booked in already, do you have any tips for successfully self-promoting a gig?

It all starts with getting the people who you know to come along. If you make sure 50% of the people you’ve met and connected with are there on the night it’s a great way to get the ball rolling.

5. Who is your audience and how do you connect with your fans?

We connect via fresh dog and cat videos posted straight to our instagram site… https://www.instagram.com/catgodmusic - also signing up to our mailing list is a great way to hear about secret gigs and crazy cat inspired parties.

6. What would your dream gig look like? Are there any artists you’d love to play alongside, locally and further afield?

The dream would be to play atop the Sphinx to a small group of people who wanted to be that high too.

7. We’re looking forward to your support slot for us at the Holly Redford Jones EP launch in Feb - what kind of set can we expect at the show, and how will you be preparing for the evening? Any unique pre-show rituals?

We’ve been working on our group vocal chord warm ups… 1, 1 2 1, 1 2 3 2 1, 1 2 3 4 3 2 1… Know that one? You can expect hot chords, good bass and two drum kits…

8. What does the rest of 2017 hold for you?

We hope to be releasing some new music soon. Really excited to share it with everyone!

Catgod support Holly Redford Jones at her EP launch at Oxford's Fusion Arts on 18th Feb, alongside Calÿpso  - tickets here!