Last month we told you about the first single from Catlips’ new EP, Casual. Since then, we’ve had the pleasure of having a chat with the Australian producer about the release, the importance of visuals, and her goals in music.
FUXWITHIT: How long have you been making music as Catlips?
Catlips: Since 2012, maybe? My first release was 2013, though!
FUXWITHIT: Your Bandcamp bio notes that you are/were a composition student. Can you give us a little information on your musical education?
Catlips: I played jazz guitar in high school and did composition for my TEE, then used that portfolio to get into WAAPA. My course was a BMus majoring in composition and music technology so it was heavily focused around electronic and experiemental music.
FUXWITHIT: I have a hard time assigning a genre to your music. It is incredibly eclectic. Who are your musical influences?
Catlips: I guess I have a pretty wide range of influences mainly in electronic, chicago house, disco, experimental and techno music. I don’t tend to be influenced by individual musicians… mainly by watching great performances and taking the things from it I find most memorable.
FUXWITHIT: Is avoiding genre classification important to you? Why?
Catlips: It’s not something I actively try to do – I feel it just happens because I get bored staying too rigid in one genre. People like to classify things so I understand why it happens.
FUXWITHIT: I really enjoy your Boiler Room set. Like the host, I also find it impressive that the material is all your own. Why did you choose not to include music from other producers?
Catlips: Thank you! I guess I was asked to play a live set, so thats why :-) It was a really amazing opportunity to showcase my music.
FUXWITHIT: Most producers are uploading single tracks to SoundCloud, but you chose to release an EP. Why?
Catlips: I felt like the time was right to push out a group of tracks that would show the variety in my music at the moment. I guess they are all fairly different and wouldn’t make as much sense if they were just being put out one by one.
FUXWITHIT: The art for ‘Fade’ and Casual are interesting. I can’t help but try and associate the colours and shapes to the music. How have/do you use visuals with music?
Catlips: As part of my graduation from WAAPA I programmed a live visual show to accompany my audio using Max for Live/MaxMSP. I feel super strongly about the audio/visual connection and the importance it can play in electronic music and performance. I’m glad you get that from listening!
FUXWITHIT: Considering the relationship between art and your music, I’m left wondering if Casual will see a hard copy release?
Catlips: A very limited press of 12″ of Casual will be available featuring Yoko Hondas artwork :-) Stay tuned online for more details.
FUXWITHIT: Casual is packed full of different tones and samples. In particular, I notice a lot of manipulated vocal samples. Do you source these from recordings or create them yourself?
Catlips: 85% of the vocal samples are my own, although usually quite heavily processed. The others are usually samples I have taken on my iPhone of random environments/crowds/places.
FUXWITHIT: ‘Fade’ has some of the only audible lyrics on the release. Do they have significance?
Catlips: They were originally inaudible, haha! I ended up changing them so you could actually understand. No real significance other than choosing words for rhythmic purpose – I like people to make their own meaning from lyrics.
FUXWITHIT: Can you elaborate on any upcoming projects?
Catlips: Just loads more time in the studio and new songs. I have a video coming out for ‘Fade’ really soon and I’m looking forward to working with a bunch of talented friends on new stuff.
Pickup Catlips’ new EP, Casual, here!
