WEEK 1 - THE CAT EMPIRE

My purpose here is very simple; I will get you to listen to the music I post, and you will LIKE IT. Okay, okay, you don’t have to like it, we all have different tastes after all, but I hope to inspire you enough to give the music a sincere listen. By that, I don’t mean you click the link or video and humor me for a few seconds before moving on. I want you to read this blog, go home at the end of your day of classes, suddenly remember the new piece of music I shared that you really want to hear, return to this blog on your own time, and listen to the music. If you don’t do this, then I have failed. Each week I will share an artist you probably don't know, or I might even share an important album from a band you have definitely heard of but never got around to checking out. All I need from you is a few minutes once a week, an open mind, and a curiosity for discovering new, fantastic music. What makes me qualified to decide which artists and songs you must listen to? Stop asking questions and just read, dammit!

In order to get this blog off to a strong start, I will begin with the kings of the jungle: The Cat Empire. I have known this group for a very long time, and they remain one of my all time favorite bands. I went to two live performances of theirs in Philadelphia and New York, and the shows were incredible. I have never seen a greater number of exuberant people dancing like freaks anywhere else. The Cat Empire consists of six core members with a few additional musicians joining on various albums. They are based in Melbourne, Australia and have an enormous following in their home country. They released their debut album in 2003 and it went twice platinum by 2005.

But you probably don’t care that much about The Cat Empire’s history; you’re here for the  music. Describing this band's sound is impossible without using a long string of various genres melded together. They use elements of reggae, hip-hop, rap, jazz, rock, latin, and funk. The only defining characteristic of their identity is their uncanny ability to evade definition. That being said, there is one characteristic of this group that does differentiate them from any group I have ever listened. The Cat Empire plays the most genuinely happy music on Earth. Their energy will brighten your day whether you are a long time fan or a first time listener.

The band utilizes two lead vocalists, one with a deep, rich voice, the other with a higher, more dynamic sound, as well as a strong brass section. All of the musicians are extremely talented in their own right, so when they come together, fantastic music follows. 

Here is a link to “Brighter Than Gold,” a song from their most recent album, Steal the Light. A catchy upright bass line drives the music through the verses, which open up into etherial choruses. A strong horn hook in the middle and an outro that is guaranteed to make you get up and dance make this song instantly enjoyable. Once you’ve listened to this song, please do yourself a favor by exploring their other incredible works. Have fun!