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Photo Credit: Strummer Jasson

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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the songwriting bug?
I’ve wanted to be a few different things. I’ve always been singing and at one point thought I could become an opera singer. I’ve been journaling and writing for a long time and songs were just another form of poetry for me and a way to better understand my feelings and thoughts about my life. 

Your new album ‘Down Rounder’ has just been released. Describe its origin and evolution. 
The songs began while I was living in Quebec back in 2020. My initial intention was to complete the record in my home studio there – but was derailed due to an encroaching mold issue. After some tossing and moving, I had the opportunity to record at the famous Sound City Studios with Tony Berg In Los Angeles. We recorded the majority of the songs there, with some pieces from my sessions back in Quebec added in – including The Gloom and I Feel It. We recorded it in 6 days, backed by an incredible band including Mason Stoops – Guitar, Jacob Jeffries – keys, Sebastian Steinberg – Bass, and Kane Ritchotte – Drums and engineered by Will MacLellan. 

Do you have a favourite song on the album?
It’s always changing, but I think right now it’s ‘Send You Love’. It was a really special moment that was captured and it’s so spacious and rich. I love this recording.

Loved the ‘Everywhere I Go’ video, you seem very at home in the outdoors, but you seem to be pretty busy touring for the next couple of weeks. Can you tell us more about your relationship with nature? And, do you enjoy touring?
I’ve always had a very good relationship with nature. I’ve always felt most comfortable in nature and in the natural world. There is so much magic and wisdom constantly rolling at my feet when I take the time to tune in. Touring can be very difficult for me. I’m not a city person, and traveling can be hard with constant movement, lack of sleep and not being able to make my own food. But there are really special moments I do enjoy – when the sound at a venue is nice, and the green room feels welcoming and clean, when I’m receiving and giving energy on stage and the conversations and situations and observations that can arise with your time being up in the air constantly. 

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
When I feel commanding and feel comfortable to lay myself on the line it feels the best. That’s when I feel the most purpose and reminded of why I continue on this path. 

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Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today? 
There’s a few performances that I return to for inspiration. There’s a performance by Etta James singing I’d Rather Go Blind where she’s just pouring sweat and wailing the song out. It’s so tender and powerful. I love Lee Hazlewood and am very inspired by his production and songwriting, and the timbre of his voice.

What are you looking forward to most this year? What can the fans expect?
I’m looking forward to caring less about what myself or others think I should do or how I create and continuing to destroy the rules I create for myself and that the industry creates, so I can express my work more honestly and truthfully. 

If you could perform with any music artist, alive or dead, who would you choose and why? 
There are so many that would be amazing. Howling Wolf, Lonnie Johnson, Lightning Hopkins, The Cramps, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Lee Hazlewood, Johnny Cash, the Delmore Brothers.

What are your long-term aspirations as a musician and how are you progressing towards them?
I want to deepen my relationship with music so I can continue to express myself more fully and honestly. I want to create work that is healing for both myself and the listener. I’m always moving towards that by cutting out what doesn’t serve me, learning to manage my time more wisely, and carving out time and space to show up for my creativity.

With that in mind, what piece of advice would you give to an artist starting out?
Always move towards what moves you. It’s  the only thing that’s real. No one has any answers. 

Finally, a few questions for some quick-fire answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Trouble Is a Lonesome Town – Lee Hazlewood
Artist – Lee Hazlewood
Movie – The Bear
Place to visit – A cave on a mountain by a glacial river. 
Food – Japanese 
Drink – Water
Person in History – The Mad Trapper of Rat River 
Tattoo – It’s hard to choose 

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Down Rounder
Tracklisting:

1. Everywhere I Go
2. Papa Took My Totems
3. Not Going Back
4. The Gloom
5. Mystic Light
6. Real Love
7. I Feel It
8. Eternity
9. Hawk In The Tree
10. Send You Love

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Follow CAT CLYDE
Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube
Website – Spotify – Bandcamp – Apple Music 

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The list of live dates are:

Feb 18: Norwich, UK @Norwich Arts Centre 
Feb 20: Birmingham, UK @ Town Hall 
Feb 21: Manchester, UK @ Manchester Club Academy 
Feb 22: Glasgow, UK @ Saint Luke’s 
Feb 23: Leeds, UK @The Wardrobe 
Feb 25: Brighton, UK @ Chalk 
Feb 27: Cambridge, UK @Cambridge Junction 
Feb 28: London, UK @ KOKO 
March 1: Kingston, UK  @ Banquet Records In-Store (solo)
March 3: Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg 

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Press Release 18th February 2023 (below) HERE

DOWN ROUNDER LP

Out Now on Second Prize Records

Listen HERE

Watch the Official Video
for new single
“Everywhere I Go”
filmed in Glasgow  
HERE

+ Currently on UK Tour
supporting Lissie
Including London KOKO
on 28th February 

Singles: “I Feel It” “Mystic Light” “Papa Took My Totems” “Everywhere I Go”

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AMNPLIFY – DB