Where hip-hop meets reggae, where jazz is played with dirty hands, where a Cuban line meets an Aussie rule, where nothing seems in place but sounds like many places played in one earthy chord. This is the island where THE CAT EMPIRE was born. (Written by the band in 2001)The first day in October has seen a massive shift for me. Such a good day on so many levels and the icing on the cake was seeing The Cat Empire celebrate 10 years of LIVE shows along with 1,500 other people at the Tivoli in Brisbane.
I could write a review on the band, the gig, the venue but it's best said here. And I have kinda talked about these guys numerous times over the years. You can read more on my blog here and here.
Watch the video here for a teaser of just how good these guys are.
I can literally talk about this amazing group of musicians forever because (and this is not just my opinion) they have been hailed as being one the best LIVE acts in the world. I love their albums but their gigs are something completely different - a spirit and magick that has to be witnessed to understand the true essence of who The Cat Empire really are. They're a group of guys who leave their egos at the door. Their on-stage presence is powerful, uplifting and the most talented bunch of musos in the world.
I've lost count of how many times I've seen them perform LIVE. Every Brisbane gig I'm there :) And every gig is completely different than the last. Even though you may have heard a song over 100 times, they will put a unique spin on it every time.
Which brings me to why I'm not writing a review about The Cat Empire but more about a project I've been working on for over twelve months inspired by The Cat Empire songs. I've written three of the planned twelve stories. I'm a bit behind schedule - it was supposed to be one story a month for a year but somehow life got in the way.
My stories are not based on the content of The Cat Empire songs as my stories are dark, sometimes supernatural with the horror in the mundane which of course is nothing like a Cat Empire song. Their songs are full of light and hope and joy and they are the best Australian party starters!
But because of the way my mind is geared I write dark, I write contemporary stories always verging on horror either in the character, situation or place, and for some bizarre reason I'm not sure How to Explain - The Cat Empire songs provide the inspiration. I'm not sure how Felix or Harry or Ryan or Jumps or Will or Ollie would feel about this but if I change the titles they don't have to know :)
What inspires you in your life whether it be through music, art, words or just life itself?
Midnight rambler still on a high and dancing to The Chariot
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