Sibling duo Catherine Marriott and Robin Christensen-Marriott come together to form the brilliant Catgod, whose new single Keep My Promises is out now. With an EP right around the corner, we caught up with Catherine to find out a little bit more about the group’s sound, inspirations, and more.
Catgod's new EP drops on June 22
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
Folk-hewn dream pop, with a splash of trip-hop.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
Sometimes it can be difficult being a female front person; it’s a very male-dominated industry.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
You have to be quite determined and confident that you love what you are doing. If you didn’t love it, I think it would be very hard indeed.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
It’s paramount. If you don’t feel like something is yours or saying something lyrically or musically about you or the band, why make it? We don’t work with an external producer – Robin records, mixes and masters it all so we are free to collaborate freely… If Robin doesn’t get too grumpy!
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
Our roots come from British and Irish Folk – our Dad played lots of John Martyn when we were growing up. This EP is centred around the reflection on loving relationships, be them family, friends, or lovers. Lying in bed at night gives me a lot of ideas lyrically and melodically – it feels like a subconscious thing. The ideas are just waiting to be listened to if I’m in the right mood.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
Massive Attack. We love how they take advantage of different vocal qualities to truly haunting effect. It’s a real art to be that clever with different vocal styles, and it’s something we want to keep getting better at.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
Cat can shake her eyes like a rattlesnake!
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career moving forward?
Play Jools Holland’s NYE Hootenanny. And for Robin, to grow a beard like Paddy’s.
Where do you hope to be by this time next year?
Playing festivals in the UK and beyond. You always get great audiences at festivals who are really receptive to what you do.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
Ronnie Scott’s on June 5. New EP on June 22. Free hometown EP launch on Saturday, June 23. Cornbury Festival!