Belfast Beat Interview - July '07

Almost Famous...Catoan

"A refreshingly unique set of songs that suggest the arrival of an extremely exciting talent" (Ukmusicsearch)

With reviews as good as the one above this Belfast based band comprimising Paddy McKeown, Rúaidhrí Mannion, John Ferris, Cavan Fyans, Rob Baker and joined frequently by Iain McDougall, are clearly set for big things.

You used to call yourselves 'Paddy McKeown'. What made you decide to change your name to Catoan?

Paddy: By going by  my name I was always pegged as a singer-songwriter, therefore there were only those kind of opportunities open to us. When I started taking this seriously at Uni in England I had a couple of different bands there but I knew they were going to be temporary because people were moving on in different directions so I had to go by my name..and then as soon as I got back here and got a good band together I decided it would be a good idea to change the name over.

...and something I've been wondering, what does catoan mean? Is there something behind it?

Paddy: Well.. it may come from an acronym. Rúaidhrí: [Laughs] It might do! Paddy: Or an adjective or a noung maybe... So where did you meet? Paddy: This is a very long story! My ex-girlfriend was a violinist at the time and so I'd be playing some gigs with her, so in a way she was the first member. The Cavan - he'd seen some ads I had up and we hooked up from that. We went through a couple of different drummers until we found Rob. Then let's just say issues happened that resulted in us needing a new violinist and then Rúaidhrí put his name in...

Tell me - why should you make it?  

Paddy: Well, should we? I don't do music for those reasons - to tbe the next big thing. I do it to make music. But sometimes if you want to make music your life  you have to be well-known for it and reach a certain level of fame. Rúaidhrí: You have to puch it as far as you can to be successful.

Would you ever adapt or change your music just to be famous?

Paddy: 100% no f**king chance. Rúaidhrí : You can progress in your style without having to be someone else bitch.

I was having a nosey at your website and  you've got a huge list of gigs already under your belt. How do you prepare for a gig?

Paddy: Stay up all night and drink - three days straight! Rúaidhrí: We're currently rehearsing about twice a week. We always just need to be prepared.

Do you ever get nervous?

Rúaidhrí: It depends on the gig. Paddy: I've definitely been so nervous that my hands are shaking and I can't even hold the guitar properly. Rúaidhrí: It depends on the atmosphere as well. Playing with these guys you can move around and be free. You'd be nervous at the start but then settle into it.

How have you found the atmosphere in different venues you've been playing? Have people been welcoming?

Rúaidhrí: We were just up in Derry a wee while ago and people were really receptive. Down here in Belfast there's such a vibrant music scene that it's harder to draw people out to a gig. But it's all been great so far!

What song are you most proud of?

Paddy: I tend to end up liking the one that's newest all the time. I always write a new song and think 'brilliant, that's the best one so far!' I think 'i will' is our most well thought out song though. There are major classical influences of mine in there and Rúaidhrí wrote some string parts and we've gota gong and everything at the end. Rúaidhrí: To think it started off asa drunken riff!

Where do you find inspiration for your songs?

Paddy: It depends - it can be from influences  from what I've been listening to at the time. If I'm looking for lyrical inspiration sometimes I'd read U2 lyrics... Rúaidhrí: You read U2 lyrics for inspiration!?

Have you ever got into trouble by writing lyrics that are about people or things that have happened in your lives?

Paddy: I've never gotten into trouble but sometimes I corss the line a wee bit by being a bit too blatant [laughs] What have been your best moments as a band so far? Paddy: it's easy to equate good times with progress. We've had major people interested and we're now represented by the biggest music law firm in london. 

So sounds like you're already had great success at promoting the band?

Paddy: Well yeah our street team have been spreading the word and now that we have a release date for our album we'll be able to promote that. Rúaidhrí: We hit the streets with massive amounts of chocolate a couple of months back and that was good and pissed off the police.

Quick Fire!:

Home bird or traveller: Both: Travellers

Big Brother - love it or hate it? Paddy: hate it Rúaidhrí: love/hate

Chinese of Fish and Chips? Both: Chinese

First ever job?: Rúaidhrí: Spar Paddy: Paper boy

Fav drink? Rúaidhrí: Stella Paddy: Guiness