We’re pretty stoked to have Dallas-based indie rockers Catamaran at Summer Cut this year. But since August 29 is still some weeks away, we thought we’d reach out to the band for a little pre-Summer Cut email Q&A. Here’s Stephen Glenn (vocals, guitar) on the band’s origins, influences and what’s dominating his iPod these days.
KXT: Tell us a little bit about how the band was formed.
Stephen: Tom and I met through a mutual friend soon after we moved to Dallas. We hit it off because we were both passionate about music and design. We were constantly sharing with each other bands, songs and sounds we were into. Riding on that high of discovering a lot of amazing music quickly turned into jamming on those songs, then turned into making up music, and then wanting to start a band. So we did.
KXT: How’d you land on the name Catamaran?
Stephen: It was the first name we came up with that didn’t make us cringe. It seemed to fit with our sound, plus catamarans have two hulls and there were two of us at the time. I remember pitching it to Tom one night at a pool party and it stuck.
KXT: Who are your influences?
Stephen: Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, Animal Collective, Vampire Weekend, Surfer Blood, Tame Impala, Real Estate, Dr. Dog, French Kicks, The Beach Boys, The Cure and many more.
KXT: What role has North Texas, or the North Texas music scene, had on your music?
Stephen: The music scene in North Texas has really energized us to work hard and create the best music we can. We’ve seen so many killer shows and there’s such amazing talent here. It’s all very inspiring. The fans, bands, promoters and media couldn’t be more kind and supportive. We feel lucky to be a part of a scene that’s small enough to not get totally drowned out, but big enough to allow a band to grow immensely.
KXT: Favorite North Texas hang out spot?
Stephen: I love the off-kilter charm of Double Wide, and I always seem to have a really good time there, too. Something about that place gets people to mix together rather than stay in their own little group.
KXT: What’s the last song you listened to?
Stephen: Probably “Let It Happen” by Tame Impala. Their new album Currents is taking over my earphones.
KXT: What’s the most embarrassing thing on your iPod right now?
Stephen: That I’m willing to tell you? I guess that’d be “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King. I needed it for a wedding slideshow I was making. Promise.
KXT: What can attendees expect from you at Summer Cut this year?
Stephen: We’ll be playing some new songs we’ve been working on since our Weekdays EP came out. We’ve also reached out to Michael Bay to see if he’ll produce our stage show. Haven’t heard back yet on that.
Well. While we all eagerly await Mr. Bay’s answer, you can go ahead and get your tickets to see Catamaran at Summer Cut on August 29 here. #ready4SummerCut
