"My style is a mixture of Bedroom Pop & Smooth RnB"

Each new song comes with a bunch of interesting interviews. This one is with guys from "Illustrate Magazine"- an independent online music magazine, located in New York City.

If you haven't heard yet song "Up At Dawn", listen to it here 

Every Fat Cat project includes a featured artist because Fat Cat enjoys collaborating with others.
Clay Agnew, a lead singer of “Up At Dawn,” vocalist and producer for Foxchase and Sunrise Skater Kids, says he enjoyed writing this song with Fat Cat and the band.

The romantic Bedroom Pop song “Up At Dawn” was inspired by Fat Cat’s journeys throughout Europe. It’s about rediscovering your purpose, letting someone inspire you, and falling in love with the present. On the Fat Cat Affair website and on social media, the complete story is accessible. Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:

Clay Agnew

Photo: Voice of "Up At Dawn" Clay Agnew

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: I grew up in a woodland town in the depths of Europe. I spent a lot of time listening to my mother sings to us as kittens and fell in love with music back then. We used to sing to the moon, the stars,  and each other.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: I have always been led by my paws. I would say I have an instinct for music, like my instinct for mice. I can jump on anything I want. So, in one sense, I am self-taught and in learned I have played with a great many musicians and have learnt a lot of things from them.

3. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: I love it all. I used to live for concern the forest but now I love my studio, a warm fire, a cosy bed for a nap, and some excellent guitars.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: My songs are all about the personal connection between people, music and stories. I am inspired by love stories and dramas and the everyday things that we go through. These themes play a big part in my songs. My style is a mixture of Bedroom Pop and Smooth RnB. You will occasionally notice some hints of blues and jazz creeping in.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP/R&B?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: Well, I was child prodigy. Instead of playing with balls of wool, I would sit and meowl and caterwaul. I was always bashing drums, guitars and pianos since I can remember. Music is in my blood and I feel it in my whiskers. Each style I study, I get deeply passionate about. I have grown by playing with others and innovating my own styles. A long time ago, I developed The Crazy Cats Beats in Paris. Although I have moved into a new realm of collaboration now.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: I am a cat. We don’t get political or cultural. Spiritual I can do. I am an international cat of mystery you know. Music transcends reality and connects us all.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: Music is my life. You get what you put in if you are passionate about it. If your motivation is something else, then maybe you would be disappointed. But you know, I just enjoy feeling the beat, purr-laying my guitar and writing songs.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: Can a bird describe the air to a fish? My creative process must remain as mysterious as my ancient and noble cat heritage. But I can tell you that all my new and current releases have featured artists singing on the tracks.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: Not having thumbs. It makes it tricky to play guitar.

10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

FAT CAT AFFAIR: Every cat is unique. We all live in the world differently. Who am I to say how anyone must life, music, art and nature? I just do what I do and send it out into the world with love.

 

Original interview you will find here

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