Hey Cat, it’s awesome to have you here! This is your very first Meltdown, I understand? What do you think of it all?

It feels really awesome to have been invited to this event; I couldn’t really have picked a more welcoming and supportive environment to play in. I have had the chance to get to know some really great people who are really encouraging of our band, which has been fantastic, as we are fairly new to this whole scene.

That’s amazing! So what’s it like being a female in a heavy metal band? Do you feel comfortable or do you feel you have to go the extra mile to fit in?

I think the fact that I’m in a band with friends that I have known pretty much all my life helps a lot. In this sense, the music really becomes secondary to that, rather than the main focus. Of course, it’s not difficult to see that there aren’t many women within the hardcore music scene, which is what makes it a little harder to fit in, but this never really put me off playing in a band and I am blessed to be surrounded by a bunch of guys who have really great personalities and make it easy for me to fit in and not feel out of place just because of my gender.

Well said; I’m sure many would love to be in your position! 

You have a very unique style on stage when you play guitar. Is this influenced by anyone or does it just come naturally?

Thank you! When I first started playing guitar when I was 12, I was really influenced by punk bands – not only because the music was quite easy to play, but also because it was really energetic and fun. I was very much inspired by Frank Iero, one of the guitarists from a band called My Chemical Romance, whose words were more or less along the lines of: ‘If you don’t come off that stage feeling absolutely drained and exhausted then you haven’t played the show properly’. I have remembered these words to this day and find them really helpful in always improving the way I come across on stage. Since then, my music tastes have somewhat evolved, but I think the importance of putting on a good show and really giving it all your energy is something that has not changed and many bands across many different genres - be it metal or emo show these aspects. Personally, music is a great emotional release for me and I think it is important to show that it can be for others too. 

Wow that’s incredible; great message too! 

Right now, if you could support any band in the world, who would it be and why?

Right now, I have been really inspired by an American band called ‘The Color Morale’ who are a melodic progressive metal band. They are the best band I have come across in a while both lyrically and musically, which I think goes to show how all elements of music making are really important. I really like their positive message and even though they are quite a lot heavier than Catapults, I think it would be great to support them.

Definitely, that’s really cool! So, who’s your band’s biggest influence in the music scene? 

It certainly does come across too; you guys show so much passion on stage! It’s great to watch. 

I know Catapults hasn’t been going very long but in the experiences that you have had, what have you learnt and have you got any advice for other bands that are just beginning? 

My advice would be to really be supportive of one another in everything that you do. It’s easy to become caught up in what you are doing as an individual musician, but at the end of the day you are a team and making one sound. Try and play in a way that compliments and brings out the best of your fellow musicians. I think also just being loving and patient is important: there will be situations where it can be easy to lose your cool, but I think also trusting God and having a focus that goes beyond just the music is really important in uniting all the members.

Amen to that, such excellent and true advice! So, what’s the best thing for you personally about being in a band?

I think the best thing is that it shows a side of me which comes very naturally and is an essential part of my being; ever since I was little music has played a big part in my growth and I really feel that it’s one of the ways I express myself most naturally – just as you would in a poem or speaking aloud. Being in a band helps me to express myself within music and find solidarity amongst people who also love to do this and feel the same way. Overall, it has been a great learning experience and there are always things you learn about yourself: both musically and personally.

Totally agree with that. Everybody needs something that they can release their emotions with and judging by what has been seen, yours is definitely this! 

Have you always wanted to be in a band and do you feel that this is God’s true calling on your life?

I remember quite clearly from the age of 14 really wanting to be in a band. I had been playing guitar for two years already, which was enough to more or less know the ropes of guitar playing, but I felt like that had to be more, which could only be attained through playing with other musicians. I felt quite strongly convicted by this and knew that the bands playing at my school were playing a totally different style of music to what appealed to me and I also felt the friendships weren’t strong enough for me to feel comfortable playing in a band with them. With this in mind, I asked the guys in my youth church about forming a band. At that stage they were already jamming together, but recruiting me more or less solidified us as a band. To this day I’m still open to what God wants for this band and all of us recognise that He has been a huge part in the life of this band.

That’s so great to hear! Let the passions that God has placed in your heart drive you in the right direction.

Well it’s been a pleasure interviewing you, Cat; thanks so much for your time! Any last words?

Interviewed by Danielle Jervis