Getting to Know: ’90s Rock Appreciators, Catapult
In today’s Getting to Know, we meet Hamilton, ON-based Catapult, a collective of local music veterans that have played in notable bands, but are now just into playing music with friends. If you are in an up and coming band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!
Band Name: Catapult
Band Members: Mike Casarin (bass, vocals), Greg Fisher (guitar, vocals), Jamie Parkhill (drums), and Matt Richmond (vocals, guitar).
Years Active: 1
City of Origin: Hamilton, ON.
Who are you and what do you do?
“We are four old farts collectively making music under the moniker Catapult. We play music that is kind of a throwback to ‘90s/early 2000s alternative, rock, punk, emo-type shit.”
In 100 words or less, tell us how your band has gotten to this point.
“We have all known each other for years through our local music scene(s) and our former bands. Mike played/plays in Somehow Hollow; Greg and Matt have played in bands for about 100 years together (see: Always Outnumbered, The Video Dead, The Saint Alvia Cartel); and Jamie was in bands like the Separation Suicide and Allendale.
“Towards the end of 2013 and the end of Saint Alvia’s run, Matt had amassed a number of songs with the hope of starting a new project. After recording about seven songs on his own, he passed the tunes on to his local buddies and asked if they’d be interested in joining this new project. They were all, ‘yup,’ and about a year later, here we are.”
What is your latest release and how would you best describe it to someone who hasn’t heard your band?
“So far we have only released a three-song EP online for stream/download, but hope to record more soon. Again, the sound is reminiscent of rock bands 10-20 years ago. Let’s say a mash-up of early Foo Fighters, Knapsack, maybe Jimmy Eat World and, um, let’s say Hey Mercedes.”
When making an album, which aspect of the process do you put the most time into and why?
“Well, based on how things have gone so far, I would have to say the rehearsal aspect. The idea behind this band is for things to be fun, easy and as non-convoluted as possible. The best songs come organically, so rather than spend too much time dicking around on arrangements or whatever, we will just move on. Again, when it comes to recording, the process should be enjoyable. I think that will come through. We would rather have a recording with feeling than something edited in Pro Tools and made ‘perfect.’”
What is the best part about your band and why?
“The fact that we approach it with an attitude that it should be fun and easy. Essentially there is little to no ambition, which makes every little milestone that much more exciting. There is no pressure and, as mentioned, we are a bunch of old farts with wives and kids so that keeps it enjoyable.”
What makes your band unique from the rest?
“I suppose having little ambition does, but also the fact that we’re essentially trying to re-create an old and likely ‘played out’ sound. We are in no way trying to re-invent the wheel, just have fun with it.”
How does your band survive the challenges of touring/gigging?
“By not touring. That was essential from the start. We have all spent a lot of time on the road and as much as we’ve enjoyed it, that 
was never the ambition for this project. Playing shows now is just something we do for the love of it, and when we can make the free time. This is basically like our old timers hockey league. Get together on the weekend, drink some beers, and play some loud music.”
Would you rather be critically-acclaimed; rich and famous; or an under-the-radar band with a dedicated fan base?
“I would love to be an under the radar band with a dedicated fan base. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to make a fuck-load of money from playing music. But, just being able to play shows and know a good handful of people will show up and really enjoy it is more than I could ask for.”
If you’d have to compare your band to another one out there, living or dead, who would it be and why?
“Shit dude, I don’t know. Like, sound wise? Or attitude? Let’s just say we’re like Lagwagon without the dedicated fan base. Older dudes, kids, drinking problems, and fun loud guitar rock (just slower).”
Which band/musician would you like to share many drinks with? What would you talk about?
“I would love to go back and party with Black Sabbath before they had to cut all that shit out. They could just tell me the gnarliest stories of shows and parties…and we would just get fucked up.”
Please be sure to follow us on Twitter @riffyou and at Facebook.com/riffyou.
