Cat Family Records: Where Tallahassee Comes to Jam
Looking for something cool to do over the summer while taking classes on campus? Do you enjoy live music of all genres? Well, look no further, because the recording and music industry in Tally is about to be changed for the better.
“Viciously Ambitious” Scott Bell, founder and creator of his record label, Cat Family Records has a vision for himself and his clients: To write, record, mix, and master the music of the talented local artists of Tallahassee and establish their promotion. His motive behind his small family of felines, however, is what particularly interested me.
Unfamiliar with the recording scene in Tallahassee, I wondered how these artists struggle. Seeing the final product live I just had to know more, so Bell gave me the scoop:
“We want to figure out ways to open up the recording and publishing process to as many artists as possible. Generally, recording is the most prohibitively costly barrier to entry that musicians and other artists face, and it’s very difficult, without the help of a giant fan base or a traditional label, for quality recording, mixing, and mastering. We’re trying to change that.”
Closing the gap between the talent and the accessibility in which they strive for when it comes to their original pieces, Scott also told me about his second goal for the label:
“10% of our profits go to support local charities, and we’re currently in the process of converting to a nonprofit label. We want to provide local artists with a platform that will enable them to compete in not only the local, Tallahassee market but also worldwide. And, we want to be as socially conscious as possible while giving back to the communities.”
So you’re telling me I can come out to a show, see a lineup of acts I’d enjoy, and donate to local charities while doing so? Sold.
Between Folk, Hip-hop, EDM, Americana, Blues Rock, Rap, Indie, Rock, and even a few Comedy Acts, no stone is left unturned in Cat Family Records. Honestly, what’s not to love? What started as a small venture in his living room with his friends, has turned into a Summer Tour of the SouthEast booked for this year. The future is an open-ended array of possibility, and Scott is capitalizing on every opportunity.
This past month, I have been in attendance at two of their performances, and I can tell you that the Cat Family most definitely will not disappoint. Their shows truly offer a fresh new perspective on the live music scene. These artists are there to showcase their original songs, and as a spectator you can really feel not only their emotion through the lyrics, but the passion of every individual for what they’re doing through the speakers. This label goes the distance to truly encompass it all –and for a fair price at bars for cover entry and drinks, which is a rarity in virtually any city.
The current talent signed as of February 2016:
The Rest of Ray Brower
Turkey Scratch
The Bell Brothers & Erik the Viking
Ryley Smith
The Prospectors
Landon Gay
Hotel Paradise
Nic Dabby
Tygerdance
Major 3rd
Bearly Otters
So check out the link and follow the tour schedule for these kool kitties to find out what’s in store for this summer and next fall, you won’t regret it.
https://www.facebook.com/catfamilyrecords/?fref=ts