Photo credit: Chris Colclasure
Emerging alt-rock/hip-hop hybrid Katastro are releasing their sixth full-length album Sucker on July 16 featuring their hot new single “The Way I Feel” and we caught up with guitarist Tanner Riccio to chat all things music.
The group first introduced this new era in their growing career with the fall 2020 release of “Way Too High,” which pays homage to their desert roots with its unique Western vibe. “100 Rips,” which released in March, truly sets the tone and direction for Sucker.
The catchy cruisin’ down the highway escapade features psychedelic guitar solos pumping through a mix of hip-hop and reggae set against an intoxicating chorus
Katastro’s irrepressible brand of timely, good-time music is on full display throughout Sucker as evidenced by “One Day,” a feel-good track about coming to terms with a broken relationship, and the positive, floaty vibe of “Droptop,” which features background vocals from longtime friend Micah Brown of Iration.
Tell us about your project
Katastro was formed in 2008 in Tempe, Arizona in Andrew Stravers’ garage. We’ve made it here by touring a lot, constantly putting out music, and not taking each other too seriously.
WHat is the best part of being a band?
Personally, my favorite part is right before the idea hits, the jamming. Seeing it all transmit and come together is as exciting as it was the first time we ever did it.
Who are your all-time musical icons?
Every one of us will have a drastically different answer but I think our one common ground would be bands that melt so many different genres together that you can’t quite put your finger on it. Early on we all had a common love for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
How do you approach a new track?
Our creative process is as simple as 4 dudes in a room with their instruments just experimenting trying to make cool shit.
What inspires your lyrics?
Our lyrics are generally inspired by our singer Andy Chaves’ first hand experiences.
Do you draw inspiration from other forms of art?
Whether we consciously know it or not, I think we’re always drawing inspiration from other forms of art and the things around us. For example, our song “Way Too High” ended up sounding like something out of a ‘Kill Bill’ movie so lyrically there are some Tarantino references in there.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about.
Our latest release is our single ”The Way I Feel,” off our new album Sucker (dropping July 16). It represents the turmoil and monotony of a relationship gone sour while simultaneously poking fun at how little that matters in the grand scheme of things, at least that’s what I take from it.
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals as a band?
If four guys sharing beds in a hotel room is a peculiar post show ritual then yeah…we do that.
What’s the future looking like for you?
We have a lot of shows to make up for and a lot of music to put out.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
We really just rip off what we like but generally like to keep it cohesive as a whole album when it comes to a vision. We really aim to try and use imagery to enhance and compliment the feeling of the music.
Best moment in your career so far?
We had a couple opportunities to open shows at Red Rocks Amphitheater. That place is magical and definitely a big check on the list.
What is your advice for emerging bands?
Keep putting out music and play all the shows you can, for free if you have to…
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
I don’t set out to change anything. Shows and live music are going to be back full force in a few months. That’s all we’re really looking forward to.
