Over time, we receive heaps of questions via the website from fans. Here are some answers to a few of those questions...
What age did you start playing trumpet? 13. Start of high school. I wanted to learn the saxaphone but there weren't enough to go around. You know, state schools funding. But my grandfather used to be a bugler in the navy so I didn't mind. As an aspiring vocalist trying to find his own sound, do you have any advice on important things to do, or what were some things you did that were important to sing? I think that in the beginning I was over thinking how I wanted to sound. I think it's important to not over think singing, and just let it come out naturally. But taste is important. Less is more, I think, in terms of both controlling energy and controlling your emotion. And listen to recordings of yourself. You'll realise how bad you sound. But don't be put off when you realise how bad you sound. Keep trying. I'm still trying.
Is 'The Car Song' based upon your past? A bit.
I've been wondering what trumpet you actually play? A Bach Stradivarius 37 bore. And a 3C mouthpiece. The thing about trumpets is they wear out eventually, so don't spend 10,000 dollars on one.
What is your favourite song? At the moment - one that keeps popping up is Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones. It's very deep and mysterious, but still a great song that you can sing along to.
If you had an animal that had some strange evolutionary twist, what would it be? (example - mine would be a Tasmanian devil with multi-tool claws) I would like to be an animal with a strange evolutionary twist. I'd like to be a cross between a human and an eagle.
Here are some words from the other front man and trumpet player extraordinaire, Harry Angus.
You travel a lot, where’s your favourite place? It’s impossible to choose a favourite place, but here are some good ones: Barcelona Paris New York Western Australia in general Anywhere that’s different to everywhere else, really. Most places are just the same – at least, most places where people have money to spend on concert tickets.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Initially, a scientist. Not just any scientist, but a robotic scientist. That’s what I imagined you were called if you designed and built robots, and for all I know, that is what they’re called. Later on I wanted to be a writer.
What’s your favourite sound? The bush, from the top of a hill on a hot day.
Favourite book? The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantakis
Do you have a hero? If so, who is it? Not really… the singer in me loves Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and the trumpet player in me loves Miles Davis… also Paul Watson, the captain of the Sea Shepherd society, he’s admirable.
About the other band members…
They’re all equally equal in every way. Have a question for the guys? Submit it through to office@thecatempire.com with the subject line “Band Question”. Questions will then be given to the guys with the best ones graduating to become part of the website!