Chris Catalena is a Los Angeles by-way-of Austin outlaw country-folk artist riding the high of the release of his self-titled album.
Catalena garners much influence from musical heroes such as Kris Kristofferson, Neil Young, Merle Haggard, among others. After serving almost four years in prison for selling LSD to an undercover cop in the 90s, he dedicated his life to music, and began the search for his voice. He lived with The Black Angels and then with The Brian Jonestown Massacre while Rob Campanella produced his first record.
Inspiration struck when he started working at a horse riding facility that was designed to be therapy riding and horsemanship for autistic children and adults. “It was incredible to witness progress kids and adults alike would make during the courses,” he shared. He was also soon tasked with getting the grounds and facilities ready for a summer camp for dyslexic children, at which he a camp counselor and wrote the songs that appear on his new album.
Back in L.A. he met up with musician Nate Ryan and producer Kyle Mullarky(The Growlers, Allah-las) in Topanga Canyon to record his self-titled album on Spaceflight Records. The result is a lush record of lively guitar, punchy percussion and delicately crafted storytelling.
We caught up with Catalena and had him give us some ever so brief insight on his latest release, along with some other fun questions for him to answer, in hopes to gain further wisdom of just who Chris Catalena is…
Who: My name is Chris Catalena
What: I just released a new album, my first Self Titled album.
Where: This album was recorded in Los Angeles, CA and Topanga Canyon, CA at Ultra Sound Studios and The Pump House Studio at Kyle Mullarky’s.
When: Recordings were finished in 2018, released November 1st.
About The Release: Wrote most all these songs on a horse ranch out near Luckenbach, TX. It’s now available on vinyl and streaming.
What’s Next: Intending to finish a few more songs and record another full length record this spring.
My Three Records on a Desert Island: Bob Dylan’s Blood on The Tracks, Desire, and Johnny Cash Live At Folsom Prison.
If I Could Open For Anybody, It’d Be: Kris Kristofferson.
Musical Pet Peeve: Shows that are too loud. I guess I am getting old.
Musical Guilty Pleasure: Eagles
Waylon or Willie: Willie
I Define Success As A Musical Artist As: Part Don Quixote part Don Juan.
Closing Words: In closing I’d like to thank y’all for giving the album a listen.
