Artist Spotlight :: CatBox

Bio

CatBox is a modern indie pop/rock band out of Bakersfield, CA, and consists of Cristin Schneider, Jaron Cramer, and Medka Thompson. CatBox was created in the spring of 2022. CatBox's music is a cultivation of indie pop and rock genres with influences from Metric, Dave Matthews Band, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, & Alanis Morissette.

What/Who inspired you to pick up your instrument?

Cristin, vox/guitar - I sang for many years in my youth at school, but didn't actually pick up a guitar seriously until Covid hit. The time in isolation allowed me to focus on diligent practice, and when shelter-in-place lifted, I took it out to open mics that were being hosted at local watering holes to get business. I met a solid community of musicians and really began jumping into the pool of performance. That's also when I met Jaron, and it wasn't long before CatBox was created.

Medka, Bass - I played trumpet for many years. I picked up guitar when I was young due to punk rock.

What piece of musical advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to the beginning of your musical journey?

Cristin, vox/guitar - Don't blow off theory. Take a piece at a time and be diligent, because it will be worth the time and effort.

Medka, Bass - Practice and play for yourself. Don't compete or change because people say it isn't the right path you are on. Do it for yourself and no one else.

What keeps you excited about playing?

Cristin, vox/guitar - Connection. There is something about being in the moment and vulnerably expressing yourself through music; it's also a wild ride to connect with your audience while doing that - if your music enables another human to feel something, you've experienced something with them that is unique and should be celebrated.

Medka, Bass - Playing music is easy to connect yourself with an instrument and let out feelings and expressions that can serve to do many things for yourself; emotion, ideas, talent, many things expressed by playing. Listening to and watching others play are also equally as important.

Desert Island 3 pedal pedalboard (not including tuner)

Cristin, vox/guitar - I think a Chase Bliss Mkii Mood pedal, a Boss TR-2 Tremolo pedal, and a RAT 2 Distortion pedal are for the extra spice and flavor in life. These always seem to have a perfect time and place - and even combination.

Medka, Bass - BBE comp, WAY HUGE Green Rhino, MXR Bass Octave. All I need to play clean or play with a grind… and can drop to lower Bass octave for extra fatness

When you find yourself in a musical rut, what techniques do you do to break out of it?

Cristin, vox/guitar - I like to take space when I'm in a rut and change up the scenery. This can be interpreted in all different ways, such as listening to a new album or band, reading a book or doing a little sewing project, going out of town for the weekend. Many times, I have found that there is something I need to hear/learn/see/experience in order for my creative spark to return.

Medka, Bass - Work through it, take time to practice still, and something will change.

Who is your favorite artist/band today? And who was your favorite artist/band 10 years ago?

Cristin, vox/guitar - My favorite band today is the Beths - they have such a cool sound, and they seem just like the most down to earth music nerds you could meet. My favorite band 10 years ago was probably either Metric or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Both bands have influenced me quite heavily, and I love their unique sound and presence.

Medka, Bass - 10 years ago, Bad Religion, and now is the same… always will be favorite band.

When you find yourself in a music store - what is your go-to riff when test-driving gear?

Cristin, vox/guitar - honestly, I play my own songs, because I'm usually trying to hear/find a different sound that piques my interest. I'm always trying to evolve my sound.

Medka, Bass - anything blues

What is your most prized/cherished piece of gear? And why?

Cristin, vox/guitar - Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite electric guitar - teal. It's the most expensive guitar I've bought myself, and those humbuckers are off the chain.

Medka, Bass - My first guitar, for that reason. An Antares LP knock off

What is the next big musical purchase you're hoping to save for?

Cristin, vox/guitar - I need a nice acoustic guitar, because the only acoustic I have right now is a little 3/4 size Yamaha that I started on during the pandemic. I'd love to get a Taylor 412CE because the tone would suit my voice just perfectly. Definitely something to save up for :)

Medka, Bass - Vintage guitar purchase

Gear Breakdown

CatBox currently uses Rattlesnake cables in a few different ways and across band members. Bass Guitarist, Medka Thompson, originally found Rattlesnake and introduced us to the brand. His Jazz Bass runs into the pedalboard using a Rattlesnake angled snake head cable. The snakehead allows him to connect to the instrument's jack easily and gives flexibility to route through the strap area down to the board. Pedalboard is BBE sonic stomp compressor, into Way Huge Green Rhin, into boss sd1, into MXR Bass octave, into boss DD3 delay, into TC Poly Tune. Out of pedalboard into amp via 2nd Rattlesnake angled snake head cable. Amp is Fender Rumble 200.

Medka actually gifted guitarist and lead singer Cristin her first Rattlesnake angled snake head cable (pink) for her birthday. She currently uses it to connect the instrument jack to the board. She also bought an additional purple one that she uses to run from her board to her amp and likely will be purchasing yet another in the near future to line into the mixer. She loves these cables because they are dependable, stand up to setup, performance, and tear-down needs easily, and they glow onstage!

Bands / Projects

CatBox

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