Brisbane's Katanak shows off indie-pop/new wave single, the catchy 'Weigh Down'
Photo by Gabi Rankine Creative
Brisbane’s Katanak is continuing his stream of fun, indie pop singles that mix things up, with the brand new single, ‘Weigh Down’ - a song inspired by his time as part of Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming Elvis film.
Katanak (real name Dylan Cattanach) self-produced the track, recorded and mixed in the studio with Jared Adlam (Caligula’s Horse, Mitch King, Aleyce Simmonds), which shows his ability to switch up genres and jolt his listeners into paying attention.
‘Weigh Down’ is modernised, glossy 80s indie pop from Katanak, that for most part, bounces on top of a sunny pop beat, super low synth bass, and jangly guitars, all allowing Katanak’s vocals channelling some Simple Minds… that is until just before the two-minute mark where just a hint of double-time alt rock rears its head, before settling back in to the original groove of the song. It’s an uplifting, fun track, that gives sly nods to new wave while still giving an indie edge. The confident energy of the music belies the darkness and context of the lyrics. Katanak says: “A while back I was really feeling like I’d lost my way and was questioning expectations I felt had been imposed on me. It felt a lot like I was falling and just couldn’t get up. I wasn’t the person I was supposed to be and my music didn't seem to be on track? It took a concerted effort to get over this and Weigh Down was a cry of frustration that helped me verbalise how I felt.”
A chance sighting of an audition request for musician's in South East Queensland led him to the role of Jerry Scheff in the Baz Luhrmann biopic ELVIS. Working with such talented musician's and playing in Elvis’ TCB band made me realise how much I loved music and that was the turning point I needed to start writing again. The result of that is ‘Weigh Down’.
Katanak received grant funding from Arts Queensland for a regional Queensland tour, heading to Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Maroochydore and Toowoomba, finishing up in Brisbane. Katanak says “Without their help I wouldn’t be able to include as many locations as I have on the tour and this opportunity will allow me to play and meet many more local bands and musicians than I otherwise would have.”
Katanak is really keen to explore Queensland and meet lots of locals along the way. “Life’s been pretty tough for regional musicians so I’m keen to be getting out and playing with them”. Katanak has already starting production for his next single with Matt McGuiffe of Ivey fame.
If you’re a fan of The 1975, The Wombats, Two Door Cinema Club et al, then get ‘Weigh Down’ in to your earholes now via all streaming platforms.