After seeing Cataldo open for Rebecca Gates at the Sunset, got a chance to interview Eric, the force behind Cataldo:

artofthemix: So what is the story with Cataldo? How long have you guys been playing?  Who is in the band?

Eric: The band is, more or less, just me with many pal-laborators.  The first record came out in 2005, so I suppose 5 years or so.  We've always toured here and there but recently a bit more, our first time abroad, and our first time with a relatively static live unit in seattle.

artofthemix: Can you talk about the new album?  Where was it recorded? Who produced it?  When might it be released?

Eric: We're about 3/4 done with tracking.  We've been recording at a few studios in Seattle (Avast and Orbit) with overdubs at my house with my equipment.  I suppose it's "produced" by me.  We're shooting to be done mixing sometime late this summer/early fall.

artofthemix: A lot of performers don't talk between songs these days. But you do!  Can you speak to that? 

Eric: It really depends on the context.  Sometimes people are totally silent and into it--in which case I feel the need to talk a bit more while we tune/shuffle around.  I feel pretty comfortable in that setting, or at least aware of the weirdness of being on a stage with people watching you play music, and I feel like a little one-sided conversation feels a little more normal.

artofthemix: And, you asked the audience if they had any questions at your Sunset show. What's your thoughts on that?

Eric: I think I had to tune more...

artofthemix: "Tender folk rock:"  Tell me more.

Eric: Doesn't seem to be that trendy at the moment, but it's just what keeps coming out.  I'm hoping I get lumped more with Bill Callahan rather than, like, Ryan Cabrera

artofthemix: I see you are playing the Croc this month.  Have you played since the remodel? Before the remodel? Thoughts on the venerable Croc?

Eric: I have played there a few times since the remodel, never before.  I like that room, it feels a little big for where I'm at right now, but the sound is good, they're well staffed, and they have a big stage which is surprisingly important for lankier folks like myself.  In an ideal world it wouldn't be located in belltown, but you can't have it all.

artofthemix: Do you ever play solo? Or always with a band?

Eric: I do play solo, in fact I'm playing solo at Whitman College on September 3rd!

artofthemix: Three words that best describe Cataldo:

Eric: Shifty, Cautious, Tall