ABOUT
You might notice a young woman mingling among punters before a gig. Friendly, unassuming, raven-haired – having a chat, one of the crowd. Then it’s show time and Cat Canteri approaches the stage. The singer-songwriter arrives with a loaded tool kit of instrumental gear, artistry and stories to share. When she steps up to the microphone, people listen. Pitch-perfect vocals bring her musings and memories to life. Lyrics are crystal clear for all to hear, because words matter. With an empathetic heart full of humour and honesty she holds the room in the palm of her hand.
The much-quoted label of ‘Indie singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’ is found as readily as pebbles in a pond. But Cat Canteri takes the skill-set to an enticing space outside the generic. Insightful reflections inform her craft – her family’s migrant experience, the musician’s life on the road and motherhood in Melbourne’s inner north. She brings powerful forces to her life and art. Like a smoky gemstone held up to the light, there’s a glint of intrigue behind each facet of her craft. Turned this way and that, much is revealed.
As a solo artist, she opens her book of thoughts and emotions for all to see. Earthy laughter, gentle tears and quirky observations fill the listener’s cup. From buoyant Pop-informed folk tales to bold rootsy rhythms driven by her acclaimed instrumental chops. Accompanying fellow musos (Kutcha Edwards, Mick Thomas, The Waif’s Vikki Thorn, partner Justin Bernasconi), she provides sumptuous vocal harmonies. Or the forward momentum as a drummer who knows just when to roll ‘em and when to hold ‘em. She shapes the groove - subtle, steady and strong as a beating heart. A resonant base, keeping time according to life’s highs and lows.
A meeting somewhere between Lindy Morrison and Rob Hirst. On rhythm guitar, she rides the melodic waves as deftly as she propels her skateboard. Canteri also pilots a bicycle chariot, in charge of the onward motion, with her two kids on board. Like a picnic hamper she may have packed for the day, her musical bag of tricks is stocked with the best of the basics and a secret pocket full of treats. Different. Surprising. Wonderful.
The much-quoted label of ‘Indie singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’ is found as readily as pebbles in a pond. But Cat Canteri takes the skill-set to an enticing space outside the generic. Insightful reflections inform her craft – her family’s migrant experience, the musician’s life on the road and motherhood in Melbourne’s inner north. She brings powerful forces to her life and art. Like a smoky gemstone held up to the light, there’s a glint of intrigue behind each facet of her craft. Turned this way and that, much is revealed.
As a solo artist, she opens her book of thoughts and emotions for all to see. Earthy laughter, gentle tears and quirky observations fill the listener’s cup. From buoyant Pop-informed folk tales to bold rootsy rhythms driven by her acclaimed instrumental chops. Accompanying fellow musos (Kutcha Edwards, Mick Thomas, The Waif’s Vikki Thorn, partner Justin Bernasconi), she provides sumptuous vocal harmonies. Or the forward momentum as a drummer who knows just when to roll ‘em and when to hold ‘em. She shapes the groove - subtle, steady and strong as a beating heart. A resonant base, keeping time according to life’s highs and lows.
A meeting somewhere between Lindy Morrison and Rob Hirst. On rhythm guitar, she rides the melodic waves as deftly as she propels her skateboard. Canteri also pilots a bicycle chariot, in charge of the onward motion, with her two kids on board. Like a picnic hamper she may have packed for the day, her musical bag of tricks is stocked with the best of the basics and a secret pocket full of treats. Different. Surprising. Wonderful.