After an already incredible run of releases throughout this year, fast-rising artist Bobcat is back once again to deliver his breezy new single 'Transactional Love'.
Capturing more of that rich and shimmering blues-rock aesthetic he has been building for himself, 'Transactional Love' makes for a wonderfully warm and invigorating listen. With his smooth and passionate voice layered across a vibrant production throughout, he is continuing to cement himself as one of the more exciting names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar, although I played mandolin first because of the size.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Same kind of stuff I enjoy now. Beatles are my number one, I'm a big fan of The Byrds, Beach Boys, The Who, The Kinks, Buddy Holly, Ray Orbison, Elvis.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My parents had a lot of vinyl that I didn't play right, so it got damaged by my use. When I came of age, I played mainly CD's and my earliest favorites were Badfinger Magic Christian Music, Beatles Live at the BBC and The Zombies greatest hits. I wore all 3 of them out.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Oh Pretty Woman, by Roy Orbison, I have a theory on who the real writers of that song were.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Get lost in the forest, think about the dumbest mistakes i made and ask myself why.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Other than who I mentioned in the previous about my favorite artists of all time growing up, my current listens are bands like Splitsville, Reverend Horton Heat, The Meteors, Nick Curran and The Lowlifes, The Bellfuries, Mrs Magician, The Goddamn Gallows, Gilead Rises, The Quakes, The Kaisers, The Cars, Cheap Trick, Big Lazy, Bob Log III, The Mystery Machine and Nashville Ramblers (both are Carl Rusk bands with brilliant songwriting), Adam and the Ants, The Young Veins, Kurt Baker Combo, The Exploding Hearts.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
In 2024, ideally Black Keys, White Stripes, Jack White, Dan Auerbach, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Sting. I know, I shoot high.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Playing a show for people that get it, crowd participation, playing with other bands who are fun to listen to and add to whatever show I'm doing. Comradery amongst the creative types.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Booking shows myself (I would love to find a booking agent) long drives between shows, days off on tour (I’m on a 2 year tour of the Continental US) people at shows not caring, sleeping in my tour van and not on someone's couch.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I think the first time I met Al Foul, the one man band from Tuscon AZ he was telling me about how prolific of a songwriter he was and how the one man band was how he got those songs into the ears of as many people as possible. At that point in my life, I too had many songs not getting heard. He also showed me how he creates his snare meets shaker meets tambourine sound on his left foot. Sadly, he passed away the day after I turned 40, so we never got to talk after the tour he did with my band, The Arkhams. I miss those days.
-
Bobcat's new single 'Transactional Love' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.