Katcha Music : Bridging diversity
It’s not everyday that we hear of two people being drawn together because of music. And the best part of it is when they form a band together and live life doing what they love the most. Kathryn Ferguson and Chaminda Samaraweera were playing in different bands until the band Chaminda was playing suggested he sing.
Wanting to sound his best he took on some professional vocal lessons and it had to be Kathryn who was teaching at the time at the local music shop and thereafter Katcha came into being. The name Katcha is derived from both Kathryn and Chaminda’s names. The duo are based in in Sydney, Australia.
The band’s current line-up includes Kat on lead vocals and Rhythm Guitar and keyboards, Chaminda on lead vocals, drums, keyboards and percussion, Bob Gale on Saxophone and backing vocals, Chris Mearns on Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals and Ray Saba on Lead Guitar.
The band does not stick to one genre. They perform on average between 80 to 200 shows a year with sounds of Rock, Pop, Jazz, Latin, Reggae and Dance music. They also like to write songs no matter where they are in the world.
“We get inspired by reading books, watching movies, walking in the park, going to the beach, talking to different people who have different careers, going out, watching other bands local and international etc. The many artists who are current, those who are still current & have been doing so for many years & not forgetting to all who came before may they rest in peace,” said Chaminda via email during an interview.
“Music is decorating silence, giving people the pleasure of listening to a song, enjoying the lyrics and the music, making them feeling good, making them dance and move emotionally. We are blessed to be able to connect through our performances andthrough our songs,” adds Chaminda.
New music for Katcha is currently being produced. “Our original music has been well received worldwide via social media. iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Youtube etc. We’ve also done video clips for our singles which gives a visual for people.”
Their favorites range from Elvis to the Eagles to Fleetwood Mac, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson to Melissa Etheridge & not forgetting the current artists today The Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars & Pink. “Our list is long so many to mention. If you open your eyes you can forever learn and we thank all artists past & present for inspiring us to do what we love and love what we do music,” said Chaminda.
“Being full time musicians in Sydney Australia is an achievement itself,” says Chaminda.
Apart from their band life they teach music and it is all they have. “We can’t see ourselves working in other industries. We just love this industry and want to improve everyday” said Chaminda.
They emphasized on their band moto. “If you reach one it’s better than none. No egos just enjoy creating and doing what we love. We don’t practice as we do not like to tell each musician what to do, or where they should or shouldn’t play in a song. We all ‘feel’ when we perform and allow the music to take the song wherever it goes”.
Chaminda and Kathryn. Pix by Katcha
To learn more about Katcha’s music log onto Katchamusic.com