The Cat Empire began as a trio with McGill, Riebl, and Monro in late 1999, and started playing a wide variety of gigs in Melbourne. The band soon expanded in 2001, adding Angus, Hull-Brown, and Khadiwala.
THE Cat Empire's message, on stage and in the studio, has always been about breaking down borders: musical, geographic, lingual. But they have never done it so powerfully as they do on their new album, Cinema. The album serves up a set which captures the inexorable force - and sheer joy - of their live performances, delivered in a format perfect for lounge-rooms, backyards, BBQ’s, cafes, road trips and parties all over the world.
Cinema, the band's fourth studio album, is a dazzling statement of a band at a peak of its powers, music designed to move the body and the mind. Right from the opening track, Waiting, this is music that leaps from the speakers.
All the elements that people love about The Cat Empire are there but the result is brighter, bolder. And yes, more cinematic. What grabs the ear immediately is that this is not a band playing with genres. In the past, The Cat Empire dived in to any musical style which took their fancy, from reggae to salsa, Latin to hip-hop. Cinema reveals a band that has developed an emphatic voice that is all their own.
``That's a sound that has emerged out of nearly 10 years of playing on stage together,'' says singer and percussionist Felix Riebl. ”The result is an album that's much more integrated than anything we've done before, with a Cat Empire sound that runs consistently through it. The lyrics are perhaps darker, but they are accompanied by music that is uplifting which gives it a strange but powerful feeling.''
Riebl adds: “At times the album is thoughtful, at times it makes you just forget and dance. But it is an album that has more sonic depth than we've ever had before, experimental in parts but with really direct choruses. It's going to be a great album to play live, especially on big stages and at festivals.''
Of course, the stage is never far from the thoughts of this band. In an age when so much of selling music seems to be about celebrity and fashion, The Cat Empire have risen to be one of Australia and indeed the worlds favourite live acts through sheer musicality and the power of their interaction on stage. The band - Riebl, Vocalist and trumpeter Harry Angus, keys player Ollie McGill, bassist Ryan Monro, drummer Will Hull-Brown and Jamshid Khadiwala (aka ‘Jumps’) on decks - played their 700th show in Amsterdam last year, and will hit the 800 mark in 2010. While it is not well known in Australia, The Cat Empire are one of the country's most successful musical exports, doubling their audience numbers at every return stop.
They have headlined some of the world's biggest music festivals, including Summersonic (Japan), Rock am Ring (Germany) and V Fest (UK), playing Bonnaroo (US) as well as to an audience of 300,000 at the Montreal Jazz Festival. They have also played on some of world's highest rating entertainment shows, including Dave Letterman and Jay Leno. This year their worldwide tour in support of the international release of Cinema will see them return to Canada, US, Europe, Japan and the UK, where they will play to a full house at London's Brixton Academy.
The knowledge that they would be playing songs from the new album on so many big stages focused the song writing sessions for Cinema. The album was recorded close to home at Sing Sing studios in Melbourne with producer Steve Schram, and he encouraged them to make an album that was their most collaborative song writing effort yet.
``That was a deliberate decision from all of us,'' says the lion of the live show - Vocalist and Trumpeter Harry Angus. ``With six people in the band sometimes there will be a song on an album that not everyone wants to play live. This album certainly gets around that problem. And I think that after so many years playing together the guys are much more confident about contributing to the writing. Steve encouraged us to do that. That's been great for us.''
Of working with The Cat Empire, Schram says “it was the perfect studio scenario; amazing players open to trying anything and willing to take a back seat when required. Egos were left at the door.” He adds “In terms of musicianship, it's no secret that they don't come much better than The Cat Empire. Yet Cinema shows that simplicity and one well placed note packs more of a punch and serves the song far more than musical chops alone. We set out to explore in depth the mood and character of each song while maintaining a focus on performance rather than studio trickery. “
After taking their longest break from studio recording after the release of 2007's So Many Nights, the band reconvened feeling refreshed. ``In 2008 we took a break from touring for 8 months. Then in 2009 we released our (live album) Live on Earth” Riebl says. ``When we came back to the band, and then into the studio we all rediscovered what we loved about The Cat Empire in the first place; that it is a band that can do the unexpected, that we have great energy and make music that is always a lot of fun to play on stage. The feeling right now is just like when we were starting out. We're all very excited about that.''
Cinema will be released ...
JUNE 25, AUSTRALIA
JUNE 29, CANADA
JULY 6, USA
AUGUST 2010, EUROPE & JAPAN
See www.thecatempire.com for tours and information
The Car Song
The Cat Empire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it’s sunny in the park
I’ll stay here with my beer and fish and chips till it gets dark
I’ve got a lot of homework
But homework he can wait
I never start my homework till its already too late
My parents say think about your future and my teachers say the same
But it’s hard
It’s 1998
And everybody’s saying:
“Harry, you’re going to be a lawyer some day…”
It’s Monday bloody Monday
And there’s two things I forgot
I forgot to do my homework
And I’ve only got one sock
I’m halfway through a test
But I just can’t concentrate
I’m sitting next to Fontaine
I want to ask her on a date
I really want to start a conversation
But each time she walks past
I start choking on my pencil
And fall flat on my ass
I need to concentrate
If I don't get this grade
Then I might fail to be a lawyer someday
But just right now
Can’ think of anything better to do
Than just sit down at the piano and a write this tune
And maybe later
Maybe later in the afternoon
I’ll sit back and relax
And think of all the things I’m going to do…
Someday…
I’ll buy an old car
Someday…
I’ll get that car to start
Someday…
I’ll learn how to drive too
And then Someday…
Imagine all the things I could do.
(That was 1998 now
Bring it forward to the present day now
Cause some things have changed
but some things (some things)
never change (never change)
check it out (check it out))
The weekend is the weekend
And it’s sunny in the park
I’ll stay here with my beer and fish ‘n’ chips till it gets dark
I just saw Peter Parsons
Who used to be in my class
I always gave him wedgies cause I thought he worked too hard
He said, “Harry, life is great –
I feel so happy these days –
I’m a litigation lawyer –
So I got it made
I’m going out with Fontaine
Rememer her from tenth grade?
I drive a Porsche so I can’t complain…”
sh**! And look at me can’t think of anything better to do
That just sit down at the piano and a write this tune
And maybe later
Maybe later in the afternoon
I’ll sit back and relax and think of all the things I’m going to do…
Someday…
I’ll buy an old car
Someday…
I’ll get that car to start
Someday…
I’ll learn how to drive too
And then Someday…
Imagine all the things I could do.
(Break)
But just right now
Can’ think of anything better to do
Than just sit down at the piano and a write this tune
And maybe later
Maybe later in the afternoon
I’ll sit back and relax
And think of all the things I’m going to do…
Someday…
I’ll buy an old car
Someday…
I’ll get that car to start
Someday…
I’ll learn how to drive too
And then Someday…
Imagine all the things I could do.
The Cat Empire's song The Car Song is a nostalgic track that captures the youthful spirit and carefree attitude of the late 90s. The first verse describes the joy of a sunny weekend spent in the park, procrastinating on homework and enjoying simple pleasures like beer and fish and chips. The singer reminisces about the distraction of a basketball game and the pressure from adults to focus on the future, while everyone is telling him he will be a lawyer someday. The second verse jumps to a typical Monday morning, with the stress of forgotten homework and the distraction of a crush. The singer is struggling to stay focused on his studies and dreams of driving, while still feeling the pressure to become a successful lawyer in the future. The song ends with the same nostalgic desires for someday owning an old car and all the possibilities that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
The weekend is the weekend
I'm enjoying my free time and taking a break from school or work.
And it’s sunny in the park
The weather is nice and I can spend time outside.
I’ll stay here with my beer and fish and chips till it gets dark
I'm relaxing and enjoying some food and drinks while I have the chance.
I’ve got a lot of homework
I have responsibilities and obligations that I need to attend to.
But homework he can wait
I'll procrastinate and put my work off until later.
I never start my homework till its already too late
I always end up rushing to complete my assignments at the last minute.
My parents say think about your future and my teachers say the same
I'm getting pressure from different sources to plan for my future.
But it’s hard when there’s a basketball game at the park
I'm distracted by immediate pleasures and activities that I enjoy.
It’s 1998
The song takes place in the late 90s.
And everybody’s saying:
Other people have certain expectations for Harry's future.
“Harry, you’re going to be a lawyer some day…”
People are predicting that Harry will go into a certain profession.
It’s Monday bloody Monday
The weekend is over and it's time to go back to school or work.
And there’s two things I forgot
I'm making mistakes and not staying on top of my responsibilities.
I forgot to do my homework
I neglected to take care of a task that I needed to complete.
And I’ve only got one sock
I'm encountering unexpected setbacks or obstacles.
I’m halfway through a test
I'm in the middle of a stressful situation.
But I just can’t concentrate
I'm feeling anxious or distracted.
I’m sitting next to Fontaine
Harry is near someone he has feelings for.
I want to ask her on a date
Harry is interested in pursuing a romantic connection with Fontaine.
I really want to start a conversation
Harry's desire to engage with Fontaine is strong.
But each time she walks past
Harry keeps experiencing missed opportunities.
I start choking on my pencil
Harry is nervous and feels like he's failing.
And fall flat on my ass
Harry keeps encountering embarrassing or discouraging situations.
I need to concentrate
Harry realizes the importance of focusing and staying on task.
If I don't get this grade
Harry is worried about the consequences of his academic performance.
Then I might fail to be a lawyer someday
Harry has expectations placed on him and fears he won't be able to meet them.
But just right now
In this moment.
Can' think of anything better to do
Harry is out of ideas or lacks motivation.
Than just sit down at the piano and a write this tune
Harry finds inspiration in music and is using it as a creative outlet.
And maybe later
At some point in the future.
Maybe later in the afternoon
Possibly a specific time frame, perhaps that day.
I’ll sit back and relax
Harry is looking forward to a time of peace or leisure.
And think of all the things I’m going to do…
Harry is optimistic about his potential and is excited to fulfill his aspirations.
Someday… I’ll buy an old car
Harry has a long-term goal of owning a classic automobile.
Someday… I’ll get that car to start
Harry is determined to bring his dream of driving an old car to life.
Someday… I’ll learn how to drive too
Harry knows that he has room to grow and develop his abilities.
And then Someday… Imagine all the things I could do.
Harry envisions all of the exciting experiences that he could have once he achieves his goals.
(That was 1998 now
The song returns to the past time period.
Bring it forward to the present day now
The song transitions to modern times.
Cause some things have changed
There have been some differences and developments since the late 90s.
but some things (some things)
Certain aspects have remained the same.
never change (never change)
Some things are constant and unchanging.
check it out (check it out))
The song encourages listeners to observe or take notice of what's happening.
I just saw Peter Parsons
Harry is encountering someone from his past.
Who used to be in my class
Peter has a connection to Harry's educational background.
I always gave him wedgies cause I thought he worked too hard
Harry engaged in bullying behavior towards Peter in the past.
He said, “Harry, life is great –
Peter shares an optimistic perspective with Harry.
I feel so happy these days –
Peter is content and satisfied in his current situation.
I’m a litigation lawyer –
Peter has pursued a career in law.
So I got it made
Peter feels that he's achieved financial or professional success.
I’m going out with Fontaine
Peter is dating the person that Harry has feelings for.
Rememer her from tenth grade?
Peter is reminding Harry of their shared history with Fontaine.
I drive a Porsche so I can’t complain…”
Peter is enjoying a luxurious lifestyle and doesn't have much to complain about.
sh**! And look at me
Harry is feeling inadequate or disappointed in himself when comparing himself to Peter.
Can’t think of anything better to do
Harry is still struggling with motivation or inspiration.
Than just sit down at the piano and a write this tune
Music continues to be an outlet for Harry's emotions and creativity.
maybe later
Harry is still looking forward to a time of leisure or relaxation.
Someday… I’ll buy an old car
Harry holds onto his long-term goal of obtaining a classic vehicle.
Someday… I’ll get that car to start
Harry remains determined to bring his dream to life.
Someday… I’ll learn how to drive too
Harry is still working towards the development of his abilities.
And then Someday… Imagine all the things I could do.
Harry continues to hold optimistic and hopeful aspirations for his future.
Contributed by Juliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
skmarimba
what an amazing band. they're so versatile--it seems like they can take any genre and go in any direction with it. funny video too!
Rainer Hilland
Man this band kicks all kinds of ass. They have a groove that's really hard to create. Buy their albums! And easily the most entertaining and creative video I've seen :P
D B
This song brings me back to when I was 5 or 6. My dad has just bought a brand new Ford Falcon BA XR6 turbo. We jammed to this on our first road trip in it with me telling him to floor it every 5 minutes and getting thrown back in my seat. Good times.
Werebilby J
I'm here because this song came up on my weekly discovery list on Spotify and we loved it! Absolutely brilliant! Stuff Harry Styles or whatever, pfft. I will keep any eye out for more of these dudes' music as it 's brilliant.
Terry Wallis
Love this song and so many others. So sad to hear they recently broke up. There music will live and inspire and invigorate forever. TYVM guys😍
Hannah Gately
these guys make being an Australian sooo much better for me. i love them!!!
The Adobe Empire
Man, I've seen this video so many times and it just never gets old.
angelovexx
love these guys! this song's been stuck in my head all day, haha.
Shane Fell
Imagine if Harry HAD become a lawyer. We wouldn’t have the Cat Empire
Speckled10
words cant describe how much I love The Cat Empire .. their incredible music is just whats good about life ..