-Introduce Yourself:
Hi I am Cathy Richardson. I am a singer, songwriter, musician, producer and Grammy nominee. I am the new lead singer of Jefferson Starship, I played Janis Joplin in the original Off Broadway cast of “Love, Janis” and have led my own band for years. I also have a kick ass new band called The Macrodots, with Zack Smith.
-How did you get your start?
My mom was a singer so there was always music around the house as long as I can remember. My first “stage experience” was singing in church when I was very young.
-Who are some of your influences?
My biggest influences growing up were Heart, Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship and Janis Joplin. I’m into all kinds of music now. Basically, anything real that makes me feel something (other than annoyance!)
-How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I like to play with a variety of sounds and influences within the genre of rock. My main instrument is my voice and I do all kinds of things with it, from a whisper to a scream and all points in between. My solo records lean towards Americana, with Jefferson Starship it’s, of course, a more psychedelic rock vibe, we do a lot of Airplane material, too. The Macrodots borrows a lot from classic rock but with a modern edge. Hooky songs, wailing vocals, lush harmonies, vintage keys, crunchy guitars, real drums… it’s kind of a hybrid of power pop and modern classic rock.
-Do you have any music available for purchase, & if so where can people go to buy it?
I have seven releases as Cathy Richardson and Cathy Richardson Band, two with Jefferson Starship and one with the Macrodots. Most can be found on iTunes and Amazon but some of my early stuff can only be found at my website. http://www.CRBand.com
-You’re getting set to hit the road for a world tour, where can one go to find the dates?
My tour dates with all my various projects are centralized at http://www.crband.com
-Do you have a particular stop on the tour you are looking forward to the most?
I’m looking very forward to touring Australia next year with Jefferson Starship.
-Fav. song to perform?
That changes from night to night. With Jefferson Starship it’s probably “Somebody to Love” because that’s a big hit and always gets a crowd reaction, plus it’s really in my breadbasket as far as the wailing vocal sound. With the Macrodots, right now, I think it’s “Save Me” or “If I Could,“ two huge power ballads where I just sing my guts out.
-What is the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you while performing?
Once my band was playing in a big place in Chicago debuting our version of a song written by Kristen Hall, who was in the audience. I started the song on my guitar and when the rest of the band came in they were looking at me like I had two heads. I had forgotten to put my capo on and was two whole steps off. Needless to say, we had to stop and start over and it was truly embarrassing.
-Who is someone you would like to work with or play a show with in the future?
It would be my dream to sing with Ann Wilson someday.
-Fav. band/artist of all time:
That is tough, I guess I will go with Janis Joplin because her life and her music truly changed my life and my music. Everything in my life changed when I got cast as Janis, it elevated my career and my abilities as a singer in countless ways.
-What is something people may be surprised to find out about you?
I worked as an auto mechanic before I became a professional singer.
-What is 1 thing you would really like to see or do in your lifetime?
I would really like to go to India and explore the entire country.
-Since it’s almost Halloween, growing up what was your best Halloween costume?
I think the funniest costume was when I was two I dressed as a “lady,” haha.
-First concert you ever attended?
Heart, 1983, Poplar Creek Music Theater in Barrington, IL
-What was your fav. cartoon or tv show while growing up?
I was obsessed with Felix the Cat.
-Any last words/message to your fans?
Rock n roll forever!
Twitter @CashRichRecords
