Peter Catham

by don campau

I guess I first heard of Peter Catham's music in an Option review in 1985 or so. I must have requested a trade or to get his tapes for my radio show although I don't exactly recall. All I know was that it was unusual, quirky material. Not hardcore "exsperiemental" sound but also not straight pop. A real interesting combination of elements that were very unique. Peter released his material in odd sized packages such as his 1984 tape, "Pinched Awake" in a 7" record sleeve. His 1983 cassette, "Gum" ( below) came packed in an open reel tape box that also came with a strange device to put over your head while listening to create a disorienting aural event.

The early experience of

Peter Catham ( artist)

Peter Catham

BY THE END OF 1981 I HAD BEEN THE LEAD SINGER IN TOO MANY ROCK 'N' ROLL BANDS, AND HAD HAD IT WITH THE BAND EXPERIENCE.

I STARTED TO RECORD AND RELEASE MY OWN MUSIC.

I HAD AN 8-TRACK REEL- TO-REEL, A LOAD OF ELECTRIC/ ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS, GOOD MIC'S TO RECORD FOUND SOUNDS, A PRIMITIVE MUSIC COMPUTER ,AND MY VOICE.

I HAVE A LOVE OF THE UNUSUAL, AND THAT SET ME OFF ON A SIX YEAR RUN OF FOUR RELEASES. ' "I TASTE FLOOR", "GUM","PINCHED AWAKE", AND"A MAN'S MOUTH".( FIRST THREE CASSETTE-ONLY."MOUTH" VINYL. )

I CALLED WHAT I DID NEW POSSIBILITIES MUSIC. THE KEY WORD WAS POSSIBILITIES. VERSE AND CHORUS PITFALLS ASIDE, THERE ARE IDEAS AND INSTRUMENTATION YET TO BE DEALT WITH AND HEARD. SIMPLY STATED,THIS MEANS STRIVING TO EXTEND BOUNDARIES WITH NEW SOUNDS, ARRANGEMENTS AND TOPICS.THE NEW POSSIBILITIES EMERGE FROM A DISREGARD FOR THE ORDINARY IN ALL THREE OF THESE AREAS.

I STILL PUSH FOR THAT HERE IN 2010

TO READ MY FULL MUSIC HISTORY AND TO HEAR NEW MUSIC GO TO :