Interview with Jacob Mann from Catpack
Interview by Jessica Klausing
Catpack from left to right: Amber Navran, Jacob Mann, and Phil Beaudreau.
Meet Catpack, the purr-fect new project from the creative minds of Amber Navran (of Moonchild), Jacob Mann, and Phil Beaudreau. With a captivating blend of Jazz, R&B, and electronic motifs, Catpack crafts infectious melodies and clever lyrics that are playful and joyful. Their live performances are a celebration of energy and connection. Not to mention their project is cat-themed! How cool is that!?
We caught up with Jacob Mann after the Atlanta concert to chat about the band.
How did you all come together to form Catpack?
Jacob: We met each other over a decade ago as musicians based in Los Angeles. After years of admiring each other’s music from afar, we decided to try writing songs together. We had a similar musical vision for the project and the writing process was really natural and fun. Before we knew it we had a 10 song album and Catpack was born!
Which song do you enjoy performing live for fans?
Jacob: “Walk Away” is the first track on our album and the first song we play at our shows. It’s a high-energy song and the live version has a really fun outro jam. We love to let loose and have a great time from the start of the show, and we hope that feeling translates to the audience!
Your music is a unique jazz-influenced R&B sound with electronic motifs. How did you create this quirky musical style?
Jacob: A lot of our ideas started with sounds from the Roland Juno 106, which has some really playful yet soulful sounds. The rest of the production matched that playful mood and is a combination of our individual voices. Anyone who listens to each of our solo projects and then listens to Catpack will be able to hear the Amber, Phil, and Jacob moments in each song.
Which song on the debut album is your favorite?
Jacob: My favorite song on the album is “Next To Me.” Amber’s and Phil’s vocals are incredible on this song, and it contains the Juno cat sound that helped name the band!
After listening to your music, I noticed a lot of joy and freedom of expression. What is the overall message you hope to convey to listeners?
Jacob: Every moment of writing this music was fun for us, and it’s been a lot of fun translating it to a live show as well. We just hope that our music is as fun to listen to as it is to create!
Catpack is currently on tour for the release of their debut album. Check out DJ Marq’s video review of their recent stop in Atlanta.