Bastrop, Louisiana resident Charlie "Cat" Canfield is a excellent example of a country artist that elegantly leverages his originality and compositional skills to the service of modern entertainment. His new single ‘Dallas And A Country Song’ demonstrates blazing musical stylings that are sure to appeal to mainstream audiences. This country artist with a performance flair has the right look and the right attitude to become a proper country-magnet and audiences around the world are beginning to acknowledge the fact that a new creative force has arisen. Where will he take it from here? One critic wrote of his award-winning work: ‘Charlie 'Cat' Canfield puts pure poetry to music with a delightfully playful delivery that moves from blues to a swinging jazz resolution.’ We suspect this artist will navigate the future on his own terms, given his obvious passion and musical skills. Independent reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Charlie "Cat" Canfield to discuss his music and the interesting path by which he came to it.
ALEXIS: As an artist on the rise, what is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most afraid of happening in your career?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: I’m most excited getting to work with Wayne Freeman, owner of Fremark Studios, arranging my original traditional Country, Gospel, and Inspirational songs. I got a late start getting my songs, which I filed away in dresser drawers, out on the Internet and distributed by C D Baby worldwide. I’m 88 years old and I’m still chasing my dream of leaving behind good quality music for the world to enjoy for years to come. I’m afraid of running out of time before I can get most of my songs on the Internet and distributed worldwide.
ALEXIS: Your song ’Dallas And A Country Song’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: I was very excited to know people still appreciates a good traditional country song.
ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: The TV series “Dallas”. I visualized my song being played and covered by artist on country radio and in night clubs all over Texas, Louisiana, Nashville, etc.
ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: I liked poetry and acting at a very young age. One of my first jobs was running the movie machines at the Rose Theater in Bastrop, Louisiana. I was a fan of Shirley Temple. I enjoyed the musicals. This started me singing and writing simple songs. My hobby was hunting and fishing. I specialized in Duck hunting and Bass Fishing. I wrote some of my songs while enjoying the great outdoors that God created for us to enjoy.
ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: 5. I’m down-to-earth and a fun-loving individual. I love God first, my family second, my country third, my neighbor fourth and myself fifth.
ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: My experience working with other people on my team has been gratifying and enjoyable. I’m a people person.
ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: As far as I know there is very little musical background in my family. My mother played the piano a little by ear. My children played in their high school and collage band.
ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: The most rewarding is when someone likes my songs. The most challenging is to make sure the phrasing and timing is right.
ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: My role models are Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Eddie Arnold, Gene Autry, Ray Price and Hank Williams, Sr.
ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: My most memorable performance was when I sang at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, Louisiana along with Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Johnny Horton.
ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: Be sure you are willing to devote plenty of time for your music and make your music a big part of your life until you reach you goal.
ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
CHARLIE "CAT" CANFIELD: Continue writing and singing simple songs that the average man on the street can enjoy and sing along with. I plan to continue releasing new songs as long as my voice lasts. I haven’t decided whether to release an album or single next. I hope I can continue for a while longer, bringing these enjoyable songs into the world.
ALEXIS: I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you for letting us get to know you better as a musician and I wish you the best of luck and continued success.
http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/charliecatcanfield
