Catpack is a newer group, consisting of some heavy hitters. Musicians Amber Navran of Moonchild, Jacob Mann and Phil Beaudreau make up the trio’s lineup. Named after a meowing keyboard, not any sort of cat/piano memes, they quickly establish themselves as a group to look for. However, these big names don’t let their stature get in the way of making quirky-but-powerful music. On “What I’ve Found,” the trio craft music about shining and getting over the fear of not wanting to be seen/heard. It’s something I can relate to as an artist as well as a journalist and a human being.

When I was younger, there’d be many times where I shrank into the background because I didn’t want to be scolded for thinking outside of the box. Like unlearning the “[sex] the pain away” method I discussed in my piece on Sekou’s “Crying,” it was hard to not put myself into someone’s little box. My generation, we’d get scolded if we spoke out about being made small by people who project their inadequacies. Heck, Matilda goes into this better than almost anything else from my childhood. Memory Lane trip aside, I eventually grew to my own size and it worked wonders. I wouldn’t be standing here in 2024 still making music and/or supporting dope music in all its forms if I continued being “small” for people. Yes, you should be able to fit into anyone’s life you deem right for that sort of thing. However, you don’t have to accept shrinkage or being brought to their level because of that projection.

This is something I personally address on my upcoming Son of the Beast 2: Neon Genesis Speed on the Beat project (shameless plug). Because of that, I’m definitively here for the type of “get right or get left” energy “What I’ve Found” provides its listeners. The song’s “screw what they think” mentality shines through and I appreciate it. The song will leave you calm, but still very upbeat about making a change. It’s one of those songs that delivers its message in a way that’s fun but also serious.

Check it out below, don’t shrink for anyone, and remember to support dope music in all its forms.