Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Catania.
Cynthia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a songwriter who sings and produces music. I have been performing in the Los Angeles area since I moved here in ’95. I’ve had great success with the band Saucy Monky, and now my newest project The Secret Things is a wonderful outlet for joy and music making. We recently toured in Toronto, held a near-sold-out benefit concert for the transgender community at LA’s Hotel Cafe. We released a gorgeous video honoring PJ Harvey, covering her classic “down by the water” updating her filicide theme with a trans and LGBTQ commentary.
Specifically, issues with family and acceptance most gay and trans people face. LGBTQ youth make up the lion’s share of teen suicides in this country.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the spirit of bringing art to commerce, a great challenge is to stay true to what one does innately. Not swaying with the times and trends. But creating something authentic. Timeless. Stirring. Thoughtful. That honesty can be very relate-able. It’s what inspires me when I see & feel it in others. I try to do this daily, even though it can be a great challenge. Point in case is the genre of music I’m doing with TST.
Nowadays, ALT ROCK is not in vogue. But we do it anyway. Full on, hearts out, balls to the wall.
In the mid-2000’s, during Saucy Monky’s rise to stardom, myself and co-lead singer Annmarie Cullen split up. At the time we were closeted per the climate of the music and entertainment industries. We were a band on the rise; touring, getting incredible press and radio play in Ireland and the UK deals in the States & Scotland, success building in the U.S. Then it all went pear-shaped.
We continued on with that project for YEARS until Annmarie relocated back to Europe in 2015. it taught me that holding onto things when one should let go, is one of my big life lessons. That fear that if you let go, you’ll have empty hands. But that’s just not true. The universe provides in way’s we can’t imagine. The day Annmarie confirmed she had a date to leave America, I was invited to this new adventure with The Secret Things.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Secret Things story. Tell us more about the business.
In the spirit of “Big Magic”, I think my brand is “me”. What I’ve learned recently is I’m not of this project or that project, as much as I am a creator of music. That’s my passion and my voice. I can choose to use it as a vehicle to spread my ideas, to support my beliefs, feed my ego, attempt to make money or to make a difference in my community. Lately, the choice is to create a platform to discuss social issues. I have songs (with The Secret Things) that are social commentaries. Going back to the spirit of the 60’s. There’s not much one can do at a rally or a protest, but via art – you can get your messages across. Songs that are more topical. We are going in to record those ideas this month. It’s a way to curb frustration and voice opinions, in a positive way.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think good luck is “flow”. My job is to get out of the way. When I do that, I become very “lucky”. Opportunities I couldn’t dream up come to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thesecretthings.com/
- Email: info@thesecretthings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/The_SecretThings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesecretthings/
- Twitter: @SecThingsMusic
Image Credit:
Sue Ann Pien
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