Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Catalano.
Christopher, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started Rapping at age 18. I played a few instruments growing up but I had never really toyed with vocals. In my early 20’s music was my life. Writing songs and playing shows was what I did. During this time, I got introduced to the EDM world, specifically Dubstep, and was in a trio by the name of AlphaBit. We quickly made a name for ourselves with a blend of Tear out Dubstep and a live MC. Opening up for acts such as 12th Planet, Trolly Snacha and Bear Grillz. However, my heart has always been in Hip Hop.
In 2015 I teamed up with a long time friend to create a duo by the name of Sweatshop & Owl green or SSxOG. We created Hip Hop music that was beyond a good time and created a brand by the name of Malt is Life. This took us all across the United States touring and even into International waters playing shows coast to coast in Canada. Opening up for acts such as KRS 1, Problem, Hobo Johnson, The Palmer Squares and many more. After more than four years, we decided to stop SSxOG and pursue solo projects. Defiantly a bittersweet moment as I wouldn’t be working with my brother as closely, but I was excited to focus more on Owl Green.
Since starting my solo project as Owl Green I’ve done quite a lot in a short amount of time. In 2019, I released my first solo EP titled “Tuesday.” A big part of the Owl Green brand is being purely yourself and I have always thought of Tuesday as the purest day of the week, with no other meaning attached to it like how Monday is the start of the week or how Wednesday is “Hump Day.” I also featured on 18 tracks throughout the year working with artists like Netherfriends. Chris Crack and Stevie Ray. The success of last year has really had me excited to release music in 2020 in which I have been releasing a new track or video every month. My latest release has been the most successful so far and it was a House collab with Wenzday off her latest EP “Too Late.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think if any Artist says they have had a smooth road, they are lying lol. Being an Artist in the music industry really is a tough gig. I cannot tell you how many times I have played a show for five people or less. And to be honest, it was years of playing small shows, and those small shows still happen depending on the city and the day of the week. These shows really create a mental grind and you start to question what you’re even doing. Most people see all the good moments on Instagram but don’t get to see them sleeping on floors and countless hours of driving it takes to be on the road. I also have never had a manager, which makes to hard for anybody in music. This pretty much means I have to do all the groundwork for releases, shows and any press or playlist promotion. Not that I am complaining, its the life of an independent artist, but it took years of learning to understand the etiquette and how it works, and that can be tough at times. But I am lucky to have a really good team around me that is super supportive and they always keep me focused and humble.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
The “Owl Green” brand is all about relatable authenticity. These days we hear a lot of fabrications and lavish lifestyles in music that really just isn’t a reality for a lot of people. So why not create something simple, music for a coffee break, or simply music you can hear and say, “wow, I do that all the time.” Another big part of my brand is Love or Flavored Romance. Sure it sounds cheesy, but we all go through it. Love can take you from the heights of the world to the bottom of the barrel. I also really love food so I tend to talk about love and compare it to sweets and junk foods lol. I also work in photography! I am a lifestyle photographer and I shoot events. It started out as something to do while I was on tour, then it turned to a hobby then to paid gigs. I’ve shot for legends like The Grouch and Murs, Easy Life and artists all throughout the LA music scene. On the side of all of this, I do a podcast called Never Land. It really is a passion project where I can speak freely about music, sports, weed culture as well as current events. Podcasts are a really good form of media these days and really is an exploding market. I encourage any artist or creative in any way to start a podcast as it is a great way to create content without have to be super creative.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
For me, the quality that is most important to my success is being a good human. I have gotten a lot of opportunities due to my good nature as a person. I really think when people get a sense that you’re a good person they are more willing to work with you or introduce you to people who can help you succeed. Another quality is definitely hard work. To quote Tim Notke, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” There is always going to be someone out there who is willing to stay up later, get up earlier, practice harder or learn more. If you’re not one of those people who is willing to work harder than the next person then success may not be in your cards.
Contact Info:
- Email: owlgreenofficial@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_owlgreen/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owlgreenmusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_owlgreen
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/owlgreen
Image Credit:
@williamdubb (Will Rushton) @izzyyyb (Isabella Brown)
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
