Chantal Roeske (Tonguecutter)
Who are you most excited to see at Caterwaul?
Roeske: There's an amazing lineup this year. That makes it really hard to answer this question and I'm definitely excited for lots of bands, but I'm really pumped to see and play in close proximity with Lung. Guessing we are the only two women traveling with classical instruments to 331 that day and I've been really digging them!
Who would you like to collaborate with or start a cover band with at Caterwaul and why?
Roeske: Lindsey from the Cell Phones, haha! We need to start a two-piece punk rock R&B cover band where we take turns singing and playing one floor tom, LOL. It's awesome to see those guys on the bill because, over a decade ago, our bands were playing together (and they rocked a Rihanna cover!). I sing a lot of soul & R&B and it's actually really influential for me. Since that time both Lindsay and I have been momming hard, getting married, and still doing the fucking thing. Super rad to be seeing each other again after all these years and playing the fest together.
What was your first favorite band?
Roeske: The Pixies. They've remained one of my ultimates of all time. There's enough complexity and flavor in there to itch just about every scratch I have.
Have you ever had performance anxiety? What is your secret weapon?
Roeske: Hell yeah I've had performance anxiety! I have a famous saying that I don't trust an artist who doesn't have crippling self-doubt, LOL. My secrets to success are A) you don't actually have to poop, that's just nerves. B). Believe that people want the chance to understand and value your art.
What’s the best part of playing an all day/multiple day festival or gathering? And conversely, what is the worst part of doing it?
Roeske: 100% it's the networking. Facilitating and attending a fest is a lot of work for everyone. (Heavy nod to the facilitating, LOL.) It's kind of like a marathon where there are a lot of t-shirts and beer. But the conversations and the connections you make along the way are worth their weight in gold.
Bonus multiple choice: Replacements, Husker Du, Halo of Flies or Prince?
Roeske: Sorry in advance for anyone I might upset, but I have to go with Prince.
