Feature / Music
MACRoCk 2008

Words: Cory • Posted pre-2010

American Tourist | Antlers | The Catalyst | Cloak/Dagger | Furnace | Government Warning | Mild Winter | Police and Thieves | Punch You in the Face Big! | Savage Land

The Catalyst

http://www.myspace.com/thecatalyst

Scene Point Blank: I could be wrong but I believe this is the first time The Catalyst has played MACRoCk. What are your expectations for the event?

The Catalyst: It's true, we've never played, but we've been to more than a few of them between us. We were bummed that it didn't come together last year, but we think it rules that this year will be a more regionally focused, DIY-oriented sort of event.

Scene Point Blank:What bands are you looking forward to seeing this year?

The Catalyst: This year is going to rule so hard. Everyone should check out Ingrid, from D.C., who are one of our new favorite bands. Also, we're stoked to see Order, Pygmy Lush, and Tideland, as well as the fantastic cross-section of RVA bands playing this year, including Antlers, Snack Truck, Cloak/Dagger, Hot Lava, Lord By Fire, Government Warning, Swamp Thing, and more.

Scene Point Blank:Besides the music, what you looking forward to the most at MACRoCk?

The Catalyst: Seeing old friends, meeting new ones. Hanging out. El Charro.

Scene Point Blank:What are your thoughts on the punk/independent scene in Harrisonburg? It's always seemed like a little unknown gem to me, but I'm obviously a bit biased on that front.

The Catalyst: Most of what I know about Harrisonburg in the past comes either from my high school Spanish teacher or the Lovitt Records DVD. It definitely seems like there's been a disproportionate amount of great bands coming out of there over the years. Being in Richmond, just a few hours away, has made Harrisonburg a sweet spot for day trips. We've had some great times at the Crayola House, I think everyone probably has. The town has a great vibe, and great potential still. Although I couldn't talk bad about it even if I wanted to, Virginia is for lovers.

Scene Point Blank: What's going on in the Catalyst camp in the future? I understand a tour in Europe?

The Catalyst: We'll be touring Europe from April 11th to May 11th with our good friends The Kidcrash, from Olympia, WA. Before that, Paul over at Perpetual Motion Machine is releasing a thirteen-song CD collection of our songs from the split LP with Mass Movement of the Moth, the split 7" with Brainworms, and last year's Marianas Trench EP. Everything's been remixed and re-mastered and it sounds monstrous. That should be out the weekend of March 25th, in time for MACRoCk and the tour. We've been writing a lot of new music, and we're planning on recording a new full-length sometime in 2008. In August, we'll be hitting the road for a few weeks with our perennial homeboys Antlers, taking us just across the Mississippi River and back.

Related features

Shane Embury

One Question Interviews • April 23, 2025

Shane Embury (Napalm Death, solo) What is it like playing a solo set as an opener for "the Napalm Death" crowd (as compared to a solo set with an unfamiliar audience)? Playing the Dark Sky Burial set, I feel at times is a daunting task but the reception so far … Read more

Dave Eats Mud

One Question Interviews • April 22, 2025

Andrew (Dave Eats Mud - drums) SPB: What’s your favorite ‘90s deep cut in the 3 formats: punk, pop, TV series? Andrew: So many good ‘90s punk deep cuts to choose from, but I'll go with 88 Fingers Louie's "Something I Don't Know" off their album Behind Bars. ‘90s pop … Read more

Allegedly Records

One Question Interviews • April 21, 2025

Bree (Allegedly Records) SPB:Do you accept demos? What is the most surprising demo you’ve received? Bree: We do accept demos! Since Amy is on the west coast and I'm on the east coast, this is a great way for us to listen to bands in other areas of the country … Read more

Chuck Ragan

Fly fishing tour guide

Interviews / Don't Quit Your Day Job • April 14, 2025

How an artist spends their time by day will influence the creative process at night. In Don’t Quit Your Day Job, Scene Point Blank looks at how musicians split their time, and how their careers influence their music (or how their music provides escape). In this edition, we caught up … Read more

Jumalvauhti

One Question Interviews • March 27, 2025

Kalle (Jumalvauhti – bass) SPB: Who is your favorite band/artist from the 2000-2010 era? Kalle: It's hard to say, but Destiny's Child definitely can't go wrong.  Read more

Related news

MACRoCk 2008 Initial Lineup

Posted in Shows on March 11, 2008

More from this section

2024: A Year In Review

Music / Year End 2024 • January 13, 2025

It's a new year – hooray. And things are off to a fine start, too. If the thought of corrupt governments, AI domination, unmoderated social networks and endless war is causing you to retreat into the past, we don't blame you. In fact, we encourage it! Our writers have summed … Read more

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: Year End (2024)

Music / Year End 2024 • January 4, 2025

It's 2025, somehow. When did this happen?! Okay, okay, four days ago. But honestly. It feels like 2012 was only a few months ago. Is it just SPB who's feeling a little, well, timestruck? But don't worry – we've got you. Did 2024 pass you by, too? Still not caught … Read more

Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2024

Music / Year End 2024 • January 4, 2025

It's a SPB tradition to formally "pass the mic" to our artist and label friends to tell us about their year in music. What albums did they enjoy? What shows did they see? What are they looking forward to for the new year? We're joined this year by a host … Read more