As far as the "sound" he is hoping to create? "I am hoping to do something a bit more raw and refined than anything I have done in the past. Ultimately, I want to play music that hopefully makes you feel better than worse, when it's all said and done." Back to basics is where I am headed", says Cato. For 10 years he was the main songwriter and singer for the local Indie Pop/Rock outfit, Living Space (listen here). They managed to record three self-released albums and played on and off at local venues and even received label Major Label interest from RCA records. Over the years, through the different configurations of the band, one thing remained constant. Ronnie was opening himself up to write and listen to different music while searching for his own voice. He received an "Honorable Mention in the Billboard's songwriting contest in 2000. "I owe my songwriting to the interesting collection of music that I was exposed to", says Cato.
Latest News
Currently I am in the process of completing my first solo release titled Wide Eyed Views, due out late winter 2011. Go here to check out a rough mix of a track Traveller's Lament from the album. Currently I am in the process of completing my first solo release titled Wide Eyed Views, due out this fall.
Bio
Living Space is a musical entity that has been in existence since the mid-90s. In the past sometimes a band, sometimes solo , and currently a duo. What remains constant is the songwriting and smooth vocal delivery of Ronnie Cato. Trevor Contreras also lends a lyrical brand of guitar layering that support the melodically driven songs. Some songs have tinges of rock, punk, soul, folk and sometimes jazz. The current duo configuration has been playing around the Bay Area in 2006 honing their chemistry to a dynamic formula of pop/rock sweetness.
There are plans to go back to the studio to create a new recording that will capture the more intimate side of their sound. Be on the lookout for Living Space before it changes on you again.
Press Info
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ronnie Cato
Email: proz@darkmatters.net
IN A VAST SEA OF LOCAL “ROCK” MUSIC, LIVING SPACE PROVIDES CATCHY TUNES TO REMEMBER
San Francisco, California --- October 22, 2005
Indie Pop/Rockers Living Space achieves its most complete work to date with its latest album, “Secret Lives, Strange Goodbyes.” The multi-racial four-piece band coolly reinvents themselves song after song, moving through shades of rock, folk, blues, funk, jazz and soul. The band combines the traditions of great songwriting with current stories of life, love, loss, and hope. “Each member of the band comes from a different musical background, so creating a sound that appeals to a variety of people is important to us. We try to experiment slightly with song structures but remain true to the “two guitar, bass and drums line-up,” says bassist Costa.They are promoting their latest CD, which will be ready for release this October 18th, 2005. You can purchase the new music at the band website www.darkmatters.net.
The warm harmonies and vocal styling of Ronnie Cato(rhythm guitar, vocals) and Kevin Costa (bass, vocals) create the albums’ stirring melodic identity. A quick listen will find songs that are immediate and pleasing, like most good pop rock. Delving further into the album, the melodies carefully wind around the bands reflective lyrical approach revealing an uncommon depth of character. From sparkling piano ballads (In My Mind, Let it All go) to driving tunes such as the songs (Pill Box, Too Phoney). Through all of this variety, Living Space finds its sound. Emerging from a period of personnel changes and artistic uncertainty, Living Space found that the recording helped them work through some of their baggage together. The theme of “making the best of things” seems to resonate on the tracks of the new album. “Secret Lives, Strange Goodbyes” was recorded at Berkeley’s Big Hut Studios over a four month span of time. The project developed as collaboration with Living Space and producer Timm Walker, who also guests on the new album. William Alums (Zydeco Flames) sat in as the session drummer. Also adding a new dimension to the band’s sound was Contreras’ use of layered guitars and guitar solos which in their previous work had been lacking. “Sometimes you need a respectable outside opinion, so working with Timm was great.” “We could depend on his feedback to help us move in the right direction for the recording. The recording experience gave us an overall better understanding of what we were trying to do with our songs,” says guitarist Contreras.
“We could try to swim in the mainstream of music, but the status quo is not what we want. We love to make pop music, but we also realize that we have a forum that can move and connect people in ways that may not happen day to day," as guitarist Fransis says. James Udell (drums), who joined the band in March of 2005 brings a drumming style that is slightly more groove oriented to the band. With their new found confidence, the group hopes it’s more focused polished sound will bring them opportunities to play to new audiences. The band will begin promoting the new album in Bay Area venues throughout Northern California. “Secret Lives, Strange Goodbyes” will be available at select Bay area music stores and online at www.cdbaby.com. If you’re looking for great local indie pop-rock, check out the band's CD release party at the Hotel Utah (500 4th St.San Francisco, CA 94105, 415.546.6300), along with Wish Inflicted and The Bitterweets, 9PM, Saturday, October 22. The Cover is $7.00
Additional Contact info:
Ronnie Cato
925-682-5964
1925 Lucille Lane
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
CD's are available for purchase at www.cdbaby.com
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Similar Artists
REM, Weezer, The Smiths, Blur, Barenaked Ladies, David Gray
Influences
Squeeze,The Beatles, Rufus Wainwright, Morrissey, Paul Simon,RADIOHEAD,Stevie Wonder