Lucky 13 with Daydream Catapult

Daydream Catapult Lucky 13 with NMG
“Without music I would be a bit lost. Music is a mysterious language. My music makes me feel more human. I write the songs because I simply have to. Support music because it enriches and connects people’s lives.” ~ Tom Johnson, Daydream Catapult

Daydream Catapult is a Nashville-based pop trio consisting of founding members Chris Ray, Elle Bijet, and Tom Johnson. Anchored by acoustic and electronic influences, the band’s sound is a concoction of dynamic musical escapes for the discerning listener. Since their formation in 2012, Daydream Catapult has been evolving their own unique take on pop. From the acoustic guitar and vocal mix of their early days, the trio has since added subtlety and depth to their original compositions. Through their use of modern electronic production, the band’s emerging sound is rich and layered with strong rhythmic underpinnings and orchestral accents.

This Nashville-based pop trio devoted to the concoction of dynamic musical escapes, anchored by acoustic and electronic influences encompass the true ideals of music beyond boundaries. Their latest single is “Love Jumping” and the official video for “Catnip” was released this week on their Vevo channel.

Daydream Catapult will be performing in Nashville on Saturday, October 3rd at Fogatas Mexican Restaurant (5560 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211) at 5PM.

Nashville Music Guide had the opportunity to do our Lucky 13 with Daydream Catapult so that we could share a little bit more about this local band with their fans and our audience.

Lucky 13 with Daydream Catapult

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“Without music, there would not be a powerful challenge to your heart’s status quo. Music is a friend speaking the truth you need to hear in a kind and gentle way. My music makes me feel part of the whole. I write the songs that show up on my doorstep, in the rain. Support music because kibble for our pets is expensive.” ~ Elle Bijet, Daydream Catapult

NMG: What was the first song you ever performed? 

Tom Johnson: “Once in Royal David’s City” for a second-grade Christmas pageant.

NMG: Did you come from a musical background? 

Elle Bijet: My mom loves to sing and she used to bribe my siblings and me with candy when we practiced three-part harmony to be performed for our church. Singing was a path to sugar in my family. We often had to eat health food, stuff like lecithin, until we had a holiday or a song to sing at church.

NMG: What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career? 

Chris Ray: One thing I would say is to work on separating your artist side from your business side. If you are only an artist, then you have to rely on someone else to monetize your art form. Similarly, if you take on too much of the business side of things, then your art could suffer. The way the artist side of you views your music may or may not necessarily be the way your business side should look at it. Separating and balancing these two worlds takes patience and dedication on all fronts.

NMG: What are 3 things that you have to have with you at all times/never leave home without? 

Tom Johnson: Phone, keys, and wallet (which contains at least one guitar pick).

NMG: If you had to describe your music in three or four words, what would you call it? 

Chris Ray: “Yard gnome discovers purpose”

Elle front Tracks
Without music, I have no excuse for not being a doctor or lawyer. Music is color and I am part of the greatest kaleidoscope. My music makes me feel like I have a winning lottery ticket in my pocket. I write the songs, play the guitar, produce the sound, and eat the sushi.  Support music because one day you may be a lowly musician too. ~ Chris Ray, Daydream Catapult

NMG: What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?) 

Elle Bijet: I tend to write about over-thinking things, uncertainty in taking action, and surrendering to the only easy answer: love.

NMG: What do you feel distinguishes “an artist” from just a musician? 

Elle Bijet: Musicians feel music just as deeply as an “artist,” and the way in which they express themselves comes from a profound knowledge of what they and their instrument can do for a song. An “artist” may or may not possess the high level of technical know-how and musicality to connect to an audience as purely a “musician.” The artist’s connection to music and to other people comes from having a creative itch to scratch, and then making oneself vulnerable enough to share it, knowing that other people might not like that extension of themselves.

NMG: If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry what would it be? 

Elle Bijet: I both like and lament that music seems to be dwindling as a cash cow. The way people consume music is forever changing and the ways to have a steady income are less reliable than ever. While easy online access to new music is a great thing, I believe that artists and songwriters should be paid for their hard work. Maybe we could go back to some sort of thing like they had in the Renaissance: patrons could sponsor musicians while they focus on the creations that can be shared by all.

NMG: How do you like to enjoy your relaxation time away from the music? 

Elle Bijet: I like to hang out with my cat, throw the Frisbee with my dog, and watch the cheesiest and most melodramatic Telenovelas in Spanish that are currently on T.V. or Netflix.

NMG: Who does most of the songwriting? 

Elle Bijet: Chris does the lion’s share of the songwriting because he is the most action-oriented, whereas Tom and I like to think things through and ponder for a while (an eternity). Moreover, Chris’ command of midi-programming and production in general allows him to conceive many layers that were not in the original song.

NMG: When things seem to go negatively at times, how o you turn things into something positive? 

Chris Ray: Beer.

NMG: What are your up-to-date performance plans? New Releases? Tours ? News? 

Chris Ray: Our single “Love Jumping” recently hit iTunes, and we have a super fun video we just released  for our song “Catnip.” Please give our Youtube channel a listen! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbCW9UcTnDt3-XvUwMZusw

NMG: Do you currently have an agent, endorsement, record label, sponsor, etc that you want to give a shout out to? 

Chris Ray: Carey James is our financier, music video director, PR professional, tech savant, promoter, and head chef. He has believed in us since day one and has been an invaluable source of knowledge and at times extreme frustration. We love you bro!

Check out Daydream Catapult’s Video for “Catnip”

For more information on Daydream Catapult:

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