Catnap

Nina Friend- Guitar and Vocals

Julia Deason- Bass and Vocals

Angie Benbeneck- Drums

 

How did you get your start in music? Do you come from a musical family?

Julia: I grew up surrounded by music. Both of my sisters are musicians, and my parents frequently played music for me. I started with the cello and later switched to the bass because I’ve always loved deeper tones.

Nina: My dad is a musician, and being around his music from a young age sparked my interest.

Angie: I got into music seriously in 6th grade with percussion. My biggest influence is my dad, who bought The Conduit. His support has been invaluable in helping me and my friends navigate the music industry.

 

Who are your musical influences? How do they impact your music?

Julia: My influences include local bands, my sisters, my friends, and bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I love incorporating different styles into my playing. Jazz camp and the curriculum at School of Rock also significantly shaped my style.

Nina: Beabadoobee inspired me to start writing my own songs. Bands from the ’90s and 2000s and the local music scene at Stardust also influence my music.

Angie: My influences come from live bands at intimate venues and mainstream artists like Paramore. Drummers like Lucy Ritter inspire my technique and style.

 

What made you decide to pursue music professionally?

Julia: Forming our band made me take music seriously. Watching other bands also inspires me to improve.

Nina: I always thought being a musician was something out of reach, but during quarantine, I started learning guitar and writing songs, realizing that I could pursue it.

Angie: Nina's invitation to play together made me consider being in a band. Playing with Catnap has been crucial to my development as a musician.

 

How did Catnap get together as a band?

Nina: I met Angie in dance class and Julia later on, also from dance class. Julia and I started doing music together with violin and cello, which led to guitar and bass. We found out Angie played drums and started playing all together!

 

What has been your biggest obstacle as a band, and how did you overcome it?

Julia: Establishing ourselves and making connections was challenging. We’ve worked hard to be taken seriously despite initial biases.

Angie: Our biggest obstacle is being a new band. We’re learning as we go, and I’m excited about our growth.

 

What is your writing process?

Julia: I usually groove on my bass until something works. We collaborate well as a band, often starting with ideas Nina brings to practice.

Nina: Our early songs came from ideas Julia and I had, which we developed with Angie. Now, it’s really a group effort with equal input from all of us.

Angie: I focus on improvisation. Most songs start from jamming on Nina’s ideas and refining them together.

 

What is the story behind the song "Talk"?

Nina: “Talk” was definitely inspired by Deftones' acoustic version of “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away),” and my realization that I could really create music that sounds like my favorite bands. It was therapeutic for me to write, because I expressed my feelings and frustrations in a song for the first time.

 

How do you think the music/entertainment industry can improve with representation and nurturing an environment for women talent to flourish?

Julia: The industry is accepting, but it needs to address harassment and discrimination against women.

Angie: Orlando's industry is supportive, with programs like Orlando Girls Rock Camp showcasing women. There’s always room for improvement, but I’m grateful for the support we’ve received.

 

If you could give any advice to an aspiring musician, what would it be?

Julia: Keep striving to improve and don’t give up. Every step forward brings you closer to your dreams.

Nina: Keep writing and be creative without worrying if it sounds “good.”

Angie: Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t do it, because you definitely can.

 

What project or music can we look forward to in the future?

Julia: We’re working on new songs and aim to release an album soon.

Nina: We’ve played some new songs at recent shows and look forward to recording them eventually.

Angie: I’m excited about recording our first album. We’ve debuted some new songs, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear our growth.