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In an age of music where everything seems formulaic and pop music is constantly regurgitated for ‘safety’ reasons, Whiskycats provide a hazardously original Vaudevillian alternative. Their authentic sound and unique theatrical approach to performing has prompted people into saying that they are one of the best live acts in the country. Their sound is so diverse that ex-Blur bassist Alex James said Whiskycats ‘don’t sound like anyone else in the world’.

WhiskyCats have gigged relentlessly around the UK, converting audiences into fans and fans into devotees. They were the first unsigned band to sell out Manchester Academy 2 and to headline Academy 1.

Live highlights in the band’s early career included two performances at the 40,000 capacity Fruitstock festival in Regents Park and a sell-out show at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. They have appeared alongside bands and DJs as diverse as Arctic Monkeys, Arrested Development, Mystery Jets, Misty’s Big Adventure, Bad Manners, Quantic Soul Orchestra, Vince Vincent and the Villains, The Proclaimers, Gilles Peterson and Norman Jay.

WhiskyCats released their debut single In This Chair, in November 2005 on their own imprint Medical Records, followed by the widely acclaimed EP’s Image N All The People and Put Your Title Here. Each release enjoyed airplay on numerous local and national radio stations, with Phill Jupitus backing the band on BBC 6 Music's breakfast show and Clint Boon playing their tracks on XFM Manchester.

"Whispering" Bob Harris, meanwhile, described their sound as "excellent...so original" on his Radio 2 programme and Radio 1’s champion of new music, Huw Stephens, was one of the first people to play one of their tracks on his evening show in summer 2007.

WhiskyCats completed production on their eponymous debut album in late 2007. It was recorded at The Charlatans’ Big Mushroom Studios and at legendary guitarist Johnny Marr’s clear studio. At the controls was veteran Manchester producer Jim Spencer, renowned for his previous work with Black Grape, New Order and The Charlatans.

Slipped Disco, the first single from the album, was released in March 2008 as a limited edition 7 inch and earned them Shaun Keaveny’s ‘Band Aid’ Band of the Week accolade on BBC 6Music. The track picked up over 100 radio plays, with spins from Nemone (6 music) and John Kennedy on XFM London. Regional support came from BBC Raw Talent in Hull, 96.2 The Revolution, BBC GMR’s Manchester Music Show, Juice 107.6 in Liverpool and ALL FM amongst others. This was followed by a string of festival appearances over the summer including Solfest, Kendal Calling and Y-Not.

The album reached the shops in December 2008 and prompted positive reactions from national and regional press:

“Whiskycats have hammered together there own crackpot mosaic of retro-jazz and cocktail-pop...Matthew Whitaker can really sing when he can find some room and the horns and rhythm section are pin sharp” Adam Sweeting, Uncut

“A debut that’s actually bringing something fresh to the table.” Molly Jones, The Fly

“A rumbustous melange of ska, swing-jazz and polka that you can’t help but like.” Dave Esson, Scottish Sunday Express

“This is good-time music whose exuberance masks the exceptional intelligence of it’s conception” Paul Taylor, CityLife (MEN)

“Whiskycats are a breath of fresh air…If you miss this you are really missing out” Matt Merritt, Subba-Clutcha.com

WhiskyCats are planning to further promote their album in 2009 with another single release and a UK tour. They will be working in conjunction with TV and Radio plugger Chris Young of Nurture music and Rob Kerford of Sonic PR (Moby/Depeche Mode).

Further streaming and info: Whiskycats.co.uk

Regional Press: Rob Kerford, Sonic PR

Radio and TV: Chris Young, Nurture Music

Distribution: Zen

Artists: James Lammond

http://jclamond.blogspot.com/

Mark Coverdale (album artwork and web design)

Label: Medical Records