Erin O’Neill: What was it that made you choose to be a part of the music business?
Steve Caton: I was inspired by a David Bowie concert.

EO: What are some conflicts you have run into? (i.e. stress, other jobs, time, etc.)
SC: Time was never a problem. You make the time if you really want to do it. But money was a bit of a pain for a very long time. I was broke for about 10 years. My entire 20s.

EO: How did you get yourself started?
SC: I decided one day that I wanted to make it as a player and from that moment on I dedicated myself to doing that.

EO: What are some strategies you've tested involving promotions (of gigs, new music.)
SC: With the band I am promoting at present, I'm using mainly the Internet. Also the band is slowly breaking into college radio.

EO: What is the most difficult barrier you have come across involving your career?
SC: Getting people to listen to new material and take a chance on it.

EO: What are some of the highlights of your job?
SC: Playing live in front of large audiences. Listening back to the finished product of something you've worked on for a long time.

EO: What is your favorite environment to perform in?
SC: I prefer medium size (2500-5000 seaters) theater-type indoor venues where the sound quality is good and a bit of intimacy is preserved.

EO: Who have your influences and role models been?
SC: David Bowie, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Adrian Belew, Miles Davis, Erik Satie, Andre Segovia, Phillip Glass, and Steven Reich.

EO: What kinds of responsibilities do you have?
SC: None. That's why I love this business. Ha ha!

EO: Do you prefer to perform live or in the studio?
SC: I enjoy both. The two are totally different experiences. The studio for me involves long hours of intensive concentration and the analyzing of minute details. Whereas the live performance is a time to have fun and get enveloped in the music. I derive great satisfaction from both engagements.

EO: How old were you when you first involved yourself with music?
SC: I started pretty late. About 18.

EO: Do you feel that it's important to spend time playing locally, or more beneficial to play your music elsewhere?
SC: It all depends on you locale. In my case, living in LA and it being one of the industry centers, I'd say playing in the immediate area is very important. For people in smaller out-of-the-way places it would be my advice to get out and play in as many different towns and cities as possible. It is important that people aside from your friends see you perform.

EO: How do you go about finding managers and players?
SC: Business people are very easy to find. There are several source books that list every one of them. Getting a manager committed to your project is another matter. As for musicians, anyone serious is dying to play. The most difficult thing about players is finding one that artistically and socially fits in well with your unit. It really comes down to trial and error. It can take years to put together a great line-up. Be patient and persistent.

EO: How do you find gigs?
SC: When I finally decided to put together my own band I had been doing this for a long time so I basically knew all the club owners. It was easy to get them to let me play in their places.

EO: Do you find it helpful sending out newsletters and/or email updates, etc., to your fans?
SC: I do. As a matter of fact the use of e-mail is a central strategy I am using in the promotion of my band BINGE. With the Internet one is able to reach huge numbers of people in a way that would have been absolutely cost prohibitive only a few years ago.

EO: What do you feel is the most effective format for promotion? Word of mouth? Television? Radio? Magazine? Flyers?
SC: Radio and magazines. Both are very tough areas to break into.

EO: What keeps you motivated?
SC: I haven't figured that out yet. I'll tell you when I find out.

EO: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the field of performance?
SC: Once you decide that music is what you are going to do, dedicate yourself completely, don't listen to any negativity from outside sources, and be patient. Do not take no for an answer. Keep pounding on the door. It will open.

EO: What was the greatest day of your career so far?
SC: I have a few. Playing two sold out shows at the Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood back in '83 with a band called the Box Boys. My first major club gig. The day I negotiated a publishing deal. And a couple of shows I played with Tori Amos in '96. The Royal Albert Hall in London, Madison Square Garden in New York City and The Greek Theater in Los Angeles.

EO: Have you tried to get involved in the production process of recording?
SC: I am in the production end of things. Ha ha!

EO: Producing, mixing, etc.?
SC: Yes to both.

EO: Have you gained anything from being in the studio during these processes?
SC: Definitely. One learns a tremendous amount about how music fits together by being in the studio. I would advise anyone interested in this line of work to get involved in the studio process as much as they can. The benefits are countless.

http://www.44calibre.co.uk/binge/default.html

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