Four-piece musical act Katastro from Phoenix, Arizona are starting the year out smokin’ with their breakout summer single, “100 Rips” now available on all digital platforms.
The official music video for the single premiered today, and can be viewed on Katastro’s YouTube channel. “100 Rips”is just the beginning of a new sound for Katastro. The catchy cruisin-down the highway escapade features psychedelic guitar solos pumpin’ through a mix of hip hop and reggae, and the video sets the scene for a “Fear and Loathing” style trip amidst an intoxicating chorus. And there’s more to come. Listen HERE. Watch the official music video HERE.
“100 Rips is just the beginning of a new sound for us. As a band we have always been in the reggae scene as outsiders holding a strong influence of funk, alternative rock, and hip hop at the forefront. Our goal every time we get together is to write something different and pull new inspiration from our diverse influences. Last March, we found ourselves with a freshly cancelled tour and way more time on our hands than we ever thought imaginable. It felt right to draw inspiration from the scene we have been a part of for the last 12 years and bring something more uplifting and positive. The video embodies exactly what we were going for. Sometimes you just wanna escape, forget about all the bad and focus on the moment…” says Katastro.
Katastro was formed by Andy Chaves, drummer Andrew Stravers and guitarist Tanner Riccio, later joined by bassist Ryan Weddle. Singer Andy Chaves brings forward his mindset in response to the release of the single and explains,“100 Rips gives me that old school drive around with the top down by the beach feel. I’m going out of town because I’ve had enough of all this stuff I’m thinking of. With all the craziness going on right now I thought that was the perfect lyric to make you feel like everything is still all good.”
Katastro’s bassist Ryan Weddle sheds light on the hardships the band has faced in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic – “After a devastating year for the music industry we were left pretty scattered. Months into the lockdown we found ourselves with more time off than we had in years and decided to take over a local recording studio. With our own spot, our only goal was to write the best songs we could and really embrace our new opportunity to spend time at home without obligations or deadlines. It really began to feel like it did when we started the band.”