Salty's Live Music: Indie Artist Cat Ridgeway On Songwriting, Live Performances & Collaboration
On this episode of Salty’s Live Music we had indie artist Cat Ridgeway and guest-host Gina Boykin (Live Music Junkiez) on for an in-depth conversation about independent music and Cat’s journey as an indie artist. Cat shares her path from a young musician to touring artist, discussing her energetic live shows, songwriting process, and the importance of collaboration.
Cat reflects on her experiences at music festivals, her family’s influence on her career, and the connections she has made in the industry. Cat emphasizes the significance of melody in music, the challenges of navigating audience expectations, and the necessity of adapting to the challenges of being an independent artist, particularly in the realm of social media. She offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians, encouraging them to stay true to their artistic vision while being open to learning and growth.
About Cat Ridgeway:
A skilled lyricist and melodist, Ridgeway is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who can play guitar, harmonica, trumpet, trombone, drums, piano, mandolin, and bass - sometimes playing three instruments at once!
Ridgeway, along with the revolving members of her touring band, The Tourists, create a sweaty, energetic, exciting party with each live show. With Sprinter, Ridgeway’s 2025 album release, she draws the listener in as she strives to understand life’s trials and emerge with a better sense of perspective and self. Ridgeway, along with Mike Savino (Kishi Bashi, Tall Tall Trees), played multiple instruments on the album. Mastered by Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, Foo Fighters) and mixed by Dan Molad of Lucius and Coco (JD McPherson, Here We Go Magic), Sprinter features all-star players including Claude Coleman, Jr. (Ween) and Josiah Wolf (WHY?) on drums, and Adam Schatz (Sylvan Esso, Japanese Breakfast) on sax, among others.
Her first single “Epilogue,” is a stomp and holler-esque punk rock explosion hinging off a recklessly played, overdriven banjo. Named Orlando’s “Best Singer-Songwriter” three years running and “Best Rock Act” twice by Orlando Weekly, Ridgeway has played many notable stages and festivals (30A Songwriters Festival, Okeechobee Music and Arts Fest, and House of Blues Orlando), supporting and sharing bills with acts like Lucy Dacus, Sylvan Esso, Houndmouth, and Arcade Fire, among others.
With her new album Sprinter, Ridgeway is poised to catapult herself onto the national stage.
Check out her music and show her some love at the links below!
Tour Dates: https://www.catridgeway.com/tour
Cat Ridgeway on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cat-ridgeway/1024238348
Cat Ridgeway on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QiJcTuLMPB2rSF7cO2aVx
Cat Ridgeway on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catridgewaymusic/
Gina Boykin & Live Music Junkies: https://livemusicjunkiez.com/
