Catnip: Nerida, Richmond, Greg and Ben
the cats
Catnip are a Melbourne based independent band who play lyric based songs within a lush cinematic sound scape.
Catnip's unique sound is created with electric guitar, lap steel, bass, drums and a relaxed vocal style reminiscent of Hope Sandoval.
Catnip were named after the neighbourhood cat befriended them and decided to stay. She's
still with them enjoying the warmth of Richmond's vintage amps and occasionally using them
as a scratching post!
RICHMOND
Guitar, lap steel, dobro and analogue synth: Richmond when not playing with Catnip can be seen performing in Australia's premier African band Musiki Manjaro, a position he has held for over ten years and Gambian West African band Afro Mandiko. He has also performed with North African Malian band, Ajak and numerous other notable African bands touring Nationally throughout Australia and Internationally. Richmond has a deep interest in African music and utilises the rhythmic finger style techniques of West Africa and combines them with contemporary sonic textures to create the atmospheric sounds of Catnip.
NERIDA
Vocals & Kaos: Nerida has recorded with various artists including the recording project Lady Spencer featuring Jon Chappel (Shooting At Unarmed Men) and Richmond Brain. Nerida's vocal style has been described as calling to mind Harriet Wheeler of 90s Brit band The Sundays, with occasional hints of the Cowboy Junkies Margo Timmins and Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser. When Nerida’s not singing with Catnip she’s painting pictures and making jewellery!
GREG
Drums: Greg Ryan is a highly sought after jazz drummer, whose style adds a delicate and complex element to the music. He has performed with a wide variety of artists and across numerous genres from jazz to pop through to contemporary theatre, including Spider Bait, The Living End, Shane Howard, Marcia Howard, Joe Chindamo, Bob Downe, Mike Brady, The B# Sharp Big Band, Joining the Chorus, Moovin’ & Groovin’ Orchestra, The Melbourne Theatre Company, Jane Clifton (Melbourne international Festival), the Band Who Knew Too Much (Melbourne Comedy Festival), Rebecca Barnard, Pippa Wilson, Lucas Michailidis (Monsalvat Jazz Festival) and also played in numerous musicals. Aside from music, Greg is currently completing post graduate studies in horticulture.
BEN
Ben is the newest recruit to Catnip and he has quickly become a valued member...we just need to get a photo of us all so you can see what he looks like!