Amsterdam-based band Jaya The Cat is the perfect concoction of punk, reggae and ska. Formed in Boston in 1998, their original sound has captured the hearts of thousands across the globe and this month they’re set to capture the hearts of Richmond Live.
Samantha Hall spoke to the band to find out more about their Richmond slot and their summer up ahead.
So, you’re set to headline Richmond Live this month….are you looking forward to it?
Of course! We look forward to all of our shows and that’s why we do this!
What can we expect from your set at Richmond Live? Is the crowd in for a treat?
I hope so. I mean, we don’t have any wild antics planned but it is the first day of the tour so we should be pretty fresh and there’s no chance of being hungover.
You’re playing loads of gigs around Europe all summer, but which city are you looking forward to playing the most?
Hell, I don’t know. There are lots on there I love such as Hamburg, Vienna and Thessaloniki. I guess we’re going back to Finland which we haven’t done for a bit so we’re looking forward to that. Also, it’ll be nice to be back in the UK.
Do you enjoy playing in the UK? What are your UK fans like?
Yeah, I love it. We’ve made lots of friends over there through playing and the music scene, especially in the punk and reggae/ska genres, are really strong and supportive. Every night it’s like we have family with us.
What’s life on the road like with the band?
One big massive freakin’ party really.
Jaya The Cat is set to headline the Friday slot of Richmond Live, with Saturday seeing Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets) & The Karpets grace the stage, along with other brilliant acts from the North East and beyond across the course of the two days. Early bird tickets are on sale now at the price of £10.00 for the weekend (under 12s free) and can be purchased by heading to richmondlive.org.
