Search - Catchpenny :: From Where You Are

While many bands still pray for the major label deal, and few eventually sign the dotted line, the reality is harsh. Many find themselves in debt, and bound to a contract that gives ownership to a company that often will never let their record see the light of day. It's an industry that is changing. Those that still think within the confinements of the old guard will find little in the ways of hope. For others, there is a new way to be a musician. Digital downloads, corporate partnerships, and song placements are the new path to success. For the bands that can merge music and business, life is good. Catchpenny is fast approaching it's 5th year. In that time, the band has never had a record label, and spent the majority of their time self-managing and booking. They designed their own posters, t-shirts and records. Built their own websites, recorded their records at home and grew their email lists and did things they way they should. And in that time, the band has toured the U.S. and world, playing half a dozen countries, and some of the United States most legendary venues with legendary bands. From Cabo Wabo to the House of Blues in Chicago, the Viper Room to The World's Largest Block Party, Catchpenny has found themselves in positions thought only to be reserved for major acts with major budgets. So how, one may ask, does this happen? "We don't stop. We have a great record, and are confident in our live show. After that, it all comes down to business. We don't try to play the most shows, we just try to play the right shows, and we never let an opportunity get away. Our resume has taken care of itself." singer Christian Schauf says. The record, "From Where You Are" is their second release. In two years, it's sold well over 20,000 copies and counting. An astounding number for any band these days, let alone a handful of guys doing things completely independently. Produced in Catchpenny's home studio ( The do-it-yourself attitude again in full force) by Michael Bland (Prince, Soul Asylum, Dixie Chicks), the record also recieved a great deal of help from Phil Solem (The Rembrandts) and John Fields (Switchfoot, Jonas Brothers, Rooney, Jimmy Eat World). A third record is in the works, but with more opportunities every day, it is admittedly taking longer than the band would like. After spending the better part of 2007 out on the Fresh Air Tour - a nation-wide collegiate tour sponsored by Pepsi and Nutrisoda - Catchpenny will spend a majority of their time this year performing for the troops overseas. The Department of Defense Program Directors were so impressed with Catchpenny that they signed them to a one-year contract to perform over 150 shows for the men and women of the armed forces. Something they've never done before. Not to totally forget about home, the band continues to tour across the US when home and has also found their music used for TV shows and commercials by ESPN, Arizona Jeans, The University of Minnesota System, WCCO, KARE11, WGN-Chicago and appeared live on over 15 television and radio programs in major networks that include Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Los Angeles. The future looks bright for Catchpenny. With over 30 countries visiting catchpennyband.com each month, and crowds that are consistently growing stateside, there seems to be no slowing down this machine. In March of 2009, Coda Post is sending a film crew with Catchpenny from Minneapolis, to Austin for SXSW and then finally to Kuwait and Iraq.