Name: Cat Ridgeway
Birthplace: Orlando, FL
Current Residence: Vail, CO / Orlando, FL / The Open Road lol
Music Style: Indie rock with undercurrents of folk, punk, and dream-pop
Website/Social Media Links:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Spotify

Please introduce yourself.

Howdy! My name is Cat Ridgeway, and I’m an indie singer/songwriter and coffee enthusiast from Orlando, FL.

Tell us about your newest project. What was the inspiration behind it and where can we check it out?

My new album Sprinter is the most sonically adventurous collection of songs I’ve ever recorded. It points to a lot of my indie/alt influences, and it focuses on mental health thematically. You can find it on any streaming platform you may use as well as physically at shows or in my online store!

How would you describe your music?

This is the million-dollar question… I think if you dig Boy Genius, Indigo De Souza, and 90s alternative vibes, you’ll probably also dig this record.

How did you get started?

Honestly, this is all my brother’s fault. I used to sit in the corner and stalk him during his guitar lessons when I was about eight years old, and it eventually led to me taking lessons of my own. I bounced around on a bunch of different instruments but never fully learned any of them. When you don’t know what you’re doing, you start making things up. In doing so, I discovered writing. It was a beautifully organic journey.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

At the moment, I’m really into Mk.Gee, Dijon, Lola Young, Big Thief, Adrianne Lenker, St. Vincent, Pinegrove, Abe Partridge, and Santigold. Aside from those acts, I’ve been deeply influenced and inspired by my co-producer, Mike Savino (Tall Tall Trees). He completely changed my relationship to music, writing, and performing (especially looping) as we made this album together, and I absolutely adore his own work.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would love to see Live Nation/Ticketmaster’s monopoly be dissolved, allowing independent venues to make music more accessible to people again. It’s a huge problem that touches every aspect of the industry. I highly recommend anyone interested in this issue to watch More Perfect Union’s documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u–se25_px8

What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?

I would hope that my voice and storytelling make my take on indie rock feel fresh to people!

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

Well, at first, it was just how fun the creative process is. But as I’ve started touring with these new songs, I’ve come to realize that there’s been a huge shift for me. Allowing myself to talk about deeper themes and to be more vulnerable in these lyrics has invited a connection with listeners into my life I’ve never experienced before. I always knew music was communication, but I feel like I’m only now understanding and experiencing the power that holds firsthand. 

What’s next for you?

Hopefully, a lot of touring and more writing/recording! 

What are your career goals in the next five years?

I’d love to be able to tour nationally as a headliner because that would mean I could fully support myself with my own work (without having to supplement with cover gigs). I’d also love to be able to collaborate with some of my heroes.