Keeping It Local: Dear Genre
Andre Cataldo takes a moment to chillax in the KCOU music library. Photo Credit: Kylee Gregg
Fearless. Energetic. Passionate. These are just a few hallmarks that define the music of Dear Genre. Dear Genre is more than just the stage name of artist Andre Cataldo, it’s a statement about the freedom that is possible inside a great melody. Leading producer, artist, and song writer, Cataldo formed his band Dear Genre back in high school, as he says “out of sheer boredom and dissatisfaction with high school life”. The group wasn’t planning on being anything more than a garage band, but after recording a couple songs, which eventually turned into 3 records, they developed an audience for themselves at home in St. Louis.
Dear Genre has a unique electronic funk sound that is easy to jam to at any given time. Their sound is achieved through experimentation of a mix of genres, including alternative rock, electronica, and funk: thus formulating a diverse blend and justifying their name. The band has released 3 albums, with their most proud EP titled Astronaut, released in June of 2013. Cataldo explains how it was the first project he got to do on his own without much outside expertise. “This one I had to be critical of my own music” Cataldo states, “and it really challenged and help me define my style.”
After being playing Loufest back in 2011,and being featured on Fox2News, and Chevy Music Showcase, Dear Genre hopes to continue to share their passion for music with any audience that has an hear for it.
Check out Dear Genre on Spotify, iTunes, and through their website.
For upcoming tour dates, find Dear Genre on Facebook
Erica is an Organizational Comm major and Business minor (minor just to make the title sound a little fancier). She’s barely over 5ft tall and while everyone says she looks likes Kristen Bell, she struggles to see the resemblance. She likes to eat seasonal flavored oreos while watching New Girl. One day she hopes to work in Music Management and start her own never before heard idea of a non-profit music venue, we’ll see where she goes.