Before their sold out gig in the 7th St. Entry, Wales' Catfish and the Bottlemen stopped by The Current to perform tracks off their debut record, The Balcony, and to chat with host David Campbell.

The name "Catfish and the Bottlemen" might sound like a soul outfit, but Van McCann explains it's inspired by a busker. For the first two years of his life McCann traveled across Australia with his parents and his first memory of live music was of Catfish the Bottleman, a street musician that clinks on wine bottles. When the band was touring Down Under a few weeks ago, they got to spend some time with Catfish; it was the first time McCann had seen Catfish since his last visit 11 years ago.

There's another real life inspiration behind Catfish and the Bottlemen. "Kathleen," the breakout hit off their debut album, is indeed about a woman named Kathleen. "I want half the money if it goes big," says Van when asked how she reacted after hearing the song. And it's big, alright. The Balcony's lead single reached #11 on the UK indie charts and is set for big success here in the States.

Listen to the full in-studio session to hear frontman Van McCann chat with host David Campbell about The Balcony's album artwork, meeting Michael Bolton and Questlove, the rock 'n' roll sanctuary that is the 7th St. Entry and the hotel surprise they gave fans before their sold out Twin Cities gig.

Songs Performed

"Cocoon"
"Kathleen"
"Pacifier"

All songs off Catfish and the Bottlemen's debut album, The Balcony, out now via Communion Records.

Hosted by David Campbell
Produced by Jade
Engineered by Mike DeMark
Web feature by Leah Garaas

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