Dear Fans and Friends,
It is my dominant intent to release singles, and not albums, on this site not only because today is a singles-driven market but because to me every song is a world of its own. In this position, I am able to put ALL of my focus and resources toward one song at a time, giving each the love that it deserves to achieve the full richness of my vision and its individual voice. My hope is that each new single release will be a new favorite song for many, and that it will grow to become, as one often does, an old friend.
Making world-class music without the backing of a label can be a personal challenge ..because it is EXPENSIVE! Here’s how I can Independently make this music:
With your purchase of each single, money will be directly-funded to the production of the up-and-coming new release! Sharing this link with friends or family who might also enjoy my music would be a great support to my future in music-making. If you like what you hear, buy and share it today!
Thank you for making more music possible!
All my love,
The Story
I wrote this song “Mama” for my mother. The lyrics are a real account of a phone conversation I had with her. I had just gotten into an altercation with my dad—one of many in my lifetime. Frustrated with his long-time struggle with alcohol, I asked my mom in reflection if she could remember why she chose him to be the father of her future children—in other words, to be my dad. She told me she would need to think about it. A day or so later there was a new voice message on my phone which hung on the wall. It was my mother’s answer to my poignant question which later became the bulk of the bridge section in this song. The bridge lyrics quote my mother’s message of her memory with my dad in Canada during the time when they first met and fell in love. The resolution, which follows in the third verse, was my response to my mother’s sincere answer to me. My father is now recovering from his alcoholism and I am so proud of his courage. ..And as for my sentiment for my mother, which is reflected in this single’s cover art, she is tattooed on my heart forever.
Credits
Mixer and engineer, Mike Butler, whose clientele includes artists such as The Pretenders, Five For Fighting, The Shins, and Norah Jones, mixed this single. Mastering was done in New York City by Jamal Ruhe at West West Side Music Studios. Bassist, Jon Evans, who has played with Tori Amos, Chris Cornell, and Sarah McLachlan plays bass and guitar on this track along with Matthias Bossi on drums in their superb accompaniment to my piano and vocals. The stunning photo art was created for this single by accomplished photographer, Tomasz Rossa, who has also photographed for Celine Dion, Cris Angel and Dragone’s Las Vegas show, “Le Reve”. The photo editing “magic” was meticulously accomplished by Murlin Saint-Jean. This website and cover art was passionately crafted in the highest quality imaginable, according to my detailed specifications, by Ross Barber-Smith—An incredible thank you to Ross for your highly-developed skill in web design, and your equally attuned acumen in communication and I recommend any quality artist to you for future creations. My thanks and appreciation goes out to the fine talents of these professionals who contributed on this production.
The Story
Many of you already know that I had the incredible opportunity to sing a song live on stage to Celine Dion—a song that I had composed for Celine to sing. The song is entitled “Still” and you may view this experience on YouTube in the video: “Christof Catlin Sings “STILL” To Celine Dion”. After singing this song to her live, Ms. Dion requested from the stage several times during her concert that I send a copy of this song to her. Though I have sent it to her management, to date, I believe that Celine has still never truly had the experience of hearing this demo of my song with the association of her live encounter with me. At this point, all that matters to me regarding this experience is not that Celine Dion records my song, though that would be a lifetime honor. What matters most to me is for someone to personally let Celine know that I am following up with her request for a copy of my song, and to ask her if she is still interested in receiving my music. This is the prayer I and many others are now sending out. I know that God’s ears are always listening and someone someday will help this prayer to be fulfilled. I wanted Celine to be the first to hear this music, but because a world of her fans have been demanding that I share it, I am now allowing it to finally be heard. I hope you enjoy this song’s sentiment and can picture in your mind’s eye Celine Dion singing this heartfelt lyric. My message in this story is simple: “Never give up on your dreams.”
Credits
I arranged, recorded and produced this track in my home studio. My vocals were recorded and mixed at Studio at the Palms in Las Vegas by engineer Rob Katz. Thank you, Rob, for capturing my voice so well on such a challenging song. Mastering was done in New York City by Jamal Ruhe at West West Side Music Studios. The wonderful photo art was shot by accomplished photographer, Tomasz Rossa, who has also photographed for Celine Dion, Cris Angel and Dragone’s Las Vegas show, “Le Reve”. The photo editing “magic” was done by Murlin Saint-Jean. This website and cover art was passionately crafted in the highest quality imaginable, according to my detailed specifications, by Ross Barber-Smith—An incredible thank you to Ross for your highly-developed skill in web design, and your equally attuned acumen in communication and I recommend any quality artist to you for future creations. My thanks and appreciation goes out to the fine talents of these professionals who contributed on this production.
The Story
After singing to Celine Dion live on stage, I became inspired to composing a new piece for Celine with ‘a strong repeating chorus’ to serve as the “quintessential power-ballad” that a legendary voice like hers was made to sing. I decided to create a simple piano/vocal arrangement with some light strings in the background to present this song in the simplest form. You might visualize a modern-day electronic pop track or even a more old-school approach (full orchestra, piano, bass, drums and electric guitar) to best suit Celine Dion, should she decide to record this number. I hope that she will have the chance to consider this song as well, and that you will love this new song, “MAKE THIS GOODBYE A KISS”.
Credits
I arranged, recorded and produced this track in my home studio. My vocals were recorded and mixed at Studio at the Palms in Las Vegas by engineer Rob Katz. Thank you, Rob, again for capturing my voice with so much skill on a song with a very high range. Mastering was done in New York City by Jamal Ruhe at West West Side Music Studios. The great photo art was shot by accomplished photographer, Tomasz Rossa, who has also photographed for Celine Dion, Cris Angel and Dragone’s Las Vegas show, “Le Reve”. The photo editing “magic” was also done by Murlin Saint-Jean. This website and cover art was passionately crafted in the highest quality imaginable, according to my detailed specifications, by Ross Barber-Smith—An incredible thank you to Ross for your highly-developed skill in web design, and your equally attuned acumen in communication and I recommend any quality artist to you for future creations. My thanks and appreciation goes out to the fine talents of these professionals who contributed on this production.
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