Katie's Randy Cat is an Irish punk band from Toledo, Ohio.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Steve Steel, Lead Vocals, Accordion

Peter Kharchenko, Lead Guitar

Greg Heldt, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals

Jon Zenz, Bass Guitar

Matt Jones, Drums, Backing Vocals

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Katie's Randy Cat? How long has the band been around?

KRC has been around since 2013. Our members have been in a number of other musical projects, including an improv jazz combo, world music group, ska, metal, and more, with names like Bloodumpster, Raq the Casbah and What's next.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

When we started KRC we were looking for a name with an Irish theme, but that was unique enough that we would be the only thing that popped up in an internet search. We settled on "Maggie's Dirty Laundry" or "Katie's Randy Cat." We searched on the former and a bunch of hits came up. There were no hits on the latter. Plus shortening it to "KRC" rolled off the tongue in a way "MDL" just didn't. It's been Katie's Randy Cat, or KRC, ever since! As for the double entendre of the name, you'll have to figure that out yourself.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Steve writes the lyrics, chord structures, and melodies, then presents them to the entire band for turning the concept into a song. So in a way the entire band writes the finished products. We play Irish rebel music with an upbeat, electric edge. Thematically, KRC and our songs use the Irish experience as a metaphor for experiencing the human condition, while at the same time smashing through the siloed limitations of musical genres. The 800-year struggle of the Irish peoples against the long occupation of Ireland by the British Empire is intended as a tale of oppressed vs. oppressor, of everyday resistance, and of organized rebellious uprisings. For example, our reworking of the old sea shanty “Harp Without the Crown,” with original lyrics added, recounts the fictional story of an Irish-crewed ship that lowers the Union Jack when it leaves port and proudly flies the green Irish burgee instead.

When Steve growls, “To hell with the King and his Union Jack,” it should be heard writ large. To hell with all systems of oppression, be they Imperialism, Racism, Sexism, Classism, or any other -ism used to categorize and oppress. Another major thrust in our work is a rollicking, raucous celebration of the joys and sorrows of living. The songs celebrate the ups and downs in equal measure. Musically, while our repertoire draws on Irish folk music, the diverse set of musicians that make up the band are influenced by many musical genres. Through our diverse musical pantheon, we work to get outside the box of “Irish music is for St. Patrick’s Day, Irish pubs, and Celtic Festivals” and push for a broader appeal.

At the same time, we work to reclaim the influence Irish folk music has had on many modern styles and themes of music. The ultimate goal is to create a blend that draws the listener into an Irish-themed world that transcends the limitations of the Irish theme. While some of the sounds of our songs have changed over time, these basic themes remain unchanged.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Our inspiration comes from jazz, rock, blues, Cajun, and of course, Irish punk. The obvious influences are Irish punk from the Pogues, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, Young Dubliners, and the Tossers. But the Beatles are always lurking around the edges, as are jazz standards, big band sounds, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Sun Ra, and many, many more!

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

In 2013 St. Padraig's Day was on a Sunday. A local Toledo bar asked Steve if his world music band at the time could play an Irish music-heavy couple of sets on Saturday March 16th. The band was already booked elsewhere, but Steve suggested that he could put a band together to play Irish punk music on the 17th. He gathered some of the musicians he knew, and they played a show as The Frogkick Murphys. It wasn't good, but out of that one show, an idea for a new band dedicated to the genre was born, and that grew into Katie's Randy Cat. KRC's first show was in Mat of 2013. There have been several personnel changes since then, with the current lineup forming in 2015/2016. Steve and Jon are the two remaining original members. If you listen to our music in order, from the 2013 demo disc now released as "KRC Archives" to the 2014/2015 EP "For the Green Vol. 2" and on through the 2016/2017 album "Irish Reply" to the current releases, the 2019 EP "Irish Fire" and the upcoming EP "Die For These," you can hear our sound evolve.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

That's a really funny question. Mostly we drink a couple beers and shots of Irish whiskey. Seriously. And Steve, the accordion player, stretches his arms out wide and arches his back toward the sky just before he starts playing, knowing the next several hours he'll be wrestling the 30-pound squeezebox on his chest.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Probably being flown out by super fan Steve Dunn to play 2 shows in Tucson in May 2019. We had an absolutely fantastic time, were treated really well, and met some fantastic people. The reception we got was amazing! We've also played some great shows in places like Asheville, NC, Detroit, MI, and Knoxville, TN, and playing the NYC Marathon is always great. We'll never forget the night in Asheville with fans jumping up and down on tables in the rain! In 2020 we're playing the Shamrock Shuffle in Milwaukee, plus the St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade in Tucson, and Knoxville and Asheville again, and lots more shows in the works. We're looking forward to another great year!

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

That's a tough one, given our broad musical tastes. But probably somebody with a real history on the road, who would have some great stories to share. Willie Nelson, or Johnny Cash, or somebody like that.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Check us out online! You can get a taste of our craic, plus there's a video of the Asheville table destruction lurking out there somewhere...