Blackcat Manor; Freeport Ambassadors

 

Most creatures found in mother nature follow a constant cycle. The death of one animal brings life to another and so on and so on, much like Freeport band, Blackcat Manor.

Blackcat was raised from the remains of Abandon All Hope in 2011. Though the band continued using the name until many months later, they knew they would need a name change that better suited their new direction.

The band, having been active since 2011 as Blackcat Manor, has played far too many shows to keep track of. "We have been doing this music thing for about 15 years," says Jake Kaye, Blackcat's guitarist. "We try to hit places that we feel at home at, those places being in Chicago, Madison and Rockford."

So how does this band of music vets get ready for a gig? "Get some booze flowing. We're not there to pick up chicks or try to be the best band at a show. It's really for us," explains Kaye. "The real reason we're out there is because we just love to write and perform hard, fast music."

On April 4th, the band played a show at The Endzone Bar and Grill in Aurora alongside Praise The Sinners and The Kreutzer Sonata. "(The show) was a really good time. The great thing about traveling is being in new places and making new friends. Everything becomes a little surreal," says Jake. "I wouldn't give this life up for the world."

The band has a couple dates coming up, their first being on May 22nd at Take 20 in Cherry Valley. The band will be supporting Arcadia, along with Reckless Redemption and What Sleeps Beneath. Greg Larson, Arcadia's bassist, recorded Blackcat Manor's demo at Gray Angel Productions. "We're really happy about getting to play some sets with them this summer. We're expecting chaos from that show. Rockford knows how to get it done," says Jake.

 

 

The band plays their second show with Arcadia on June 6th at The Mutiny in Chicago. Cases Pending and Rookies of the Year will also perform. This will mark Blackcat's 6th time at the venue and they are very excited. "We have the opportunity to bring our brothers from Freeport to the legendary Mutiny! We have a lot of friends in the city, so it's going to be a real good time!"

Be sure to check out the band on Facebook and catch them at one of their shows!