KAATO, independent rock band fronted and founded by Australian rocker Kurt Lowney have just released their debut self-titled album, produced by rock industry veteran Mitch Malloy.
KAATO came together in 2015 as Lowney began working with Nashville-based Malloy to write and record the self-titled KAATO album. "From day one, the musical chemistry between Kurt and me was undeniable.” says Malloy. Both were deeply rooted in the same musical influences.
Kurt has harbored the dream of KAATO since he was a 16-year-old recording in post-earthquake Japan in 2011. The Japanese called him Kaato (pronounced Kah-toe), meaning Kurt. It was during this time KAATO became Kurt's performance persona and stage name.
Kurt and Mitch began recording the KAATO album in Nashville at Mitch’s studio, Malloy Master Tracks along with Kurt’s longtime friend and bass player, Mika Nuutinan, and Mitch’s former bandmate and guitar virtuoso Tristan Avakian (Queen Extravaganza, Red Dawn, Malloy). The marriage of the four band members not only created dynamic, melodically charged music but also a compelling, not to be missed live show. When KAATO takes the stage all eyes and ears are held captive by the infectious music and dynamic performance.
The KAATO album launches with the first single, High Time, a fast-paced party song. The video gives an insight into the vintage live appeal of the band and its high energy show. While a complimentary hat tip to the original founders and influencers of rock, KAATO definitely brings its own fresh sound to the rock scene. Start to finish, "Our music is loud, it's fast, it's rude, it's rock and roll...it doesn't care. It's a mixture of Aerosmith, Boston, Styx and Zeppelin, and all the stuff that just makes you want to get up and dance.” says Lowney.
KAATO is scheduled to embark on a US and European tour beginning in July 2016 with tour stops including the world famous Whisky A Go Go in LA, Nashville, London, Liverpool, Athens, Madrid and Oslo, to name a few.
KAATO Track Listing (all songs penned by Lowney/Malloy):
