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keyboard cathyEarlier this week, we introduced you to Keyboard Cathy, a singer-songwriter who is on the verge of viral fame with her music video for 'Sashimi' (video after the jump).

Cathy agreed to chat with us about her love of raw fish and her life as an up-and-coming YouTube star.

What was your first sushi experience like?

Well, as a child, I lived in Hawaii where sushi was pretty popular. I don't remember how old I was the first time I tasted it but I took to it right away, especially with soy sauce and wasabi. Actually, Hawaiian style sashimi served with soy sauce with sesame seeds in it was even more popular than sushi.
What inspired you to write about sushi?
It has always been one of my favorite foods, so I figured, why not write a song about it. It wasn't an easy song to write, but once I had an idea as to what I wanted to do with it, everything flowed quite nicely.




Who is the guy who sits opposite you in the 'Sashimi' video?
He is a local personality from the Princeton area who appears regularly on community television.
Your video has gotten a lot of exposure these last few days. How does that feel?
It feels wonderful that it's getting the exposure that it's getting.
Do you have any new music that you're planning to release soon?
I'm always working on new music. I already self-released two CDs, Inspiration in 2006 and Sushi Lover in 2007. I have enough material for a third CD and I'm slowly working on that. 'Sashimi' will definitely be on there, among the other tracks.
You really like sushi. Do you have any other obsessions?
Indeed, I do. A very strong obsession and musical influence of mine is The Divine Comedy, a Northern Irish musical act fronted by my main musical hero, Neil Hannon. If it weren't for hearing Neil Hannon sing 'So Long & Thanks for all the Fish' on the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy film soundtrack in 2005, I'd probably still be playing the keyboard for just friends, family and no one else. It also probably would have taken me much longer to muster enough courage to record my first CD, Inspiration.
Do you have any songs about other themes?
Sure! I have a fun little song on MySpace called 'Peanut Butter' that has been pretty popular in my local music scene. I don't always write about food. I have written about other topics, such as corporate politics ('Miracle Worker') and altruism ('Give A Little More'). All three of these songs can be found on my MySpace page.
Has anyone else in the media talked to you or invited you on any shows
yet?
No. No one has talked with me or invited me on any major shows yet. I have appeared on some local community cable shows and local internet radio stations, though. One the other hand, the 'Sashimi' video was recently included on The N Files on the NBC affiliate in Chicago. I didn't find out about it until one of my friends spotted the footage on YouTube.
How long have you been making music?
I've been playing the piano since I was seven years old. That's when I began taking piano lessons. I took them for about five years. I also started singing at a very early age and have sung in several choirs throughout my life.
What do you do for a living, if you don't mind us asking?
I used to have a corporate job in marketing. Now I work in the social services industry.
Do you ever tour?
Last year, I did a mini-tour of New England with one night in Boston, MA, one night in Portland, ME and the last night in Bangor, ME. I hope to have an opportunity to tour again at some point. Right now, I'm staying in my local area. I'm also working on new material.
Where can people catch a live performance?
I've been known to frequent John & Peter's in New Hope, PA on Monday nights. I have also played at Lickety Split in Philadelphia, PA on some Tuesday nights.
Keep an eye out for an Urlesque video exclusive from Keyboard Cathy, coming next week!