Cat Like Thief - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the opportunity to interview Lyle Chastain of Cat Like Thief. We discussed their new EP, his writing and recording process, lyrical inspiration, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
You’re welcome! I’m happy to be doing another interview with you! Thank you for the opportunity.
Your new ‘Smile & Wave’ EP is out August 28, 2026. Can you tell me about writing and recording it?
Yeah, it was definitely a processes. It was very different because I wrote a lot of songs over the span of the last several years then just had to pick and choose what I wanted to put out first. I tracked all the instruments, besides the drums, and did all the vocals and production. It was a lot of work to do by myself, which is why it took me a lot longer than I had hoped.
It’s been a couple years since you released your first couple of songs for this project. Can you tell us more about your writing process for this set of songs?
The writing process started around 3 years ago, but the songs that made it on the EP were mostly songs I wrote later on in the process besides the first two singles. Some of the music I finished earlier on in the process, but didn’t finish lyrics until right before I tracked the vocals. A couple of the songs I just finished lyrics for in the last couple months. So it’s a mixture of older and newer.
Did you try anything new with your song writing for this EP?
A lot of the songs I’ve been writing lately have started out with me just picking a guitar up and starting to play and parts coming to me. Lyrically I don’t always have an idea or subject in mind when I go to write, but with this EP there were several songs that I really had an idea or thoughts I wanted to convey. There were a lot of personal things and other people’s experiences that really influenced the messages of the songs. I really wanted to connect my own experiences to others who have known similar hurts and struggles.
Do you have a favorite lyrical or musical moment from the EP? Why?
I’m happy to say I’m really proud of every song on the EP. But I think the one I’m most proud of is called “Moving On.” I had been doing a lot of writing that was getting out a lot of frustration and a little more angst and I really wanted there to be a song that was a little more hope filled. I was writing a lot about my journey and growing and how that can be lonely when you find a lot of the people you thought would be there for you just aren’t. I was also reading and hearing so many stories from people in the lgbtq community who had horrible experiences coming out to their family and friends. I wanted to write something that spoke to those feelings, but focused on the bravery of being yourself and choosing to keep moving on even if it’s without the ones you thought would be with you. I hope that it connects with people and gives them hope to keep going and to let the people go who you’ve outgrown and find those who really care about you.
Where did you record the EP at and what was the studio experience like?
I tracked the first single, Let Go, at a local studio but I wasn’t super pleased with the process. So from there I decided to record, produce, mix and master the rest of the songs myself. I even went back and re-mastered the first single myself. I really loved getting to do all of the recording and producing because it allowed me to make sure the sounds and vibes I wanted came across how I intended. It was definitely a challenge because I could only work on things when I had spare time and really had to focus and schedule time to work on it.
What’s the meaning behind the title ‘Smile & Wave’?
I was riding in the car with my drummer Tristan and we were trying to think of possible names for the EP. I was thinking through a lot of the lyrics and just the overall themes of the songs as well as just how I was feeling about so many things going on in our country right now. I thought of the term “smile and wave” because there’s so many things where I feel like all we can do is smile and wave. You’re either super uncomfortable around people or in situations or there are people who just don’t get how bad so many things are. There’s a lot of times I feel like you can’t even say what you want to because people won’t hear it, so you just smile and wave. I threw out the idea to Tristan and he loved it.
You also recently revealed your full band line-up. Who is officially in the band now? How did you decide who was the best fit for the band?
Yes! And I am so excited to have a full line up! Now we have Ryan on guitar and backup vocals, Benji on bass, Tristan on drums and myself playing guitar and lead vocals.
I really wanted people who loved the music and believed in the vision for what the band is all about. I also wanted really talented musicians who I know I can trust and that will bring something to the table creatively. I also really wanted good people who cared about others and were loving and accepting of everyone. It’s very important to me that we are a safe space for everyone and I wanted to make sure everyone in the band wanted the same thing. I’m so lucky to have these guys with me!
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else that you want to add?
Of course! I just want to add that I am really excited about these songs and getting to write and play music that I love. I really hope anyone who listens enjoys the music and that it connects with you on some level. Thank you for the opportunity to share about it!
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