Rad Cat, born Christian Ariz, may not literally be a cat, but he’s certainly rad. The San Diego native DJ/producer dabbles in a variety of genres, pulling influences from his culture as a first-generation Mexican-American, as well as his favorite artists and sounds. His latest release “Happy Never After” features pop-punk vocals from Dutch Melrose aloft an electronic track with live instrumentals. The punk tang draws influence partly from his favorite band, Blink-182.
You may recognize Rad Cat from his impressive collaborations and remix credits including with blackbear, Kevin Gates, Enrique Iglesias, Mike Posner, T-Pain and more. Between those tracks and others, the emerging artist has amassed millions of streams.
There is no doubt that Rad Cat is at an extremely exciting time in his career, so it was awesome to hear directly from him. Rad Cat talked to us about his latest single, “Happy Never After,” how he got into music, how his culture influences his music, where his name came from, and a ton more. Continue reading to learn more about this impressive rising artist.
Rad Cat Talks “Happy Never After,” His Cultural Influences, and More [Exclusive Interview]
RMR: One thing I’ve really learned from writing about music is that an artist’s hometown impacts their sound in one way or another. How do you feel being from San Diego has influenced your sound and/or career?
Rad Cat: Well firstly, San Diego has a huge Latinx population (I myself am Mexican-American). I think that being surrounded by this culture had a big impact on me when I was growing up. I was always surrounded by the sounds of traditional Mexican music growing up at home. Those songs are structured much differently than, say, American pop music, so I guess it gave me a different way of looking at music for sure.
RMR: Your latest track “Happy Never After” incorporates elements of rock and hip-hop. As an electronic artist, what are some of your favorite elements to use from different genres?
Rad Cat: I grew up loving pop-punk & hip-hop, and I really think that love shines through and shows in “Happy Never After.” My main favorite elements to use from different genres are definitely the hard-hitting percussion from hip-hop, and the soulful chords & melodies from R&B. I’m also super into disco basslines & guitar riffs. The songs I make are really just a melting pot of everything I love in music.
The songs I make are really just a melting pot of everything I love in music.
Rad Cat
RMR: How did you come together with vocalist Dutch Melrose, as well as the other collaborators, to create this track?
Rad Cat: Dutch and I have made a bunch of songs prior to “Happy Never After.” We just work/vibe together so well, every time we make a song it ends up being so so good. I think at this point we’re just trying to top the previous release whenever we make a new song together. I met Kyle & Sobrino through mutual friends. I’m really glad that I met the two because they’re both phenomenal artists & writers. We all came together to create “Happy Never After” and I couldn’t be happier with how the song turned out through the combined efforts of the three of us.
RMR: What festival or event are you most looking forward to playing “Happy Never After” at? Any specific songs or different styles you already have in mind to mash it up with?
Rad Cat: I can’t think of just one single festival that I’d want to play the song out at… I want to play it at all of them! I would definitely like to mash it up with one of my favorite pop-punk songs, it would probably work so well. Thanks for the idea by the way because I hadn’t even thought of doing that.
STREAM “Happy Never After” by Rad Cat ft. Dutch Melrose
RMR: So your first experience with music was playing guitar when you were 12. How and when did you transition into producing electronic music?
Rad Cat: It was a few years after picking up the guitar that I transitioned into producing electronic music. During my freshman year of high school, I ended up finding out about deadmau5. I think that moment completely changed my life because after listening to “Ghosts N Stuff,” I became extremely curious about just what it took to make a song on a computer. I thought it would be easy, but I was so wrong haha. I’ll never forget the day I opened up a DAW for the first time and wanted to cry because of how confusing everything looked.
RMR: What can we expect next from you?
Rad Cat: Definitely new music. I’m moving into my house era and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve always had a huge love and appreciation for the genre, so I’m excited to give it my own unique spin. Shows are always a possibility as well; guess everyone will just have to wait and see.
RMR: I have to ask. How did you choose your artist name Rad Cat?
Rad Cat: I wish the story was actually exciting but it’s pretty simple. I came up with the name when I was about 14-years-old. I couldn’t think of anything at first, but then the idea came to mind; why not just mix my favorite word with my favorite animal? Favorite word, Rad. Favorite animal, Cat. Boom, Rad Cat was born and I stuck to it ever since.
RMR: If you were chilling with a group of friends and they handed you the aux cord, what is the first artist you’re putting on?
Rad Cat: Honestly, I’d most likely be playing Blink-182. They’re my favorite band of all time and I will never get tired of listening to their songs.
RMR: I always ask this question but I have a feeling what your answer may be, though you may surprise me. If you could be reincarnated into any animal, what animal would it be and why?
Rad Cat: Bold of you to assume that it would be a cat… but honestly yes, I’d probably choose to be reincarnated as a cat. Cat’s live the best life. They legit just lounge around, eat food, vibe with their toys, and sleep for most of the day. That all sounds pretty good to me.
Connect with Rad Cat
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud
STREAM “Happy Never After” by Rad Cat ft. Dutch Melrose
More Music Content
PR MAVEN JAIME SLOANE TEACHES US INVALUABLE ADVICE ON MUSIC PUBLICITY FOR ARTISTS [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
HNTR TALKS ABOUT HIS RETURN TO MAU5TRAP WITH “SEARCHING FOR SELF” [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
POPGANG RECORDS / MANICS TALK INDEPENDENT LABELS, HOW TO GET LABELS’ ATTENTION, BALANCING BUSINESS WITH CREATIVITY [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
SPACE YACHT’S RAMI PERLMAN TALKS EDM LIVE EVENTS, LIVESTREAMS, NEW MUSIC, AND MORE [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
WASHINGTON D.C’S NOOCHIE TALKS RELEASING NEW MUSIC THIS SUMMER [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
