Katalyst: Bio
Katalyst
A popular staple of night clubs in and around its home state of New Jersey, KATALYST is a powerful acoustic rock duo specializing in classic and current rock, as well as original material. The band has been performing together since 1997 and its seasoned members have many years of experience in the music / entertainment business. The band is at ease performing in night clubs, at private parties and corporate events, and has also performed in Atlantic City and New York City, while continuing to build an enthusiastic following.
KATALYST, a two piece band fully equipped with its own sound and lighting systems, performs the best classic and current rock, ranging from Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac and The Who, to Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow and Jet. Guitar and vocal mastery allows the band to play diverse material with expertise. KATALYST focuses on danceable and familiar cover material. Performances feature the beautiful voice of talented lead vocalist, Kathy “Kat” Francis, complemented by the musical arrangements of John Francis, and the light show. Woven into the rich guitar and vocals are bass pedals, synthesized tones and percussion, creating a very full sound, uncharacteristic of average acoustic duos.
KATALYST also writes and performs original music. Styles vary from driving rock (“CHOICES”), to ballads and “story” rock (“HOLD ON”, “SO THEY RAN”), to more contemporary pop (“DADDY DON”T KNOW”). The lyrics seek to capture thoughts and feelings that are both timeless and essential to human nature.
Kat - Lead Vocals, Percussion
Kathy “Kat” Francis has been singing and performing since childhood. A graduate of New York City’s “famed” School of the Arts and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she has been classically trained as both a singer and an actress.
She has performed all over the world, on cruise ships and in large stage shows featuring Joe Piscopo and Mickey Dolenz. She has also appeared on television on such shows as The Late Show with David Letterman (over 40 appearances), Regis and Kathy Lee, Joe Franklin, Dick Cavett and the Jerry Lewis Telethon, among others. Her appearances also include feature and industrial films, and television commercials.
A studio musician as well as live performer, she has recorded commercial jingles and has worked with songwriters on demonstration CDs. She finds most satisfaction, however, as lead singer and songwriter / lyricist for KATALYST.
Kathy’s influences include Styx, Kansas, Mariah Carey, and Pat Benatar.
Kathy exclusively uses Shure SM58s, wireless microphones, and in-ear monitor systems as well as Ultra / Ultimate Support stands.
John - Acoustic (6 and 12 String) Guitars, Bass Pedals, Vocals
John Francis has been performing in various cover and original bands since 1987, playing guitar, bass, and keyboards. He performs all lead and rhythm, acoustic and electric guitars for KATALYST.
John contributes most of the music and arrangements to KATALYST's original material. Although he enjoys the creative environment of the recording studio, the real thrill for him is taking the show on the road and performing KATALYST music live for audiences.
His influences include Styx, Rush, Kansas, Asia, Journey, and The Beatles.
For acoustic shows, John uses Taylor and Martin acoustic guitars, Elixir Nanoweb and Martin Marquis strings, custom pedalboard with analog / digital effects and processors, Moog Taurus pedals, Roland PK-5 midi pedals, Roland M-VS1 sound module, Shure microphones, and custom Legends picks.