EDM's Obsession With Cats

Everyone loves cats, right? You have to. From Lil BUB to Garfield, we've grown to appreciate these warm and cuddly animals that don't need our help, b

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Everyone loves cats, right? You have to. From Lil BUB to Garfield, we've grown to appreciate these warm and cuddly animals that don't need our help, but couldn't eat without us. This week, we realized that the EDM scene has an odd affinity for the feline species as well, and figured now was as good a time as any to take a look at how this superior animal has infiltrated the dance music scene. From songs dedicated to cats to acts that take on cat-like names, here are some examples of the EDM scene's obsession with cats.

Meowski666

Not Available Interstitial

The biggest cat-related EDM act has to also be the first. Rumors of Dillon Francis and Kill the Noise forming a group had been swirling for some time, with names like "Kitten Party" and "Kitten House Mafia" throwing people off; we KNEW that this partnership would be dedicated to cats at some point, but with those names? That was until late July, when they confirmed that Meowski666 would be their name. We waited with baited breath until "Meow Machine" was released for free, featuring a chorus of cat (and dog) sounds in the track, letting us know that this dedication to felines was indeed the real deal.

Zeds Dead - "Ratchet (Meow Version)"

Not Available Interstitial

Another kitty development from this week was Zeds Dead releasing a "meow version" of their Juicy J-sampling "Ratchet," with every mention of "ratchet pussy" using a cat's meow for the word "pussy." This has been a part of their live show for a bit, and now trap DJs who hit the radio have a cheeky edit to drop on the airwaves. The artwork was already there, but the meows take this to another level.

KW Griff ft. Porkchop - "Bring in the Katz"

Not Available Interstitial

Why did Porkchop call that infectious melody "katz?" It makes sense, but sounds nothing like actual cat or kitten noises. Maybe that's the part where cats just start to take everything over? Lucky for us, this website helps us visualize what it'd look like if the cats were really brought in.

Cashmere Cat

Not Available Interstitial

Norwegian producer Cashmere Cat has taken to calling himself "a Norwegian forest cat." We're not sure what that means entirely, but judging by the artwork and pictures that make up the bulk of his online presence, he has a serious love for felines. One thing that solidified this was his recent Diplo & Friends guest mix, which featured a plethora of cat noises as drops. Unless that's just Cashmere Cat on the mic...

Felix da Housecat

Not Available Interstitial

Mr. Mitch - "Catford"

Not Available Interstitial

Taking things to a new level, UK producer Mr. Mitch crafted a beautiful trap instrumental featuring the meows and sounds from some cat. We never did find out who's cat that was, but this low-end ode to one of our favorite animals is not to be slept on.

Tensnake - "Coma Cat"

Not Available Interstitial

This track feels like a revved up beat that'd play during one of those "aren't these cats so darn cute" video shows. Or it could possibly be the soundtrack to a fever dream for a sick kitty, dreaming of far-off tropical lands that they could be exploring or, more accurately, conquering.

Catz N Dogz

Not Available Interstitial

We're not 100% sure where their love for animals comes from, but this Polish duo's animal obsession doesn't stop at their awesome name. They run the label PETS, which is focused on highlighting Polish producers, and run a night called "Pets Gone Wild." Claude VonStroke and others have co-signed this duo, and we love their take on the house music scene. Hopefully the bring the wild kingdom with them more often.

Feed Me - "Little Cat Steps"

Not Available Interstitial

There are no cat sounds to be found on this Escape From Electric Mountain EP track, but the opening melodies on this sound like they'd almost been played looped from a cat running back and forth on the keyboard. Hence the "little cat steps."

Mr. Meowingtons

Not Available Interstitial

Fans of deadmau5 know who this cat is; this is Mr. Meowingtons, the producer's cat. He's been the subject of a number of videos on YouTube, and is pretty fond of bass:

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there's an entire Tumblr devoted to the cats of some of your favorite producers, with the pets of Wolfgang Gartner, Alana Watson (Nero), and Elhornet (Knife Party) all being represented.

Latest in Music