Theo Katzman Explained

Theo Katzman
Background:solo_singer
Birth Name:Theodore Daniel Katzman
Birth Date:2 April 1986
Birth Place:New York City, U.S.
Genre:Indie rock, folk rock, pop, soul, funk
Occupation:Singer, songwriter, producer
Instrument:Vocals, guitar, drums, bass guitar, piano, conga, kazoo
Years Active:2005–present
Label:Independent, Ten Good Songs
Current Member Of:Vulfpeck
Past Member Of:Ella Riot, Toolbox
Associated Acts:, Vulfpeck,

Theodore Daniel Katzman (born April 2, 1986)[1] is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles. His musical style is a fusion of pop, jazz, funk and indie rock. He is a member of funk band Vulfpeck and has contributed to the works of several artists as songwriter and producer. Katzman has released four studio albums. His latest album Be the Wheel was released in March 2023.

Career

Katzman grew up in a musical family in Manhasset, New York. His father, Lee Katzman, was a jazz trumpet player and would take him to rehearsals at an early age.[2] When he was about twelve he started playing drums, guitar, and writing songs.[3] In 2004, Katzman moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and studied jazz at the University of Michigan.[4] In 2005, he joined the instrumental group Toolbox which evolved into the band Ella Riot.[5] Katzman toured with the band from 2007 to 2010. During that time the band released an EP titled My Dear Disco and an album titled Dancethink.

In early 2010, Katzman pursued a solo career to focus on his singing and songwriting. He formed the trio Love Massive, who performed regularly and opened at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival in 2011. Katzman released an EP titled Solo Acoustic in 2010 and released his first studio album Romance Without Finance in 2011.[6] [7] In late 2011, he moved to Brooklyn and released music videos for two of his songs, "Hard For You" and "Brooklyn".[8] In 2012, he opened for several artists including Vanessa Carlton, Matisyahu, and Vienna Teng.[9] [10] In 2013, he was the musical director and the opening act for Darren Criss on his national tour, Listen Up,[11] [12] and released a single titled "Pop Song".

Katzman has worked with several artists as a songwriter and producer. He co-wrote and produced Face the Fire, an album by Michelle Chamuel, and co-wrote several songs for an album by Criss.[13] He performs with the Irish-fusion band The Olllam, funk band Vulfpeck, and as a solo act.[14] [15]

Katzman released a single titled "Hard Work" in October 2016.[16] Katzman's second studio album Heartbreak Hits was released in January 2017. According to Katzman, the album's concept was about heartbreak and loss.[17] A review by Lee Zimmerman noted the album's "upbeat" tone despite the underlying lyrical concept.[18]

In October 2019, Katzman released a single titled "You Could Be President", a preview of his third studio album Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe.[19] In December 2019, Katzman released two EPs of three songs each from the upcoming full length album. These EPs were thematically organized, and were titled Modern Johnny Tackles the Issues[20] and Modern Johnny Wallows in Introspection and Gently Goes Mad.[21] The full album was released in January 2020 under the label Ten Good Songs.[22]

Katzman released his fourth studio album, Be The Wheel, in March 2023.[23] The album was recorded live to tape at Cinnamon Ranch, Katzman's studio in Michigan.[24] Katzman released four songs, including the title track, as singles before the release of the full album. He also formally announced his record label, Ten Good Songs, for recordings and productions by Theo Katzman.[25] In 2023, Ten Good Songs released both Be The Wheel and an album by May Erlewine titled The Real Thing.[26]

Style

Katzman grew up listening to classic rock and soul music. His influences include soul, R&B, funk, rock and folk. As a songwriter, a primary focus for him is a song's lyrical theme. He writes parts for guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. His favorite songwriters are those who "capture a moment in cultural time" such as Frank Ocean, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon.

Personal life

Katzman's father, Lee Katzman, was a jazz trumpet player with The Tonight Show Band and the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Katzman's maternal grandparents were both classical musicians with the Detroit Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Vulfpeck

In addition to his solo work, Katzman is a member of the funk band Vulfpeck. Formed in 2011, Vulfpeck is a four piece instrumental group made up of Katzman on guitar, drums and vocals, Jack Stratton on keyboards, drums and guitar, Woody Goss on keyboards, and Joe Dart on bass.[27] The band has released four EPs and six studio albums.[28]

Discography

Albums

Studio albums

Solo albums
TitleAlbum details
Romance Without Finance
Heartbreak Hits
  • Released: January 6, 2017
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe
  • Released: January 10, 2020
  • Label: Ten Good Songs
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Be the Wheel
  • Released: March 10, 2023
  • Label: Ten Good Songs
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
with Vulfpeck
TitleAlbum details
Mit Peck (EP)
Vollmilch (EP)
  • Released: December 20, 2012
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: Vinyl, digital download
My First Car (EP)
  • Released: December 6, 2013
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: Vinyl, digital download
Fugue State (EP)
  • Released: August 26, 2014
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: Vinyl, digital download
Thrill of the Arts
  • Released: October 9, 2015
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download
The Beautiful Game
  • Released: October 17, 2016
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: LP, digital download
Mr. Finish Line
  • Released: November 7, 2017
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: LP, digital download
Hill Climber
  • Released: December 7, 2018
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: CD, vinyl, LP, digital download
Live at Madison Square Garden
  • Released: December 10, 2019
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: Vinyl, LP, digital download, streaming
The Joy of Music, the Job of Real Estate
  • Released: October 23, 2020
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: Vinyl, digital download, streaming
Schvitz
  • Released: December 30, 2022
  • Label: Vulf
  • Format: Vinyl, digital download, streaming

Live albums

TitleAlbum details
Jam in the Van - Theo Katzman (Live Session, Azusa, CA, 2016)
Theo Katzman on Audiotree Live
  • Released: April 9, 2018
  • Label: Audiotree
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
My Heart Is Live in Berlin
  • Released: April 26, 2019
  • Label: Ten Good Songs
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in The Age of Live
  • Released: 2022
  • Label: Ten Good Songs
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

TitleAlbum details
Solo Acoustic
Theo Katzman on Audiotree Live
  • Released: 2018
  • Label: Audiotree
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Modern Johnny Tackles the Issues
  • Released: December 6, 2019
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Modern Johnny Wallows in Introspection and Gently Goes Mad
  • Released: December 20, 2019
  • Label: Ten Good Songs
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

As lead artist

TitleYearAlbum
"Pop Song"2013rowspan=3
"Hard Work"2016
"My Heart Is Dead"
"You Could Be President"2019Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe / Modern Johnny Tackles the Issues

As featured artist

TitleYearAlbum
"Something Good"
2018Mother Land
"Highest Bidder"
"Easy"
2022Tiny Beautiful Things
"Worlds Apart"
"Sunday"
Art
"Leon Keys"
Leon Keys (EP)
"One More Try"
2023The Nostalgiac
"Like a Movie"
Stranger to the Feeling

Production and writing credits

YearArtistAlbumSongNotes
2012These Holy Days"Heartbreak Season" drums, bass, co-producer
"Shoot Me With Your Best Shot" drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals, co-producer
"These Holy Days" drums, percussion, vocals, co-producer
2012 "Hide It Away" co-producer, bass, guitar, snare drum
2013The Last Fears"Ordinary Man" drums, additional arranging
"Home" drums, co-writer
"Figure It Out" drums, guitar
"Ordinary Man" drums, guitar
"Happier" drums, bass
2013 "Go Down Singing" co-producer, bass, guitar, snare drum, writer
2013 "Famous" co-producer, drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
2014 Confluence co-writer (tracks 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11), backing vocals (tracks 1, 3)
2014 "You Just Want My Money" co-writer, co-producer, backing vocals, bass, guitar, drums
2015 Face the Fire writer, performer, producer (all tracks)
2015 "Wasteland" bass, guitar
2017 Rainbow "Rainbow" percussion
2018Woman BelieverDunzo (EP)drums (tracks 1, 2, 3), bass (tracks 2, 3), guitar (track 3)
2019May ErlewineSecond Sight"That's My Home"electric guitar
2019Ryan LermanNoisy Feelings"American Dream"backing vocals
"Hard To Break Up"drums
"Windy Day"backing vocals
"Mexico"drums, percussion
2019Allen StoneBuilding Balance"Miscommunicate"co-writer
"Chippin' Away"co-writer
2020Carly Rae JepsenDedicated Side B"Window"bass, backing vocals, drums, guitar, co-writer, co-producer
2018Woman BelieverThe Hot Yearspercussion (track 7), guitar (track 14)
2021Antwaun Stanley and Tyler DuncanAscensionwriter, drums, guitar, congas, percussion
2021Rett MadisonPin-Up Daddyproducer (all tracks), drums (all tracks), percussion (tracks 1 and 7), guitar (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9), background vocals (track 1), Wurlitzer (track 2)
2023May ErlewineThe Real Thingproducer, drums
2023Taylor AshtonStranger to the Feeling"Strong Hands"background vocals
2023Rett MadisonOne For Jackie"Lipstick"drums, congas, additional percussion
"Fortune Teller"Wurlitzer, background vocals
"One for Jackie, One for Crystal"percussion, congas, bass drum
"Mediums, Therapists, and Sheriffs"drums
2024Brittany HowardThelma the Unicorn Soundtrack"Fire Inside"co-writer, guitar

Notes and References

  1. theokatzman. Theo Katzman. 583657467663396864. 2 April 2015. Today I turn 29 years old. As @lukegyure once said about 30, "it's like, the race is over, and I'm still here." #Rock #30isthenew20.
  2. Web site: Former My Dear Disco guitarist finding own sound. The Herald Palladium. February 18, 2010. May 4, 2014.
  3. Web site: Theo Katzman – Music, What Is It?. Success Circuit. January 27, 2014. April 25, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20160221162127/http://www.successcircuit.com/interviews/theo-katzman-music/. February 21, 2016. dead.
  4. Web site: Local indie rocker Theo Katzman excited to be Ann Arbor Folk Festival opener Friday night. Roger LeLievre. The Ann Arbor News. January 25, 2011. May 4, 2014.
  5. Web site: Exit interview: Ella Riot's Tyler Duncan. A.V. Club. October 11, 2011. May 4, 2014.
  6. Web site: Theo Katzman – Interview. Patrick Dunn. A.V. Club. November 2, 2011. April 25, 2014.
  7. Web site: Theo Katzman Rocks NYC. Nicole Massabrook. The Outlook. October 9, 2013. April 25, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20151208162035/http://outlook.monmouth.edu/index.php/entertainment/1272-theo-katzman-rocks-nyc. December 8, 2015. dead.
  8. Web site: Theo Katzman Haunts His Ex Through Advertisements in "Hard For You" Video. Rae Votta. VH1. November 13, 2013. April 25, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141110060927/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-11-13/theo-katzman-haunts-his-ex-through-ads-in-hard-for-you-video/. November 10, 2014. dead.
  9. Web site: I'm Playing Theo Katzman on Repeat, And You Should Be, Too!. Caitlyn Brody. Glamour. February 27, 2012. April 25, 2014.
  10. Web site: Theo Katzman opens for Vienna Teng at THE ARK. arts.umich.edu. September 26, 2012. February 21, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151222170420/http://arts.umich.edu/seen/2012/09/26/preview-theo-katzman-opens-for-vienna-teng-at-the-ark/. December 22, 2015. dead.
  11. Web site: Theo Katzman Tour Diary: A Day In The Life of Darren Criss' Opening Act. Rae Votta. Billboard Magazine. June 6, 2013. April 25, 2014.
  12. Web site: Darren Criss and Theo Katzman thrill capacity crowd at Michigan Theater. Jenn McKee. The Ann Arbor News. June 13, 2013. April 25, 2014.
  13. Web site: 'Voice' Runner-Up Michelle Chamuel Talks Reality TV Arcs and Usher's Best Lessons. Billboard Magazine. February 2, 2015. February 18, 2015.
  14. Web site: ATLANTIC I/O: the olllam, michelle chamuel, padraig rynne, jeremy kittel. journalofmusic.com. April 25, 2014. November 9, 2014.
  15. Web site: Video: Darren Criss plays secret show with Theo Katzman at Hotel Cafe. Natalie Fisher. Hypable. November 8, 2012. April 25, 2014.
  16. Web site: Then & Now: Theo Katzman Discusses What It Means To Be Vulfpeck. Kendall Deflin. liveforlivemusic.com. October 18, 2016. October 26, 2016.
  17. Web site: Vulfpeck's Theo Katzman Discusses The Timing & Inspiration For New Solo Album 'Heartbreak Hits'. Kendall Deflin. liveforlivemusic.com . November 7, 2016. November 20, 2016.
  18. Web site: Theo Katzman: Heartbreak Hits. Lee Zimmerman. relix.com. April 4, 2017. April 4, 2017.
  19. Web site: Theo Katzman: You Could Be President. Corey Brown. notreble.com. October 12, 2019. October 20, 2019.
  20. Web site: Modern Johnny Tackles the Issues, by Theo Katzman . 2023-04-10 . Bandcamp . en.
  21. Web site: Modern Johnny Wallows in Introspection and Gently Goes Mad, by Theo Katzman . 2023-04-10 . Bandcamp . en.
  22. Web site: Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe, by Theo Katzman . 2023-04-10 . Bandcamp.
  23. Web site: Lefkoff . Jonah . March 21, 2023 . Theo Katzman drives it out of the park with 'Be The Wheel' . July 9, 2024 . WRBB Radio.
  24. Web site: Be The Wheel, by Theo Katzman . 2023-04-10 . Bandcamp . en.
  25. Web site: 10 Good Songs on Instagram: "Welcome to 10 Good Songs®️ Recordings // Productions by @theokatzman Designed by @sebi.white" . 2023-04-11 . Instagram . en.
  26. Web site: 10GoodSongs . 2023-04-11 . 10GoodSongs . en.
  27. Web site: Can't Fake the Funk. Danny Hazan. Medium. May 18, 2015. December 1, 2015.
  28. Vulfpeck releases:
    • Web site: Vulfpeck Keep It Beastly. Tim Specce. jambands.com. January 12, 2014. May 4, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20160813113302/http://www.jambands.com/features/2014/01/12/vulfpeck-keep-it-beastly. August 13, 2016. live.
    • Web site: Vulfpeck's 'My First Car' – EP Review. Wib Schneider. blog.ourvinyl.tv. May 4, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211904/http://blog.ourvinyl.tv/vulfpeck-my-first-car/. March 3, 2016. dead.
    • Web site: 'Thrill of the Arts' by Vulfpeck Review. The Wall Street Journal. Jim Fusilli. October 13, 2015. December 1, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151015005057/http://www.wsj.com/articles/thrill-of-the-arts-by-vulfpeck-review-1444767855. October 15, 2015. dead. subscription .
    • Web site: Vulfpeck's New Album 'The Beautiful Game' Is Now Here. Dave Melamed. liveforlivemusic.com. October 17, 2016. November 20, 2016.