Nightmare and the Cat

Nightmare and the Cat has managed to stay somewhat under the radar in today’s popular music scene, but they have steadily built a devout community with fans of underground indie artists since their formation in 2010.
Django Stewart, the band’s lead vocalist and resident hip-swayer, and his brother Sammy are the sons of Eurythmics’s Dave Stewart and Bananarama’s Siobhan Fahey. Nightmare and the Cat has, however, established a sound that is solely their own despite “the privilege in [their] father’s name,” as is mentioned in the song “Simple.” Nightmare and the Cat has mastered the art of intimacy and closeness in creating a live show. The resulting experience is mesmerizing. The band is often accompanied by artist Gary Baseman, who contributes visually and paints live on stage to create an unexpected uniqueness.
It is minutes into the set, and Django has already taken his shoes off: a signal to all that he is, in fact, ready to partake in some serious dancing. I am continually impressed by the entire band’s ability to engage their audience while remaining completely absorbed in their performance. Through prolonged eye contact with individual members of the crowd and continuous hand-holding, Django has earned his rightful share of female fans, but this is not to say the band’s catchy melodies and infectious rhythms haven’t attracted fans of both genders.
There is an overwhelming sense of community at Nightmare and the Cat shows that can be largely attributed to the band’s relatively small, yet devoted group of supporters who sincerely want to see them succeed. As friends dance on stage and embrace the members of the band during “Alvarado,” the final song of the set, I realize the sacred entity that is indie bands and the importance of keeping these tiny club shows with huge energy alive. Those who see Nightmare and the Cat truly appreciate the band’s efforts to provide their audience with the best show possible: one that exceeds the general expectations of what a concert should be like. Comfortable dancing shoes are also recommended.