Lecture Notes on Cat Power

Introduction

• Name: Charlyn Marie "Chan" Marshall
• Stage Name: Cat Power
• Born: January 21, 1972, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
• Genres: Indie rock, Folk rock, Electric blues, Alternative rock, Lo-fi, Sadcore
• Occupations: Singer-songwriter, Musician, Model
• Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Piano
• Years Active: 1992-present
• Labels: Runt, Smells Like Records, Matador, Domino
• Website: catpowermusic.com

Early Life

• Born to blues musician Charlie Marshall and Myra Lee Marshall.
• Moved frequently across the southern U.S.; attended ten different schools.
• Influenced by her stepfather’s and parents' record collection (e.g., Otis Redding, Rolling Stones).
• Adopted the nickname Chan in the sixth grade.
• Dropped out of high school at 16 and became estranged from her mother.
• Musical influences included the Smiths, the Cure, and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
• Religion played a significant role in her upbringing.

Career

1992-1995: Beginnings

• First instrument was a 1950s Silvertone guitar.
• Formed the band "Cat Power" in Atlanta; relocated to New York City in 1992.
• Recorded first two albums, "Dear Sir" and "Myra Lee" in 1994.

1996-2003: Early Matador Releases

• Signed to Matador Records in 1996.
• Released "What Would the Community Think" (1996) and "Moon Pix" (1998).
• Gained recognition with the critically acclaimed "Moon Pix."
• The Covers Record (2000) included cover songs.
• Released "You Are Free" (2003) featuring Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder.

2004-2011: Mainstream Success

• Released "The Greatest" (2006), a soul-influenced album.
• Won the 2006 Shortlist Music Prize.
• Released second covers album "Jukebox" (2008).
• Collaborated with various artists and featured in films "My Blueberry Nights" and "Sleepwalkers."

2012-present: Recent Activity

• Released "Sun" (2012), debuting at number 10 on the Billboard 200.
• Narrated the documentary "Janis: Little Girl Blue" (2015).
• Released "Wanderer" (2018) under Domino Records.
• Released "Covers" (2022).
• Released a live album, "Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert" (2023).

Personal Life

• Relationship with actor Giovanni Ribisi ended in 2012.
• Struggled with mental health issues; hospitalized in 2012 for hereditary angioedema.
• Became a mother to a son, fathered by artist James Concannon.
• Announced sobriety in 2023.

Artistry and Influences

• Known for somber, blues-influenced instrumentation.
• Early work combines punk, folk, and blues; later work includes soul and R&B elements.
• Known for erratic live performances.

Philanthropy and Activism

• Released "King Rides By" for charity.
• Participated in benefit shows and appeared in PETA ad campaigns.

Discography Highlights

• Studio Albums: "Dear Sir" (1995), "Moon Pix" (1998), "You Are Free" (2003), "The Greatest" (2006), "Sun" (2012), "Wanderer" (2018), "Covers" (2022).

Awards

• Shortlist Music Prize for "The Greatest."
• Various nominations including BRIT Awards and Antville Music Video Awards.

These notes cover the essential points about Cat Power as discussed in the lecture. They provide a comprehensive overview of her life, career, and contributions to music.