Pet Sounds #70: Saxophonist for the Band Pets Adores His … You Guessed It …
“Pinky no thinky. Pinky is a spacey tuxedo cat who bonks really hard. She has a giant forehead.”
-Pets’ Chase Ceglie
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The spirit forces (or algorithms, or whatever) threw down the gauntlet at the proverbial feet of The Bad Penny by making us aware of a band called pets. Immediately, the challenge was on to embrace them as part of our ongoing series Pet Sounds, in which we talk with musicians about their often furry (but sometimes scaly or even feathery) frie nds. Lucky for us, pets agreed to let us befriend them – and they’re the focus of the 70th installment of Pet Sounds, which we launched just over one year ago. (If you think that’s a fast-moving series, be sure to check out On Tyranny, which is keeping pace.)
Adding to the kismet, pets – an ambient-electronic quartet based in New York – issued their latest album, the wryly titled 🌀❓(Spiral Question Mark), today. It’s catchy, freewheeling fun from start to finish, enough to make a cat hop up and down. Speaking of which, Chase Ceglie – who writes music and lyrics for the band; and plays tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, ewi, flute, synths, bass, vocals, string arrangement and effects to boot – was the pets member who volunteered to talk with us about his, you guessed it: cats.
Ceglie cares for Loo, a female chimera, tortoise shell cat who is 4 years old; and Pinky, a female tuxedo cat one year younger than her playmate. We talked with Ceglie about what makes each cat tick (we’re pretty sure they don’t have any, especially now that it’s autumn); the various antics they’re wont to get up to; and a stunt one of the cats pulled that freaked out one of the pets. From the band, that is. Not the other cat. Alright, no more playing around: Let’s get down to the serious business of talking about a pet and his pets.
How did Loo and Pinky come into your life?
My girlfriend Brooke and I randomly checked the website one day for our local animal shelter in Rhode Island. I saw the most adorable 4-month-old with this beautiful color split face (chimera) and I was immediately like … she is so cool. Got her the next day. That’s Loo.
Pinky, the tuxedo cat, came into our lives because we tagged along with my mom when she was looking to adopt a new cat. Baby Pinky was in her crate, upside down, sleeping with her head in her food bowl. I was immediately like … she is so cool. Got her that day.
Did you get Pinky because you thought Loo was getting too lonely?
No, but it was in the back of my mind! I think Loo did just fine on her own for the first year. The day Pinky came home was so funny. I’m sure most people have a similar story of bringing a new living thing home to another unsuspecting living thing. Loo was immediately intimidated and confused while Pinky was completely oblivious and curious.
Gotta ask: How did you come up with the names?
I came up with Loo’s name. Her hair is this really pretty kind of pink and blue tone in certain lighting and it reminded me of those Monet Waterloo Bridge paintings. Brooke and her best friend came up with “Pinky” one night. I was skeptical at first because it seemed goofy, and then it quickly made more and more sense for her personality.
What’s the most notable character trait in each cat?
Loo is the princess of darkness, though I feel like once Loo turned 3, she started to become very affectionate. Pinky no thinky. Pinky is a spacey tuxedo cat who bonks really hard. She has a giant forehead.
To me, one of their biggest traits is how obsessed they are with getting into my studio. I live in a ranch style house in Rhode Island, and one of the bedrooms is my home music studio. If I open that door, they will come rushing to it to get in within seconds. I have to squeeze myself in before they can sneak through. It’s really the worst, most hazard-friendly room, filled with cables, mic stands and small expensive objects for them to explore. I mean, it’s my favorite room in the house for that reason … I can’t say I blame them …
What’s their favorite food?
Those “Temptation” cat treats. I call them their Cheez-Its. If they’re somewhere hiding in the house, or if I’m paranoid they got outside, I just shake the treat box and they come running.
Do they always get along?
They’re mostly in a state of tolerating each other, but they do seem to always be in the same room together. They feel more like housemates than sisters.
What’s the funniest interaction in which you’ve seen them engage?
Just like how we met her, Pinky is lying on her back a lot. She also loves dangling her paws off of any type of ledge. I grew up with cats my whole life, and have never seen anything like it.
One of the funniest moments is actually when my pets bandmates were staying at the house. Sometimes, if I accidentally leave the door open, I will hear the creepiest piano being played as Loo walks on the keys. It’s like a horror movie. [Pets vocalist/instrumentalist] Jon [Campolo] was sleeping on an air mattress in the studio and didn’t shut the door completely. He told me he woke up to Loo playing one of her creepy little pieces. Totally freaked him out. Can you imagine how terrifying that would be?
Which cat sleeps more?
They’re up all night, so they must sleep all day…. I hope… Loo is always looking to snuggle, but it rarely seems like deep sleep. Pinky has a sleepier vibe.
Which cat is smarter?
Pinky no thinky. It really is Pinky and the Brain. Loo is very sharp. Pinky really grabs people’s attention with how insanely adorable she is.
Which cat is more protective of you?
I think Loo. If I’m horizontal, she is my gargoyle lying on top, keeping watch. I am not her owner, she is mine.
Find out more about pets and pick up a copy of 🌀❓(Spiral Question Mark) on their Bandcamp page.
For recent installments of Pet Sounds, check out:
Pet Sounds #64: Emo Musician Andrea Neuenfeld Derives Emotional Support From Her Kitties
Pet Sounds #65: Friendship Commanders’ Cats Are a Boxer and a Drummer … Sort Of
Pet Sounds #66: Sangre de Muérdago Frontman Lives in Paradise With His Dogs
Pet Sounds #67: Miracle Blood Draw Love From Their Guinea Pigs, Cats
Pet Sounds #68: Temple of Love Open Their Hearts to Fulci the Cat
Pet Sounds #69: Push Puppets Frontman Loves His Puppies
For the whole Pet Sounds archive, go here.
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