Pet Sounds #82: Products Band’s Drummer Has a ‘Freakishly Fast’ Cat That Can Maybe Talk, Too
In the 82nd edition of Pet Sounds, we learned a little bit about the music that Products Band produces – and we learned an awful lot about bassist/vocalist Wooley’s two cats: Casper and Disney. There are more pets in Products Band, and one of them, Lucy, got a bit jealous and felt she wasn’t getting the attention she deserves.
That stare you see in the photo above is Lucy saying, “Can I please be in Pet Sounds too?”
Lucy belongs to Konner Johnson, who handles drums, percussion and synths for the Minneapolis art-rock band that is signed to Solid Brass.
Products Band consists of Johnson, Woolsey, Jo Kellen (guitar, vocals, synths) and Alex Hanson (guitars, vocals, piano). Woolsey and Johnson jumped at the opportunity to participate in the one and only – or at least extensive – online series in which musicians gush over their pets.
And boy did Johnson gush. Here’s our email conversation about Lucy, Products Band and … lots more Lucy. Enjoy one of the most tender entries so far in Pet Sounds.
How did Lucy enter your life?
I met Lucy soon after I met my partner Kelsie. We developed a very close bond almost instantaneously! Kelsie had adopted Lucy before the pandemic, after she had adopted Digory. Digory passed away last year right around this time and we miss him so much. Digory had many nicknames, like Digs, Bobo and Dig-a-dee).
Lucy and Digory were pretty fond of each other, and would often chase and play together at any given point of the day (or night). It was really cute to see. They’d do some comprehensive cleaning sessions some nights, and whenever we’d have friends over, everyone would stop in their tracks to see how monumentally adorable they were to each other. Again, we miss Digory so much.
Have you had an affinity for cats your entire life?
I have! Absolutely love cats. We had one growing up. Her name was Lily. We adopted her from the Humane Society when I was a kid. She was so sweet! We had a funny moment when our family was on vacation near the Boundary Waters on Lake Vermillion. We were staying at this scrappy and super old school rustic cabin spot.
Near the main lodge there was a family of kittens running around. We’d put out a little saucer of milk to see if they’d come up to our stoop. It was really cute when they scurried up from the wildflowers. Soon after, I think our family knew we needed to adopt a cat. Later that year we adopted Lily.
What makes cats so lovable in your opinion?
They’re unapologetically themselves and have such distinct personalities. I love catching Lucy doing something funny or weird; it’s what makes having a pet so fulfilling. It’s also really nice coming home from a crazy day and having Lucy cuddle up on the couch next to us. She’ll often hop on our laps in the winter to stay warm. It’s the best.
Do you talk to Lucy sometimes?
LOL. Oh yeah. I love talking with Lucy. Especially when I’m making breakfast. She’s pretty receptive and will listen most times. Sometimes she’ll meow in between what Kelsie or myself are saying, almost as if she understands us. Maybe she does? Who even knows.
What’s the craziest scene/anecdote you can recall involving Lucy?
She gets crazy moods sometimes and does wild zoomies. Especially after getting home from trips she gets excited and loves to do zooms, haha. She’s freakishly fast. It’s incredible.
Has she done any damage to your home?
Yeah, she’s done a number on the couch. She likes to get her claws in there. We had to put a little sticker on the corner and got her a sweet scratching post, so now it’s pretty much figured out. Sometimes she’ll chew on stuff she’s not supposed to, like cords. That’s pretty rare when we catch her doing that, though.
Has Lucy made appearances in your music, whether it be sound clips or in your lyrics?
Not yet! Maybe someday… I helped Jack get the backdrop ready for our video for “Pink Puma.” Casper is so timid around me. I had to leave Jack’s place briefly so we could get proper footage, lol.
Have you woken up in bed to discover that Lucy is trying to steal your breath?
She likes to hop up on the bed and get cozy with us most mornings. Lucy really likes to get a cozy nap some mornings we sleep in.
How has Lucy improved your life?
Oh goodness, every day she makes life better. She’s very vocal and she still surprises me with new sounds and tones. She also has taught me a lot about how distinctively herself she is compared to any other cat I’ve lived with.
What advice would you give someone who is considering getting a pet?
Put down your phone and play with your animal friend. You won’t regret it ever! Also, definitely spoil them when you can. Why not?!
Check out the snazzy Bandcamp page for Products Band to explore their releases. Gorge yourself on more editions of Pet Sounds on its hub page.
The Bad Penny (beta) 
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