Bands with Cats featuring Sage McBride from Shred Kelly with Salt Panther

Special Bands with Cats – Sage McBride from Shred Kelly with Salt Panther

– byÂ Cheena Jean Normandin

Born in the wilds of Fernie, B.C., Shred Kelly has beenÂ making sweet, soulful folk music with a kick since 2009. The band’s latest album isÂ Sing to the Night,Â and they’reÂ wrapping up a lengthy Canadian tour in support of the record this Saturday night, March 14, at the Electric Owl in Vancouver. Our Bands with Cats lady Cheena Jean got in touch with vocalist/keyboardist Sage McBride (other members are Tim Newton, Jordan Vlasschaert, Ian Page-Shiner, and Ty West)Â about Shred Kelly’s feline mascot, Salt Panther. Prospective thieves, take note: Salt Panther will be guarding the tour van.

Sage McBride with Shred Kelly at the Railway Club, Vancouver, Feb 13 2013. Christopher Edmonstone photo.

Your name and band:Â Sage McBride from Shred Kelly.

What’s your cat’sÂ given name?Â Salt Panther

What’s your cat’s origin story?

We rescued him from the Salvation Army in Port Alberni, B.C. Now he serves us with gratitude.

What doesÂ your cat eat? Old compact discs

WhatÂ do you think your cat’s theme song is?

Our own song “Stuck Between”. When we didn’t have a name for our new song “Stuck Between” we just called it “Salt Panther” for while.Â When we play it live, Tim (Newton) sometimes growls like a panther when the song kicks in, paying respect to the Salt Panther. “Roowwr!”

What does your cat get up to while you are sleeping?

Salt Panther guards the van.Â He hides under all the empty chip bags and socks just waiting for a robber to break in and take our stuff. Watch out robbers!