Written by Elle Douglas

Photos by Alexis Stutte

Catalina is a growing sensation that started right here in Springfield. They are an alternative band with an indie rock sound that is often compared to Pinegrove, My Chemical Romance, and All Time Low by listeners. I interviewed Lennon Rauhoff, lead vocalist, about starting the band, their music, and what comes next.

Starting the Band

Catalina started on April 16, 2020. Like most sensations (Apple/Google/Disney/etc.) the band started in a garage –– the house on none other than Catalina Ave. “I still have the date engraved in my head. It was easily one of the greatest days of my life,” says Rauhoff.

With Rauhoff as lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Maguire Kelly on drums, Ethan Miller on lead guitar, Spencer Tice working on lead guitar and backup vocals, and Patrick Sweet being the bass guitarist and backup vocals, this gang has acquired quite the cult following. Rauhoff’s biggest inspiration for Catalina is the band Pinegrove. Catalina’s current manager, Jacob, introduced him to Pinegrove when Rauhoff was a freshman.

“When ‘Aphasia’ came on later during my exploration of the record, I actually broke down. It was during a rough period in my life –– my grandfather had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I had just gotten broken up with, I was losing friends left and right to the powers of high school, and I couldn’t seem to identify with any archetype of my personality. I was convinced that it was one of the most beautifully written songs I’ve ever heard.” Evan Stephens Hall, the lead vocalist for Pinegrove, helps Catalina write songs now.

Their Music

“Sinking in Seattle” was Catalina’s first release. Rauhoff had written the song prior to the band getting together. The first song ever written specifically for the band was “James,” a tribute to Rauhoff's late father. The song is about the feelings of growing up without a dad. Catalina has been pretty hard at work since then, releasing five singles and their new album, “Evergreen.”

When asked what his favorite memory was when writing “Evergreen,” and“Hero,” Rauhoff responded. “I was in the midst of a super intense writer’s block and feeling pretty discouraged. It was 2:00 in the morning –– I had the house to myself, so I cranked my amp and started playing guitar. I improvised a riff that turned into what is now the main verse melody. It inspired me pretty quickly, so I ended up writing that song in about 10 minutes. It all kind of flowed out pretty seamlessly, which rarely happens. So, I always have good memories surrounding that song.”

How as a Community Can We Support Catalina?

Showing support by going to shows and sharing their music is the best way for us to support the local band.

“People should get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash their hands, and overall be mindful that a pandemic still exists,” Rauhoff said. “The current administration, while better than the last, is still highly unproductive. Mask mandates are being dropped, vaccinations aren’t being required in enough spaces, and people generally aren’t being careful anymore. With the spread of misinformation running rampant, we need to be sticklers about public health safety. I think that’s a really overlooked aspect of supporting small artists.”

Next Steps

Catalina has officially decided on a tracklist for their next album and they will begin the recording process next month. They will also be going on a Midwest tour in June with Honest Sleep, and are planning to increase their social media presence. Their next show is on May 15th at the Gillioz Theater, where they will be opening for Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of guitarist Eddie Van Halen.

Like, Follow, Share! Instagram is @catalinabandofficial & Twitter is @catalinasgf. Lennon’s personal Instagram/Twitter is @lrauhoff. Stream Catalina songs on all major streaming platforms.