Fran is as comfortable programming drums in NI Maschine as he is strumming an acoustic guitar. Having played violin and viola growing up gives him good insight into string arranging and programming, in addition to having proficiency in piano, bass and guitar. Having created music in styles as diverse as jazz, hip hop and EDM/dance gives Fran confidence that he can meet any musical challenge.

Having owned three NYC studios over his career, Fran knows the landscape of digital and analog equipment and the techniques necessary to create world-class musical results. A good engineer has enough tricks to keep the listeners engaged, while identifying problems with a recording or a mix, and resolving them.

A good arrangement can bring new and exciting dynamics to a piece of music. Again, Cathcart has the experience to create effective string, horn, or band arrangements from beginning MIDI sketches to full charts for studio players. It’s a known fact that Fran has a way with words. Aside from his quick wit, he can also help with a lyrical line here or there in a song, or find a way for syllables to flow more smoothly over the beat.

Fran’s skills working with vocalists are top-notch. From putting the artist at ease, to identifying challenging spots and helping to resolve issues, to coming up with a melodic suggestion or a phrasing change to bring out the excitement, Fran is focused and collaborative with the artist, always working to get the best result. He even has a talent for helping non-native English singers sound more at ease with English pronunciation. Let’s face it, English is a hairy beast! Oh, and did you know that he was probably the first guy in NYC to purchase revolutionary vocal processing software Melodyne? He almost pulled an iPhone fanatic move and camped out in front of the store!

Fran’s first love was a 1967 Gibson SG that he got for his 14th birthday. Being a big Angus Young fan at the time, that guitar was a dream come true. Fran majored in guitar performance and composition at NYU and as such has knowledge of music theory and is an advanced guitarist, having played in many bands over the years, on both acoustic and electric guitar. He also has nylon string “classical” guitar, a Fender Stratocaster, a 7-string Strandberg, and his trusty Taylor 855ce 12 String. Each guitar has its own specialties in terms of sound, so its important to have a variety.

Maybe he can attribute being a good teacher to having three kids? Who knows but Fran is a worthy musical leader and educator, finding ways to inspire growth in his studio clients as well as friends and young people in the community. Come soak up and share the knowledge!