For those who tune into late-night television, the name Louis Cato is likely already familiar. He stepped into the spotlight as the new bandleader of The Late Show Band, the resident musical powerhouse behind The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. More than just a bandleader, Louis Cato is a captivating multi-instrumentalist who not only directs the band’s dynamic sound but also electrifies the audience with his vibrant energy between segments. In a recent conversation, Louis Cato delved into his latest album, “Reflections,” a deeply personal and intimate musical collection he describes as “therapeutic.” This album offers a profound look into the artistry of Louis Cato beyond the bright lights of late-night TV.
Stepping into the Bandleader Role at The Late Show
Reflecting on the moment he learned about his elevated role with The Late Show, Louis Cato shared a perspective seasoned by years in the entertainment industry. Having been an integral part of the show since its inception in 2015, contributing to an estimated 2,000 episodes over nine seasons, Louis Cato was no stranger to the unpredictable nature of live television. He described his experience as “par for the course in a new way,” emphasizing the necessity for adaptability in the fast-paced world of entertainment, particularly within The Late Show‘s dynamic environment.
Louis Cato recounted how the show’s production often involved last-minute script revisions and spontaneous musical adjustments, a common occurrence in the world of late-night television. He highlighted instances where extensive musical pieces, sometimes parodies requiring hours of meticulous work, would be cut due to evolving show content, often driven by current events like unexpected political developments. This environment instilled in Louis Cato a readiness to “roll with those punches,” a crucial skill for navigating the ever-changing landscape of live television and music production. His background as a music producer for the show further solidified his ability to handle the spontaneous and demanding nature of The Late Show, preparing him for the leadership role he now embodies.
“Reflections”: A Deeply Personal Musical Journey
Shifting the focus to his solo work, Louis Cato discussed his new album, Reflections, a title that itself suggests a profound introspection. He confirmed that the album is indeed deeply personal, tracing its origins back to his earlier song, “Look Within,” from his debut album. Louis Cato views “Look Within” as a prophetic piece, written from a place of self-awareness yet hinting at future personal evolution. The lyrics, particularly “When I figured out how to settle down, I know I’ll be okay,” now resonate with a past version of himself, one who was still navigating emotional unrest and life transitions.
Reflections is described by Louis Cato as a literal look back at that less settled period, a time marked by significant life changes. He transitioned from a full-time touring musician to settling into a television show in New York, while also navigating relationship challenges and family dynamics. This album, therefore, becomes a musical diary of sorts, reflecting on these experiences from a more grounded and mature perspective. Louis Cato explained that after six more years of life, he possesses “a few more tools” for introspection, enabling him to delve deeper into his emotions and articulate them through his music with greater clarity and depth in Reflections.
Unpacking “Human”: Vulnerability and Shared Experience
When discussing “Human,” Louis Cato revealed it to be his favorite track on Reflections, a preference rooted in the sense of accomplishment he felt in expressing deeply personal insecurities. He describes the song as cathartic, a means of articulating previously unvoiced anxieties related to maintaining appearances, meeting expectations from family, friends, and children, and dealing with perceptions. The title itself, “Human,” is intentionally simple yet powerful, emphasizing the fundamental connection shared by everyone, a connection often overshadowed by differences.
Louis Cato touches upon the unique pressure of parenthood, a theme resonating deeply within “Human.” He reflects on the shift in perspective that occurs when becoming a parent, moving from a focus on what one gives to children to the overwhelming desire to avoid disappointing them. This pressure, he notes, can be immense and, if unaddressed, can be inadvertently passed down to children. Louis Cato sees parenthood as a profound opportunity for personal growth, a sentiment echoed in the raw honesty of “Human.” He humorously acknowledges the challenges of maintaining composure as a parent, even resorting to brief escapes like “locking yourself in the bathroom,” to find moments of solitude amidst the beautiful chaos of family life. The essence of “Human,” as Louis Cato describes it, is finding beauty in these raw, unfiltered human connections and reflections.
“Some Day We’ll All Be Free”: Relationships and Understanding
Expanding on the themes of vulnerability and introspection, Louis Cato discussed the emotional depth of “Some Day We’ll All Be Free,” another track from Reflections. This song, inspired by his intimate Instagram performance that resonated with many, delves into themes of self-awareness, consciousness, and taking responsibility within relationships. Louis Cato connects the concept of freedom with being understood, suggesting that true liberation comes from mutual comprehension and acceptance in human interactions.
He emphasizes the dynamic nature of relationships, viewing them as two-sided entities. Louis Cato believes that understanding only one side of a relationship equates to missing half of its reality. This perspective is woven into “Some Day We’ll All Be Free,” which he describes as unfolding in three chapters, much like a diary entry chronicling the evolution of a relationship. The song navigates from a hopeful beginning to the storm of challenges and finally to a zoomed-out perspective of acceptance and shared responsibility. Louis Cato articulates the sentiment of “It’s my fault too,” acknowledging his role in the relationship’s complexities and expressing hope for understanding and healing even amidst hurt.
Bluesy Heartache and Honest Musical Rendering
The conversation then shifted to the bluesy undertones present in some of the tracks on Reflections, particularly “Some Day We’ll All Be Free.” Louis Cato acknowledged the inherent connection between blues music and heartache, confirming that the emotional weight of personal experiences permeates the album. He describes the entire process of creating Reflections, from experiencing the emotions to writing, expressing, and recording, as being steeped in heartache.
This emotional immersion, Louis Cato explains, is what lends Reflections its “honest rendering.” He emphasizes the therapeutic nature of the album, highlighting its capacity to capture and articulate emotions with a depth he hadn’t previously achieved. When asked if the word “vulnerable” resonated with the album’s essence, Louis Cato affirmed it wholeheartedly. Despite performing in front of millions nightly on The Late Show, he distinguishes between that public persona and the deeply personal exposure of his solo work. Reflections intentionally strips away elaborate production, with Louis Cato playing all instruments himself, creating an intimate and raw sonic landscape.
Intimacy and Instrumentation in “Reflections”
Delving deeper into the decision to play all instruments on Reflections, Louis Cato explained the contrasting motivations behind his instrumentation choices in his solo work. For his debut album, playing multiple instruments was about demonstrating his capabilities and versatility as a musician. He sought to showcase his range, incorporating brass instruments, keyboards, and synthesizers, even handling the mixing himself.
However, for Reflections, the solitary instrumentation served a different purpose: intimacy. Louis Cato felt the need for the album to be solely his own expression, directly connected to his personal narrative. This approach amplified the vulnerability and honesty central to Reflections, allowing the listener to connect with Louis Cato‘s story in a profoundly personal way, unmediated by external musical voices.
“Good Enough” and Insecurities in Love
Exploring further into the thematic threads of Reflections, Louis Cato discussed “Good Enough” in relation to “Reflections,” viewing them as thematically linked “siblings.” Both songs explore love stories through the lens of personal insecurities. “Reflections,” the title track, examines the fear of facing one’s own vulnerabilities when entering a relationship, recognizing those same insecurities mirrored in a partner.
“Good Enough” delves into the universal experience of insecurity, the internal struggle to feel adequate. Louis Cato describes “Reflections” as expressing self-awareness amidst these insecurities, acknowledging how they can influence attraction and relationship dynamics. He touches upon the idea of being drawn to familiar patterns of self-doubt, recognizing “that familiar brand of self-love with a guilt.” This honesty about the complexities of self-perception and its impact on relationships is a recurring motif in Reflections.
“Another Day”: A Heartbreak Plea for Connection
Finally, Louis Cato discussed “Another Day,” describing it as a “heartbreak plea” stemming from the same relationship that inspired much of Reflections. The song captures the pivotal moment of recognizing the end of a romantic partnership while still valuing the deep connection and companionship. “Another Day” explores the desire to maintain a relationship, albeit in a redefined form, even after romantic love has faded.
Louis Cato articulates the longing to preserve the bond, asking, “Can we still hang?” despite the changed circumstances and lingering attraction. The song grapples with the challenge of navigating a relationship without blame, seeking to cherish the connection even without a “happy ending” in the traditional sense. “Come back and see me another day,” the central plea, encapsulates the desire for continued presence and connection beyond the confines of romantic expectations.
Louis Cato‘s Reflections is presented not just as an album, but as an experience, a sentiment he affirms is essential to the essence of music. When questioned about the sole cover on the album, a Rolling Stones song, Louis Cato shared his unexpected journey with the iconic band. Growing up in a sheltered environment with limited exposure to secular music, his initial encounter with the Rolling Stones melody was in a supermarket. The haunting quality of the melody resonated deeply and remained with him. Later, working with Lisa Fischer, who toured with the Rolling Stones for over two decades, further connected him to their music. Inspired by Lisa Fischer’s praise for his impromptu cover of “Miss You,” Louis Cato embraced the challenge of interpreting a Rolling Stones song through his own artistic lens for Reflections. This journey, from a chance encounter in a grocery store to covering a Rolling Stones classic, encapsulates the organic and deeply personal nature of Louis Cato‘s musical path and the reflective essence of his compelling new album.
