Dallas hip-hop group Gallery Cat: Why “fans” is a bad word

by Brenna Rushing

From tragedy sprung opportunity. When Angelo Gonzales went home to Santa Fe for the holidays in 2009, he began playing music with friend Jonny Mack, as he did annually. During this particular break, Gonzales' parents' home burned down, and the brothers and their family lost nearly everything. In order to help his family rebuild their home and lives, Angelo and and his brother Anthony moved back home, giving life to their regular jam sessions, which turned into a functioning hip-hop group now known as Gallery Cat.Two years later, Gallery Cat is a full-blown pocket-protector rap group, now based in Dallas. Seven members strong, the band has decided to give away all of their music for free.
“Because we love what we do, we don’t want money to be a defining factor for us, so we give all of our music away," Angelo says. "If we were doing it for money, it would be pointless. I can make money a million different ways." They all have full-time jobs, so Gallery Cat is their way to express their "nerdiness."
The band has three albums out and hasn’t asked for a single penny since their releases. They've managed to mix electronic beats with a rock vibe, yet still hold onto the natural hip-hop flow.
The origin behind the band's name helps explain their efforts: In Santa Fe, Angelo explained, the social scene was divided into two parts -- people either did drugs or they went to art galleries. Angelo chose art galleries, and Gallery Cat was created.
Similarly, they're not into the "rock star" lifestyle. After a show, they say they would rather go home and play video games than party the night away. Mack says they save what money the band does make for new equipment or programs. And speaking of new music, Gallery Cat is currently in the studio working on a new album.
Their current influences include Motown and old soul, and using as many instruments as possible -- bass and electric guitar, keys, and synthesizer. The new album is slated to be a synthesizer-fueled Motown revival album. “Motown was the gangster rap of its time, and it was done in a classy way. We want to tap into that,” Angelo says.
The group has reduced the amount of shows they play, but their love for the crowds hasn’t faltered. They look at meeting fans as making friends, and refuse to use the word “fans” -- yet another uncharacteristic trait for a hip-hop group.
Save the date for Gallery Cat's show at the Dallas Museum of Art on June 17. At this venue, the Gallery Cats are truly in their element.