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Rockers, “Aktion Kat!”  Dawn Their Feline Fursonas For Album Release

Memphis, TN — Aktion Kat!, the dynamic and socially conscious rock n roll band known for their comic book cats come to life, is set to release their eagerly awaited fifth album, “Transgress!”, on September 9, 2023. This genre-blurring gem combines the band’s rock, pop, country, and anti-Americana influences, for a listen that is fun and  spontaneous. While a musical departure, ‘Transgress!’ doesn’t neglect any of the catchy hooks, fearless instrumentation, nor  the Kat costumes synonymous with Aktion Kat!

“Transgress!” features 9 original songs that span themes from socioeconomic critique to personal introspection. Notable tracks include “Beyond Your Reach,” a poignant ode to sisyphean self-discovery, and “Forget Me,” a melancholic reflection on life’s challenges. There’s even a nod to the leftist roots of the Spaghetti Western, with the Morriconesque, “The Arrow Returns.”

To celebrate the album’s release, Aktion Kat! will captivate audiences with a rare live performance—in full kat costume—at Murphy’s Pub, in Memphis, TN, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 9 PM to 11 PM. Admission is $5 at the door, promising a night filled with musical prowess. The event will showcase tracks from “Transgress!” alongside cherished AK classics. Enthusiasts can enjoy the complete experience for just $10 (covers the show and includes an exclusive “Transgress!” CD).

“We’re excited to release [ ‘Transgress!’] and had a blast experimenting with each track [meow]. I—it’s an album that is about the past, it’s about the future, but most importantly it’s about damn time!,” shares Aktion Kat!, lead vocalist and guitarist, (as well as the cartoon mascot for the band.) “Join us at Murphy’s Pub for an unforgettable night of music and camaraderie.”

Stay connected to Aktion Kat!’s journey by visiting aktionkat.com and following them on facebook, instagram

Event: Album Release Show: Aktion Kat! – “Transgress!” Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023 Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM Venue: Murphy’s Pub, [Venue Address] Admission: $5 (Live Show) | $10 (Live Show + “Transgress!” CD)

About Aktion Kat!
Aktion Kat! is a politically conscious rock band, embodying feline personas, celebrated for their theatrical, artful approach to rock music with costumed performances, and comic book lore, electrifying performances and irreverent songwriting. With a commitment to impactful lyrics and dynamic melodies, the band has cultivated a dedicated following in Memphis, TN, and beyond.

Buy the album on bandcamp, and Stream “Transgress!” on All Major Platforms from September 9, 2023.

The Commercial Appeal posted “The 901: Eight principles that could reshape Memphis Police” featuring Aktion Kat!

The Memphis Police Department already has policies on the books that are similar to the first five proposals, Director Michael Rallings told council members. But he pushed back against No. 6, which bans officers from firing guns at moving vehicles. Shooting at a moving vehicle might be necessary to save lives, he pointed out. An example that comes to mind: Sgt. Verdell Smith Sr. was struck by the vehicle of a fleeing shooting suspect as he cleared pedestrians off of Beale Street in Downtown Memphis in 2016.Good Wednesday morning from Memphis! Shelby County just saw it’s most novel coronavirus cases yet — and there’s no sign the numbers are slow. But first…

Protests are dwindling but the shock and outrage from the death of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police is finding a new channel in the cries of “8 can’t wait!”

That’s a reference to eight proposals of Campaign Zero, which emerged in 2015 after Black Lives Matter protests and aims to eliminate police violence in America. Yesterday, a Memphis City Council committee took the first step toward adopting those policies by voting overwhelmingly to recommend their approval, our Daniel Connolly reports.

Memphis already has some of those policies in place, but here they are, as laid out at 8cantwait.org:

1. Ban chokeholds and strangleholds. “Allowing officers to choke or strangle civilians results in the unnecessary death or serious injury of civilians. Both chokeholds and all other neck restraints must be banned in all cases.”
2. Require deescalation. “Require officers to de-escalate situations, where possible, by communicating with subjects, maintaining distance, and otherwise eliminating the need to use force.”
3. Require warning before shooting. “Require officers to give a verbal warning in all situations before using deadly force.”
4. Exhaust all alternatives before shooting. “Require officers to exhaust all other alternatives, including non-force and less lethal force options, prior to resorting to deadly force.”
5. Duty to intervene. “Require officers to intervene and stop excessive force used by other officers and report these incidents immediately to a supervisor.”
6. Ban shooting at moving vehicles. “Ban officers from shooting at moving vehicles in all cases, which is regarded as a particularly dangerous and ineffective tactic. While some departments may they restrict shooting at vehicles to particular situations, these loopholes allow for police to continue killing in situations that are all too common. 62 people were killed by police last year in these situations. This must be categorically banned.”
7. Require use-of-force continuum. “Establish a Force Continuum that restricts the most severe types of force to the most extreme situations and creates clear policy restrictions on the use of each police weapon and tactic.”
8. Require comprehensive reporting. “Require officers to report each time they use force or threaten to use force against civilians. Comprehensive reporting includes requiring officers to report whenever they point a firearm at someone, in addition to all other types of force.”

The Memphis Police Department already has policies on the books that are similar to the first five proposals, Director Michael Rallings told council members. But he pushed back against No. 6, which bans officers from firing guns at moving vehicles. Shooting at a moving vehicle might be necessary to save lives, he pointed out. An example that comes to mind: Sgt. Verdell Smith Sr. was struck by the vehicle of a fleeing shooting suspect as he cleared pedestrians off of Beale Street in Downtown Memphis in 2016.

Mayor Jim Strickland is in charge of all administrative matters, including police policy, so council members will need his buy-in to see these policies implemented fully.

The Fadeout: Aktion Kat’s ‘Stay Home!’
Memphis band Aktion Kat — fronted by Paul Garner, formerly of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center — is getting in on the coronavirus-themed home music video aktion. Fading us out today, here’s the band’s latest song, the catchy “Stay Home!”…

Read the full article here.

The Memphis Flyer posted “Music Video Week: Aktion Kat!” featuring Aktion Kat!

Welcome to Music Video Week! Normally, I feature a new music video from a Memphis-area music artist or filmmaker (preferably both) every Monday. In conjunction with the Memphis Flyer’s annual Music Issue, we’re unveiling a weeklong music video blitz. Every day until next Tuesday, I’ll highlight a new or classic video from the Bluff City.

If you’re like us, you’re missing live music right now. Our artists are struggling, and we’re just plain bummed out. The lifeline between musicians and their fans has been connecting through the computer screen, whether by live streamed shows from bedrooms and basements or homespun music videos like this one from Aktion Kat. Paul Garner has been locked up in his apartment so long he wrote a song about it. The video is a masterclass in doing a lot with a little. It’s a tribute to just how much you can get accomplished if you have nothing else on your calendar.

Read the full article here.

Street Fight posted “Music Video Week: Aktion Kat!” featuring Aktion Kat!

ABCD Call in show with our special guest @rayseesall yall!
// Set And The Watch The Football // Its A Livin’ // Beard Care Regimen // Its Worth Money // Dealing With General Public // Pull Yourself Out Of It // One Woman Killing Machine // Rice Bowl // Little Ass Portions For Too Much Money // Kids In Cages // ITS LERM! // Can’t You People Read I Like Pete // Everyone Is An Extremist // It’s Not A Racist! // Jeb Bush Really Wanted A Milkshake //

Music – AKTION KAT!
Street Fight Mail – P.O Box 82306 Columbus, OH 43202
Street Fight Radio Call In Show – (614) 655-3887

I Love Memphis posted “Aktion Kat! Album Release Show” featuring Aktion Kat!

“Outa Tha Bag” is the aptly titled debut E.P. from rock-fueled feline phenoms, Aktion Kat! “Outa’ Tha Bag!” drops on all streaming platforms, September 4th, with an album release show at Murphy’s Pub, Thursday, September 5th, doors open at 9PM, $5 cover. The album will also be available via aktionkat.com

Recorded in Memphis, “Outa Tha Bag!” is fast, catchy and louder than words! Heartfelt lyrics with a subversive punk sensibility, punchy hooks, and sonic shifts that bend genres will keep you guessing what’s next.

Aktion Kat formed in in 2016. Developed by artist/activist, Paul Garner in 2011 as a character featured in his subversive comics and street art, Aktion Kat is a molotov cocktail throwing black cat, wearing a red leather jacket and dark goggles. The band performs costumed as their cartoon alter-egos, with Garner as “Aktion Kat” on guitar and vocals, Matt Houston on drums and sonic gong as “Mad Kat” and Clay Ayers as “Alley Kat” on bass guitar.

“Outa Tha Bag!” is a bite size soundtrack for collective and personal struggle, balancing themes of angst and optimism, hope and despair. During these uncertain times, Aktion Kat reminds us that if we stick together, “We Will Win!”

Read the full article here.

The Outer Voices Podcast posted Ep. 99: Aktion Kat! Strikes Back! featuring Aktion Kat!

Listen to “The Outer Voices Podcast Ep. 99: Aktion Kat! Strikes Back!” on Spreaker.

Ep. 99 is here! Keem, Esme, and Ari talk current events, how a new court ruling affects electoral voting, and a Shakespearean charity stream. In the Interview segment, the gang welcomes Paul Garner of Aktion Kat! and the Midsouth Peace and Justice Center. Finally, in the Sex Segment, Ez leads the discussion on STI’s, owning your sexual safety, and fighting stigma. Special thanks to Paul Garner and Aktion Kat! Find us on Spreaker, Spotify, I Heart Radio, and PodcastAddict and support us at patreon.com/theoutervoicespodcast.

Read the full article here.