Producing since the mid nineties, Sydney based Ashley Anderson initially recorded under the moniker of Moonrock with the late Illpickl, releasing a self titled album in early ’98 to critical acclaim, and went on to contribute tracks to the internationally renowned “Cafe Del Mar”. Moving onto solo projects as Katalyst, he had his first solo release with a track on the internationally respected, “Dope on Plastic” compilation.
Katalyst remixed and produced projects for numerous artists, including McKay, O.C, Gift of Gab (Blackalicious), Ugly Duckling, The Beautiful Girls, Dynamo Productions, Vassy and more.. Katalyst has recently released a remix of the famous 1969 Motown hit “Smiling Faces” by The Undisputed Truth and is one of few esteemed Australian producers to have been asked to remix such material. He has also remixed & produced tracks with Portishead’s Geoff Barrow. The collaboration with Barrow resulted in not only musical output but also the formation of Invada Records in 2001.
May 2002 saw the release of the Katalyst’s debut album “Manipulating Agent”. The first release for INVADA Records, this well crafted album received remarkable acclaim. Initially Triple J album of the week, the album went on to earn Katalyst an ARIA Nomination for “Best Dance Artist” and won the two most coveted DMA awards; “Best Producer” and “Best Album” at the 2002 Australian Dance Music Awards.
Late 2002 Katalyst enlisted some top Australian and UK producers to remix tracks from his album, “Manipulating Agent”. The result was the remix album “Agent Manipulated”. Released in April 2003, it cemented his position as one of the premier producers in Australia.
Focussing on building up the label within Australia, signing much local talent including the Aria award winning Koolism, and the ground breaking Ru C.L – Invada Records as gone from strength to strength.
Katalyst has recently released the long awaited follow up album “What’s Happening” enlisting guest vocalists from the US, the UK and Australia featuring J-Live, Stephanie McKay, Steve Spacek, Supernatural, Mat McHugh (The Beautiful Girls), Adalita (Magic Dirt), Ru C.L, Hau (Koolism) and more..
“What’s Happening” was Feature Album on Triple J in Sept 2007 and soon after was nominated for the prestigious J Award.
Katalyst has recently returned form the UK where he played at All Tomorrow’s Parties festival which was currated by Portishead. This was the first time Portishead performed in 10 years. Katalyst was also the official DJ for the Portishead Bristol Academy after party.
Katalyst has supported some of the biggest international acts to come to Australia, including The Roots, Jurassic 5, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, DJ Shadow, DJ Premier, Guru, and The Black Eyed Peas and more…
Katalyst has played all the major Australian festivals including Splendour In The Grass, Big Day Out, Homebake, The Falls Festival, Southbound, Livid and more.