The alternative band Katastro has released the music video for their latest single, “Our Favorite Song,” a deeply emotional tribute featuring vocals from their late lead singer, Andy Chaves, who tragically passed away in a car accident in May 2022 at the age of 32.
Chaves, known for his raw and honest lyrics often centered around heartbreak, decided to take a different approach during a recording session in March 2022. “A lot of our songs are about Andy’s breakups and tough situations, but that day, he was just in a good mood,” Katastro’s drummer Andrew Stravers recalls. “He said, ‘I want to write something sweet, something genuine about a girl.’”
This rare departure from his usual style resulted in the song that would ultimately carry his memory. Sadly, just three months later, Chaves lost his life before he could finish the track.
“The night of Andy’s funeral, we all went back to his family’s house,” Stravers shares. “There were about 40 of his family members there, and they asked if we had any demos. We played them this song.” At the time, the track was simply known as “Dancing.” Despite the circumstances, the music brought unexpected joy to the grieving family. “Everyone went from crying to standing up and dancing,” Stravers recalls. “It was only a minute-and-a-half demo, but we played it at least 15 times that night.”
The band knew they had to finish the song, not only for their forthcoming album but for Chaves’ family. However, completing the track without their friend was an emotionally taxing process. “Finding demos on our hard drives after he was gone really showcased Andy’s talent,” Stravers says. The rest of the band—Stravers, bassist Ryan Weddle, and guitarist Tanner Riccio—added their parts to transform the demo into what they now call “Our Favorite Song.”
The music video for the single, which PEOPLE is exclusively premiering, is unexpectedly upbeat. “We handed the reins to [director Dylan Toon], and he just ran with it,” says Riccio. “It came together even better than we could’ve imagined.”
The song is part of Katastro’s seventh studio album, Until the End of Time, set for release on October 4. The album, which features collaborations with Dirty Heads, Iration, and Rome Ramirez, was painstakingly crafted using unfinished vocal takes and rough demos that Chaves had left behind. “Finishing the songs with his vocals helped us cope with losing our best friend,” Stravers admits.
Initially, the band wasn’t sure if they could complete the project. “It took a while to have the confidence to put together something cohesive that didn’t feel pieced together,” Riccio says. “We’re still processing what we’ve accomplished.”
While fans eagerly awaited the release, for the band, the album served a more personal purpose. “We needed to hear Andy’s voice, to work on these songs, so we could heal,” Stravers explains. “If only 10 people stream it after it comes out, it has already served its purpose—helping us through Andy’s death.”
As they prepare to release Until the End of Time, the band members believe this will be their final album. “It’s bittersweet knowing this is the last project that will include him,” Riccio reflects. “But finishing it has been incredibly healing.”
The band also believes Chaves would have appreciated their efforts. “He better know how hard this was,” Riccio says with a smile. “He better know.”
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