Canal Street Dreams: Episode 3 with Nick Catchdubs
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Hosts: Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti
Guest: Nick Catchdubs (Nick Barat Barrett)
Platform: Full episode available on Substack, free half-hour version on YouTube.
1. Welcome and Introduction
Eddie Huang welcomes Nick Catchdubs, his friend of 15 years, to Canal Street Dreams. Nick is introduced as the co-founder of Fool's Gold and a renowned party DJ. The primary focus of the episode is Nick's transition from being a label co-founder and DJ to becoming a writer and director.
Notable Quote:
"I'm making the transition from label co-founder, owner to writer, director extraordinaire." — Eddie Huang [00:30]
2. From Music to Filmmaking
Nick discusses his journey into filmmaking, drawing parallels between his and Eddie's career transitions. He appreciates Eddie's genuine and straightforward feedback, which differs from typical industry critiques.
Notable Quotes:
"You gave me like, boss feedback, like, and as an artist, entrepreneur, I think that's a very healthy way of looking at the process." — Nick Catchdubs [01:15]
"It's better than the stuff that people send me. But as you know, the fact that it's dope is, like, the least, most important part of actually getting it made." — Nick Catchdubs [01:14]
3. Creative Support and Vulnerability
The hosts delve into the emotional vulnerability involved in sharing creative work with close friends. Eddie shares a personal anecdote about sending a script to a significant other and the nervousness that accompanies such exchanges.
Notable Quotes:
"It's like sending nudes. It's like being really, really candid, almost bare with their shit." — Nick Catchdubs [03:13]
"I'd rather show you my, you know, terrible penis. Like, I don't know. Like, it's so." — Eddie Huang [02:53]
4. Early Days and Shared Experiences
Eddie reminisces about early moments in his friendship with Nick, including attending parties and DJing together. They discuss memorable events, such as a flight facility set that left a lasting impression.
Notable Quotes:
"This is where it started. That's my right." — Nick Catchdubs [07:10]
"This song... has been burned in my brain? Yeah, it's insane." — Eddie Huang [07:21]
5. Building Fool's Gold
The conversation shifts to the origins of Fool's Gold, detailing how Eddie and Nick bonded over DJing and shared musical interests. They highlight the unique approach Fool's Gold took in documenting and supporting unconventional music projects.
Notable Quotes:
"We became friends just through DJing together." — Nick Catchdubs [11:35]
"We were documenting what our friends were doing because he had produced the first Kid Sister project and they were trying to get it signed and nobody understood it." — Nick Catchdubs [13:44]
6. Navigating the Music Scene
Nick reflects on the changing music landscape from 2008 to 2011, touching upon the evolution of party venues and the rise of indie, DJ-centric music. They discuss the challenges of gaining recognition in a saturated market.
Notable Quotes:
"There wasn't really, like, club clubs. They were like ultra lounges." — Nick Catchdubs [11:49]
"Fool's Gold was trying to document a thing that was happening as opposed to, like, creating it." — Nick Catchdubs [13:44]
7. Entrepreneurship and Creativity
The hosts emphasize the importance of originality and perseverance in creative endeavors. They discuss the pressures of entrepreneurship and the necessity of supporting peers in their artistic pursuits.
Notable Quotes:
"People want to do something big, but often don't follow through." — Nick Catchdubs [10:00]
"The rebellious nature that I think is missing in film and art generally right now." — Eddie Huang [28:18]
8. The Role of Short Films
Nick elaborates on his approach to creating short films as proof of concept, not just for larger projects but as expressions of his unique narrative and aesthetic sensibilities. He draws inspiration from figures like Kevin Smith and Robert Rodriguez.
Notable Quotes:
"I wanted to make some shit, you know, and coming from a DIY sensibility in music... actually bring it into existence." — Nick Catchdubs [25:00]
"We need more people that are just making stories personal to them and showing their freaky flag." — Eddie Huang [28:18]
9. Originality vs. Commercial Pressures
The discussion highlights the tension between creating original content and the commercial demands of the industry. Both hosts advocate for staying true to one's artistic vision rather than conforming to prevailing trends or expectations.
Notable Quotes:
"Biting is the worst shit that you could possibly do." — Nick Catchdubs [28:37]
"I don't want to copy someone to get in. I don't want to copy somebody's homework." — Eddie Huang [28:37]
10. Personal Anecdotes and Humor
Throughout the episode, light-hearted moments and personal stories add depth to the conversation. From reminiscing about fake IDs to sharing quirky viewing habits, the hosts and guest showcase their camaraderie and unique personalities.
Notable Quotes:
"I got to chug this water. And I'm like, I did not bring a water on this bus." — Nick Catchdubs [14:32]
"What's the most criminal thing I think I did this month was like, Tuesday night..." — Eddie Huang [31:30]
11. Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Eddie and Natashia wrap up the free portion of the episode, inviting listeners to access the full interview on Substack. The conversation underscores the value of authentic creative expression, the importance of supportive communities, and the relentless pursuit of artistic dreams.
Join the Artistic Community:
For the full interview with Nick Catchdubs and deeper insights into making creative dreams a reality, subscribe to Canal Street Dreams on Substack.
Note: This summary excludes non-content sections such as advertisements and brief interludes to maintain focus on the substantive discussions.