Melting Pot

When The Cat's Away , Music Video – 1988

from the single Single (1988)

This big, bright cover of British act Blue Mink's plea for multi-racial harmony and a world of "coffee coloured people" was a chart-topper for all female super group When the Cat's Away in November 1988. The band funded the song and the video themselves and their confidence paid off, launching the Cats as a major live act; in the summer of 1988/1989 they played to 100,000 Kiwis, the first of several tours. The video concept is simple; five charismatic performers hang out and enjoy each other's company. The womens' chemistry and genuine friendship shines throughout. Random cat shots well predate the internet cat video craze.

When it was obvious that people loved the band and were flocking to our shows, I approached CBS with the idea of recording a single, 'Melting Pot'. There was little interest. The manager at the time said 'we don't think this will work..but Debbie, if you bring us the finished song with a video (i.e. you pay for them) we'll pop the song in the shops.' So we paid for the single and video with our live income ... it went to number one immediately.
– When the Cat's Away member Debbie Harwood