1) How did the band form?
Ben(bass), Jesse(drums), and Chris (guitar) have been playing music together for about 7 years now. We all went to the same high school and I joined them in college at Miami University where we formed Marking Twain. We lasted in that band for a few years and reformed into cavashawn about a year and a half ago.
2) How did you guys come up with the name Cavashawn?
Cavashawn is one of the band member's mother's maiden names combined with our four favorite consonants. I'll let you try and figure out the name...
3) You guys mainly rely on fans to help spread the word of the band. How important are the fans, and being connected to them?
When they stop, we'll stop. We talk with them on myspace everyday, we talk to them before our shows after our shows, at other band's shows. They are the ones we're trying to win over day in and day out. Besides, it might look a bit self-indulgent of us if you saw our live performance without an audience.
4) You've played in packed venues, in Chicago. What's the feeling like, playing in front of such a large crowd, knowing they're there for you as a band?
It's a constant reminder that we didn't get there on our own. We don't have label support, we don't have radio, and we're all dead broke. The only way we make it from show to show is because of the fans we have. They are proof that our music isn't complete shit and we are not doing it all in vain. Growing up in the midwest, I was always taught "if you're going to pay for a live performance, be sure it's worth your dollar." There are so many kids out there who haven't seen a rock show, and I think the reason we have been able to gain so many new fans is because we put on a good live show. We play our own instruments, we write our own songs and fans understand and appreciate that, it is not lost on them.
5) As a band, do you have a favorite song to perform?
I would say "Thrill" is one of the most exciting songs in the set. There is a bit in the middle that shows the band can play well together. It also makes me laugh really hard everytime we play it because Chris is pounding so hard on his guitar and he looks angry but I know he is just having a happy little solo for himself.
6) Have you had any memorable performances yet, or a memorable venue/city to play at?
Chicago is always special because we started from scratch here. We played Beat Kitchen about 9 months ago for literally 10 people. We played Beat Kitchen last week and 260 people showed up. It was one of the most vindicating moments in our short careers. Cincinnati is good too because we grew up there and played as Marking Twain frequently there. Those fans have stuck with us and to be able to bring out over 200 people in a few different cities as a completely independent band is quite rewarding...that I know.
7) Between myspace & facebook, cyber space has helped your fan base grow so much. How much, do you think all of that has helped you connect with your fans and help your fanbase increase?
Chris Hellmann, our guitar player, has played the biggest role in connecting with our fans on myspace. He has communicated to fans non stop and without him doing that, we would be 9 months behind where we are now. Having time for your fans is and will always be the catalyst behind keeping your band relevant. Myspace has connected us with fans that we never would have met otherwise...which in turn has given us a reason to get good at playing our instruments.
8) You have been working with producer Jim WIrth, who has worked with bands like Incubus and Jack's Mannequin. What has that experience been like?
It's always important to feel like you're not going to make a complete idiot out of yourself when suggesting an idea in the studio and Jim Wirt welcomes every idea floating around and then some. He has been the fuel in the tank for recording these new songs and inspiring me to write better songs by the day. He doesn't have any desire to make you sound like something you aren't. He embraces what we have to offer and he improves on it which makes him such a great producer.
9) As a band, what is your ultimate goal in the music industry?
We're not building a platform or aiming to promote any kind of personal agenda. We are playing songs for the audience and putting on a show for those who want to see one. To do that for many years to come would be a simple goal worth achieving.
10) What can the fans expect in 2009?
New music, more shows.
11) Thanks So Much for doing this!!
Of course, my pleasure. Get well soon and hopefully you can catch a show coming up!!
