“If you have an empty couch, we’ll sleep on it.”
So say the members of Cage The Elephant, noting that after 3 years on the road, “home” is anywhere they get to catch a little sleep. I caught up with the guys before their set at Bamboozle and asked them about life on the road, and how US festivals stack up against the ones they’ve played overseas. Take a listen:
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Their self-titled album just came out in the US last week, but in the UK and Europe they’ve been touring and winning over fans for two years. This summer they’ll look to even the score with a slew of US festival appearances (and hopefully a fall tour).
Attending their live show is key to the Cage experience – their tight guitar and bass work (from Brad Shultz, Daniel Tichenor and Lincoln Parrish) are underpinned by Jared Champion’s ferociuos drumming and Matt Shultz’s punk-ish verbal assault. Everyone who sees this band walks away plotting to attend their next show.
Grab this free mp3: Tiny Little Robots
“ARE YOU SCARED?”
I know this because that’s how it went down at Bamboozle. With the sun starting its descent right behind the small Zumiez stage, fans showed up early to stake out good spots, ignoring the mainstage set by Boys Like Girls going on within earshot. Cage The Elephant emerged and it was all rage from the get-go. Songs from the album got a good workout, in particular Back Stabbin’ Betty, Tiny Little Robots, Free Love, and Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked which prompted a large group sing-along. If Cage have a signature tune it’s gotta be In One Ear, with that unmistakable guitar riff and Matt channeling Iggy Pop.
“I got opinions but they don’t mean shit”
Iggy Pop is just one musical icon on Matt Shultz’s mind this Saturday, and not the only one he shouts out to in our interview. Each of the guys seems excited to be back in the US playing shows and building buzz. Here’s the band on the prospect of their overseas success finally following them home:
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You can catch Cage The Elephant at Bonnaroo by entering our Bonnaroo Flyaway Contest. Also look for these guys at Lollapalooza, All Points West, KROQ’s Weenie Roast, and wherever else their tour page says they’ll be. And check out Cage The Elephant, their brand new debut album. For now, here’s some more photos from a great day at Bamboozle Fest 2009.
Check out Cage The Elephant performing live at WBCN in Boston:
> More Cage The Elephant on Street Date
