INTERVIEW: Stephen Brodsky – Cave In
In 2018, tragedy rippled through the heavy music community when it was announced that CAVE IN, OLD MAN GLOOM and ZOZOBRA bassist and vocalist Caleb Scofield had been killed in a car accident. Although heartbroken by the news, some of those closest to him, his bandmates, decided to honour him in arguably the most fitting way – by playing a series of memorial shows in the US, UK and Europe. With the announcement that CAVE IN will be releasing a new album, containing the final ideas they ever worked with involving Scofield, prior to the release of the record, we spoke to frontman Stephen Brodsky about the tour, their legacy and Final Transmission.
You’ve just come back from the joint CAVE IN and OLD MAN GLOOM tour of Europe – how was the experience? How do you feel the crowds have reacted?
Stephen: The experience was really rewarding on a number of levels. Simply spending time with some of my best friends on the planet is the greatest reward. Everyone was in good spirits, and it seems that despite the unfortunate circumstances that shaped 2018, we now have a newfound love and appreciation for the opportunity to play music.
Metal, hardcore, and heavy music in general are often assumed to be focused on negative emotions. Has the reaction from fans to the shows and to Caleb’s passing proved this wrong, for you? Has it evoked a sense of global community?
Stephen: Our community of family, friends, and musical peers did the best we could to assemble shows that seemed larger than life. They had to be that way, because that’s what Caleb is to us. And the general takeaway from people who came out to show their support is that music heals – no matter the genre, or whatever stigma might be attached.
What made you decide to release Shake My Blood as a single over some of the other tracks on Final Transmission?
Stephen: It was actually Aaron Turner’s [of ISIS, OLD MAN GLOOM, SUMAC etc etc] suggestion, after the subject was brought up to the team involved with the album release.
What was the motivation behind bringing these shows across the pond? Did you feel any sort of sense of obligation to share these experiences with fans outside the US?
Stephen: CAVE IN was approached by UTA, the booking agency that we now work with in the UK/Europe, about setting up a benefit show in London. Since the band had toured the UK several times between 2001 and 2006, it seemed like doing something there to honor Caleb and also helping the family would be well received. And we were right – the show sold out in about a week. I wish we’d booked a second night!
How did you decide which tracks from the CAVE IN discography you were going to bring out live? Do any (or all) of them have a new significance in light of what has happened?
Stephen: Since the band hasn’t been overseas in quite some time, committing some older tried and true songs to the set like Big Riff and Juggernaut seemed like a good move. Nate [Newton, bassist for CONVERGE and CAVE IN bassist on recent tour] suggested we play Off To Ruin, which we hadn’t done in a while, and it felt good returning to that one. We’ve been leaned towards White Silence for material to close the set, because we barely toured to support that album when it came out.
You kicked off CAVE IN almost twenty five years ago – did you ever think you would still be touring this far down the line? Or was it something you never really thought about?
Stephen: When I’m playing music or being active with it in some shape or form, life seems difficult to imagine any other way. I get swallowed up, and time feels suspended. Maybe it’s my determination to stay involved, to remain relevant that plays a role in touring opportunities continuing to reveal themselves.
If you could pass on some wisdom to bands or musicians who are just starting out, what would it be?
Stephen: Try to befriend yourself before setting out to win over someone else. It helps people trust your vision whenever there’s genuine stability to the person behind the creation. Just make a conscious effort to find happiness, regardless of your musical instrument – it’ll light the path.
Could you talk us through how Final Transmission came together?
Stephen: The album is a collection of demos recorded between 2011 and 2018. What you’re hearing are songs that me, JR [Conners, drums], Adam [McGrath,guitar] and Caleb all contributed to in some shape or form. After Caleb passed away, me JR and Adam took it upon ourselves to finish the work, with the help of a small trusted team of friends to get everything in order for release.
Has balancing so many side projects, bands, and family life become more difficult as you’ve gotten older? How do you prioritise your time in terms of music?
Stephen: Scheduling is pretty important. It’s not unusual to plan things nine months to a year in advance. Thankfully everyone is in agreement that if an opportunity isn’t 100% exciting to all those involved, then we’re usually fine to pass on it.
You’re working on a new album with OLD MAN GLOOM – can you tell us a bit more about this, or are you sworn to secrecy?
Stephen: Well, I may have visited an island off the coast of Seattle at some point last year…
Do you think you’re prepared to be at the mercy of metal meme master Santos?
Stephen: I’m not too worried about it, because I’ve known Santos since before memes were even a thing.
As Final Transmission is so fittingly titled, looking back, how do you feel CAVE IN’s career has been? What will you take away from having been part of CAVE IN? What do you hope the listeners will take away, both from the album, and from your discography and career as a whole?
Stephen: This record is a turning point, for sure. It’s not an album we thought we’d ever make, but one born out of necessity to help the Scofield family while helping ourselves deal with the loss of a friend. It’s new territory, and I’m just trying to focus on being thankful that we were able to do something at all. The takeaway here is that I have a newfound sense of love and respect for my family and friends – I hope it resonates with a kind of strength that listeners can apply to their struggles.
Final Transmission is out now via Hydra Head Industries. CAVE IN are featured in our latest issue of Distorted Sound. Subscribe to our Patreon Page to read the digital issue.
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