Backstage With Caveman

Caveman

New York-based quintet Caveman has been making the rounds. Formed in 2010, the group’s debut, CoCo Beware, was released on Fat Possum Records in September and they spent the latter part of 2011 touring behind it. The band mixes elements of indie rock with catchy melodies to create a sound that’s enjoyable to listen and easy to rock out to. What you may not know about the band is that they’re diehard New York sports fans. Before their gig at Outside Lands, we caught up with lead singer Matt Iwanusa and drummer Stefan Marolachakis, we discussed all things New York sports while mixing in some news about their upcoming album.

DK: Have you been writing and recording any new material?

MI: We’re just about done with our second record, which we recorded in New York. Same producer, same vibe, but it’s a little bit bigger and an extension of the vibe. It should be coming out in the first few months of next year.

SM: I can’t wait to hear it.

DK: Are you done recording and mixing it?

MI: We still have some stuff to do, but we’re over the halfway point.

DK: Can Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby, Raymond Felton and Kurt Thomas make up for the void left by Jeremy Lin leaving?

MI: I think them as individual players may not be, but their chemistry will be better.

SM: I think it’s good to bring the old wisdom of banging under the boards of Thomas and Camby. We loved Felton he had a lot of good, emotional moments before he was traded and had good chemistry with Amar’e.

MI: After the Olympics, I think Carmelo is finally turning the page and wanting to become a team player.

DK: How do you think Woodson is going to do with a full year to coach the team?

MI: He’s defensive-minded and is going to slow down the game.

SM: Players seem to really respect him, so we’ll see how it works.

DK: Where do you think they’ll finish this year?

SM: Better than people are saying. They left the conversation somehow, but it’s the same way the Giants have and look how that’s turned out. They don’t the attention on the, they just need the attention when it counts.

DK: Speaking of which, who’s better, Eli or Sanchez/Tebow?

MI: Is that even a question?

SM: Eli had the hang dog, younger brother thing but now look at him.

DK: What’s the likelihood you end up playing a rockin national anthem at a New York sporting event?

MI: Oh man, bring it on!

SM: That’s a great question. That would be great.

DK: At a Knicks playoff game at Madison Square Garden?

SM: Stop it. That would be amazing!

DK: What’s the difference between doing something like that and performing in a huge festival setting?

MI: They’re two completely different things. Both great, but one is all eyes on you without any cheering until the end, and playing at a festival hopefully you have people into the music from the first note.

DK: Are there any bands you guys are looking forward to seeing at the festival?

SM: Metallica. There’s going to be huge pyrotechnics and other stuff. It sounds like it’s going to be a very large scenario.

DK: Is this appearance a one-time only appearance or is the band touring?

MI: We flew out just for this. It’s a good vibe.

SM: It’s really fun because we tour through these shows, but this time we get to experience the party and see other bands play. We’re working, but as friends, it’s like we get to go on a trip together. This is our first time here at Outside Lands, but we’d definitely comeback.