Cavashawn E-Interview with Jesse Feister

Photo by: Tracy Ellen

Cavashawn E-Interview with Jesse Feister
By: Tracy Ellen

Cavashawn, Chicago’s local band really gets the word out by online promoting and spreading the word on the street really well. Of course with the help of family, friends, and fans, and the band rely 100% on their fans and their determined street team called the Cavashawn Caravan.
There are four members of Cavashawn- Scott Salmon on lead vocals, Jesse Feister on drums and backing vocals, Christopher Hellmann on guitar, and Benton Kubicki on bass and also backing vocals. These are four friends from Cincinnati, Ohio and currently residing in Chicago, continuing to make a living in the music industry.
Luckily, I was able to interview the drummer Jesse Feister himself to get the inside scoop (through our e-mail chat.)
Tracy Ellen: What inspires the band and the type of music you guys write?
Jesse Feister: We’re inspired by the music that we listen to, the people we’re constantly around, and by other artists we know or love. We really make a point of listening to classic records, music that has stood the test of time and is still considered “great”. Some of our favorites are The Beatles, Elvis Costello, and The Who.

Tracy Ellen: What made you decide to become musicians?
Jesse Feister: We started playing music because we liked the way it made us feel. Eventually, as circumstances presented themselves, we started a band.

Tracy Ellen: How long have you guys been a band?
Jesse Feister: We’ve been playing music together since we were 14. Some of us are 24 now so that’s about 10 years. Cavashawn is a relatively new band – about a year old.

Tracy Ellen: What genre of music does you guys put yourself in and what does your audience put you in?
Jesse Feister: We don’t really categorize our music beyond rock. Everything else is really just perspective. And as for our audience, well I guess you’d have to ask them!

Tracy Ellen: I hear you guys have a second EP coming out in June; can you share with us about it?
Jesse Feister: Yep, and it’s going to be great! We recorded in Santa Monica, CA with a producer by the name of Jim Wirt. He’s worked with some of our great bands, including Incubus, Jack’s Mannequin, No Doubt, Hoobastank, and Fiona Apple. The songs are all upbeat, for the most part, and they are rockin’. It’s definitely a fun release. We’re looking forward to getting it out.

Tracy Ellen: Any thoughts on a full-length album?
Jesse Feister: We would love to do a full-length. Hopefully we can turn this EP into a full-length album down the line. At this point it’s too expensive.

Tracy Ellen: Are there any upcoming shows in Chicago?
Jesse Feister: Mojoe’s, March 28th! We’ll also be playing a number of shows this spring, probably at Beat Kitchen & Metro.

Tracy Ellen: Do you like your job, being in a local band? Do you think this can become a full time job for all of you?
Jesse Feister: It really pretty much is a full job for us. We work random temporary jobs to make money on the side, but for the most part, we’re all putting as much of our time as possible into the band, whether its practicing, promoting, or traveling around the Midwest for shows.