By: Graham Binder and Matt Warnock
Photos By: Steve Jeter
Many rock bands like to talk about their compassion for a cause, whether it be poverty, global warming or war. But, few really put their money where their mouths are as did Alt-Rockers Cake when the recorded their latest release, 2011’s Showroom Of Compassion. Completely refitting their recording studio with solar panels, the band recorded the entire album with solar power, a testament to their commitment to using and promoting alternative energies. When Cake gets behind an idea and a project, they definitely follow through.
The album has been a big success for the Sacramento based band, though it does have the dubious honor of being the lowest-selling album to top the Billboard Top 200 charts, it sold 44,000 copies when it reached the number one spot. Though this can hardly be blamed on the band, and is more a reflection on the poor state of the current recording industry as sales are still falling and are down across the board. Even in these tough economic times, and at this low point for the recording industry, Cake still manages to connect with their fans, both old and new, and deliver creative, highly-entertaining music that is loved the world over.
Guitar International’s Graham Binder recently caught up with Cake guitarist Xan McCurdy to talk about Major Labels, Showroom of Compassion and how it feels to top the charts.
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