A musician since the age of 10, for well over two decades Joey Cape has been lending his voice, his songwriting skills and his guitar playing and his casual charm to the likes of bands as disparate as Lagwagon, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Bad Astronaut and his own solo projects.
In 2004, Joey made his first solo effort, an acoustic record with the aforementioned Tony Sly. The split LP Acoustic, featured sparse takes on Lagwagon tunes and now Joey Cape and Brian Wahlstrom are playing shows In Tribute to Tony Sly.
You’ve been making music since you were ten. What were your inspirations for songs when you were younger?
Melody and angst. I was always a big fan of melody in music. My lyrics have always been inspired by whatever emotional or sometimes traumatic episodes that I am experiencing at the time. When I was younger they were far less empathetic, more angry and less mature. Haha
You’ve been compared to acts like Iron and Wine and Elliott Smith. Why did you choose to delve into this genre of music?
It wasn’t anything new for me. Every song I have written was accompanied by an acoustic guitar. I grew up listening to Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor and Bob Dylan. Even Peter Paul and Mary. I was always a sucker for the purity of an acoustic performance. You can really hear the core of a song in that setting. It was natural that Elliott Smith and Iron Wine appealed to me. Those guys are and were such legends. If I can end up in the same sentence with either of them on occasion, It is pleasantly surprising. haha
How does fronting Lagwagon differ from doing your own solo work?
For the most part it feels similar. The only great difference is the control over dynamic and emotion that one has while performing alone. Chemistry and synergy take front row with a band. This can be limiting but, it also takes places you may not go on your own.
Your close friend Tony unfortunately passed away last year – how has Tony influenced your music?
It is difficult to describe the depth that Tony’s music has affected me in words. Learning his songs has made me a better songwriter. He is my favorite lyricist of all time. Hearing and even more so, playing his music has been incredibly cathartic and rewarding. Every songwriter has a few tricks up there sleeves and Tony’s have broadened my view creatively speaking. He was one of a kind.
On your Facebook page you’ve said “I want to create as much as possible before I lose my muse.” What is your muse exactly?
Life. Or more specifically life experience and the pain, beauty and knowledge that comes with it. Truth is stranger and more potent than fiction. But the older and more experienced you get, the less effected you are. Or at least, you are less surprised by the curves in the road, losing your muse one day at a time.
You’ve got a new record coming out next year. Can you tell us a bit about it?
Just in the writing phase. Not much to report. I feel good about the possibilities in direction but, as always it is impossible to be objective. I am hopeful though.
Lagwagon are also working on something! Will this result in an Australian tour as well?
Oh, I thought you were referring to that in the last question. Haha. Well, hopefully I’ll make another solo album as well. Lagwagon is in the front of the line right now. We are over due.
Your upcoming Australian tour sees you playing in some rural towns. Why did you choose to hold some shows here?
I love playing smaller cities. People are often less jaded and more appreciative to have you visit. It’s great to mix it up. Keeps you realistic when 10 people show up and those shows are so intimate.
What can people expect from these shows?
A lot of sad songs and a few fun ones for good measure.
What’s next for Joey Cape?
Lots of recording including some producing. I’m starting a digital only label for short scheduled recordings. Stripped down records in the vain of Elliott Smith’s “Either/Or”. The label will be called “One Week Records”
Joey Cape and Brian Wahlstrom – In Tribute to Tony Sly
Thu 31st Oct Annandale Hotel Sydney
Plus Isaac Graham & Alex Party Cat
Fri 1st Nov Crowbar Brisbane
Plus Jud Campbell & Matt Hoara
Sat 2nd Nov The Loft Gold Coast
Plus Tim Johnson & Benny Willis
Sun 3rd Nov Beachcomber Hotel Toukley
Plus Isaac Graham & Johnny Devilseed
Tour Record by Scorpios available 2014 on Fat Wreck Chords
