San Antonio Prepares for a Night of Music with Iconic Band Cake

San Antonio Set to Welcome Cake for an Unforgettable Evening

Attention all music lovers in San Antonio! Get ready to have a fantastic night because the iconic band Cake is headed your way. On September 12, the four-piece group will be taking the stage at the beautiful Espee venue in St. Paul Square. With nearly three decades of hits under their belt, fans are buzzing with excitement for what promises to be a memorable performance.

A Journey Through Music

This news comes from our recent conversation with John McCrea, Cake’s lead vocalist and founder, as he reminisced about his musical journey. He gets candid about his early memories, which are filled with the sounds of his parents’ music. Picture this: late-night lullabies from his dad on the accordion and folk tunes from his mom, spinning Woody Guthrie records. Nothing screams ‘musical roots’ like that!

As a teenager, his tastes expanded to the rock world. He fondly recalls hearing “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and getting hooked on legends like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. It wasn’t until later, during his college years, that he found appreciation for genres he initially resisted, such as country and big band music. His new perspective helped him realize the brilliance in songwriters like Hank Williams Sr., which is all reflected in Cake’s eclectic sound.

The Cake Experience

As Cake found its place in a music scene dominated by grunge in the mid-90s, McCrea acknowledged the odds he faced. Even while the world was captivated by heavy beats and angst, his band carved out a niche with their distinctly quirky and ironic approach to alt-rock. Hits like “The Distance” and their controversial cover of “I Will Survive” from the album Fashion Nugget became unexpected anthems, introducing a refreshing flavor to mainstream music.

“We were sort of a palate cleanser,” McCrea said, reflecting on how their sound stood out amidst the dominating forces of that musical era.

Reflecting on Legacy

As he dives into his band’s legacy, McCrea recognizes the ripple effect they’ve had on subsequent generations of musicians. When comparing Cake to bands like Death Cab for Cutie and The Killers, he’d like to think there are common threads that connect them all, primarily around their melodic sensibilities. “There’s just something about keeping it on a human scale,” he added with a chuckle.

Challenges of Today’s Music Scene

As we chat about how different the music scene is today, McCrea muses how tricky it would be for a band like Cake to find success in 2024. With streaming platforms dominating, he pointed out the struggle many artists face: getting millions of streams but still not making enough to make a living. Yet, he sees hope in the current wave of music and values the connections artists can make with their fans.

A Touching Gesture for Fans

In a heartfelt gesture, Cake has made giving away a tree to a fan at every show a tradition, fostering a unique bond with their audience. McCrea sees this as an opportunity to sneak in a little love for the environment. “Everyone should plant at least one tree during their lifetime,” he shared, “and it’s incredible to see how that tree grows over the years.”

Stand for Democracy

In an era where political conversations are becoming increasingly polarized, McCrea has become an outspoken advocate for democracy, urging artists to take a stand. “It’s normal to care about the trajectory of your fellow human beings,” he states with conviction. His passion for advocacy brings a new dimension to Cake, reinforcing their substantial connection not just with music, but with their fans, community, and even the broader world.

Join the Excitement!

So, for all you Cake fans out there, mark your calendars for September 12 at The Espee! It’s more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of music, memories, and the connections that bind us all. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their tunes, this show promises to be an experience you won’t want to miss!

Tickets are priced at $63 and the event will start at 7:30 p.m.. Grab your friends and get ready for a night full of fun, laughter, and some unforgettable beats!