A Cave In Bloom – Interview – Thanks for Asking

A Cave In Bloom – Interview – Thanks for Asking – by Liam Sweeny.

I connected with Joseph Beaty from the band A Cave In Bloom. They’re a fascinating band, as you will see if you keep reading. So… keep reading.

RRX: Every comic book hero has an origin story. What is the origin story for the band? (points if you tell it like a comic book origin.)

JB: A friend and fellow musician, Alicia VanScoy (William Hale, Merci Van) had enlisted me to mix the debut Merci Van EP, Irrational Anthems. We tracked basics at Swordpaw in Troy with Paul Coleman (Architrave, Sinkcharmer, Haley Moley). We had an excellent time in the studio together. Talking gear, music, etc. I was just wrapping up my solo record and had mentioned my desire to play in an actual band again. Paul seemed open to trying something. Started with a few file transfers remotely and evolved into some jamming with a drum machine at my home studio. I think we both wanted a real drummer. A few folks came up in conversation but we only tried out Andy Farry. I had known Andy for years in Glens Falls. My friend and local music teacher, Stephanie Schneider had mentioned that he was an excellent drummer. So glad she mentioned this. We jammed at Andy’s on a few of the tunes Paul and I came up with and it gelled immediately. As for the meaning of the band name A Cave In Bloom, I presented the idea of big contrast to Paul. How life at its darkest will give you something wildly new and exciting. I think the name reflects that well. Also keeps our future more open sonically.

RRX: Every band’s first song is a milestone. But so is the latest song. Describe the first song/album you recorded, and also the latest song/album you recorded; what are the differences?

JB: The first tune we recorded was also the first song we played as a band. “The Meadow”, is an upbeat tune with two distinct parts and three verses. The whole EP went down in this way. It was very much a natural evolution from jam room to tracking at Swordpaw. The first 4 tunes evolved from those home studio jam sessions.

The last song, “The Well” started from those early writing sessions, but was largely unfinished. The band took the verse and chorus to new and unexpected places. Building the end parts in the room that would become the song. Paul wrote lyrics that complimented mine and the song was born. A lot of the early demos had drum references on them. I think as this set of tunes came together, Andy really started coming into his own. Interjecting more of his tight, prog style into the songs. You really hear that on “The Well”. I think we captured the raw evolution of the band on this EP. Excited for people to hear it.

RRX: Like songs, every band has a unique feeling about their first show. What was your first show like? Was it your best show? If not, what was your best show like?

JB: We have only had one show at Desperate Annies in Saratoga. The fine folks from Super Dark Collective were nice enough to invite us out to open up for Luxury Skin (Brooklyn) and Architrave as part of a Super Dark Monday show on November 6th, 2023. We had a blast. Architrave and Luxury Skin were exceptional. I think there were some nerves being our first gig. It was our drummer Andy’s first proper gig ever. First for me in some years. All in all, it felt very natural and we felt good about the sound and vibe in the room. Looking forward to playing No Fun on Jan 27th with Creeks and Bad Bloom.

RRX: Music genres are difficult for some bands. Some strictly adhere; others not so much. What is your perspective on the genre you play, or the genres you hover around?

JB: I think Paul and I come from a few similar places influence wise. A lot of old indie, darkwave, post punk, electronic. I tend to lean a bit darker with some of these genres. Andy is a big Genesis fan. He just recently presented a rhythm in 5/4 to the band. I think there’s a touch of all that in what we do. No idea how to place it in a box.

RRX: It’s a lot of fun living in the present, but we all collect memories and give birth to dreams. We’re talking dreams here. Where do you see yourself next year? In the next five years?

JB: I think I speak for the whole band in saying that we are looking forward to seeing where we go creatively with more input from each member. The ideas are flowing and I can absolutely see another EP or album coming rather effortlessly in 2024. I certainly hope we’re still at it in 5 years.

RRX: We all get a little support from those around us. And we also can be impressed by our fellow bands. Who do you admire in your community, and why?

JB: William Hale is a great band. I have known Luc and Alicia VanScoy for a while in the Glens Falls area. Such kind souls. Just saw them play at Sweetside records for the first time. Not sure why it took me so long. It felt larger than life. Big stage presence but also very welcoming. Love that they can ride that line. Really looking forward to what is next for them. I was an Architrave fan before knowing Paul personally and jamming A Cave In Bloom. Always looking forward to what is next with them. I think as a band, we just need time in the community. Forge those relationships with like minded artists. So mush positivity happening in this local scene. So glad to be a small part of it.

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