'Could Have Been the Champagne...'

The St. Louis hard-rock quartet of Cavo has progressively gained momentum in the mainstream rock world since the release of their debut EP in 2002; but with the 2008 release of their newest album “Bright Nights * Dark Days”, Cavo has become a group to keep in your crosshairs.

Their single ‘Champagne’ has hooked listeners since it was introduced on heavy rotation at 105.7 KPNT in St. Louis. With catchy sing-along lyrics and rocking guitar riffs, ‘Champagne’, like it’s namesake, is a guilty indulgence. Peaking at #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts, ‘Champagne’ was predestined to become the barroom party anthem of the year.

With music and lyrics running the gamut between bleeding hearts and self-destruction; Cavo’s tightly produced and well-oiled sophomore full-length release has a little something for everyone.

Sitting down with Cavo frontman, Casey Walker, Exclusive Magazine discussed the recent success of the new album and the history behind Cavo; we even had a little lesson on Latin!

Your music has a clear hard-rock style. Who were your musical influences growing up and how many still factor into your music today? "We all come from different backgrounds, which i think gives us a unique sound. I'm a big fan of honest music. Eddie Vedder was the first one to really influence my writing. I'm a huge fan of Blue October. I think that Justin's lyrics are amazing. They are real and honest. Great art has to come from an honest place."

Your first major-label debut Bright Nights * Dark Days was released August 11th. As an up-and-coming band, how do you describe the sound and style of your music? "We never sat down and tried to write one style of music. We let the music decide for itself what it's going to sound like. I think the album has a bit for everyone."

Tell us a little bit about how the band formed in your hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. How did you all meet and when did you first begin to pool your artistic talents together? "We've been playing since around 2001. We joined with Brian in 2006. When Brian joined we started writing as a four piece all in the same room. Brian played parts that allowed Chris to be able to explore more ideas and not just focus on filling space. That in turn, made us all step up our game."

You toured the US this summer with Mötley Crüe's hard-rock spectacular, Crüe Fest 2 and now you're about to go out with Daughtry. what can your fans expect from a Cavo live set? "We try to bring intensity. Playing live is the part of the day when we get to do what we love for 30 mins. We try to make sure that the fans get what they paid for."

Your song "Let It Go" was included on the Transformers 2 soundtrack. Tell us a little bit about how you were approached for this project and what you feel it's meant to your success and exposure as a group "Actually, our label produced the soundtrack, so they kinda helped us out. The exposure was priceless. A lot of people heard about us from that."

Speaking of the song "Let It Go", tell us about the memorable moment you had while performing this song during your opening set for the hard-rock band Staind "It was the first time we played the song live and at the end of the song the whole crowd started chanting the last words, "I need to let it go" over and over again. It was amazing. The first time people responded to us that way."

How easy or hard is it to create a new, vibrant, wanted-by-the-public sound that both builds on and surpasses the musical wonderments and accomplishments that preceded it within the industry? "I think you just have to trust your instincts. I also think that you can't worry about trying to please everybody. If you pour your heart and soul into something i think that the public will respond to it. People respond to honesty and great music."

Where exactly did the band name, Cavo, originate from? Is there an interesting story behind it? "We were called Hollow and it was copywritten, so Cavo means "hollow places" in Latin. At the time we were playing in this old basement that felt like a cave, so it kinda seemed obvious."

Cavo's first single "Champagne" has hit #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts. What has this meant for you guys? Did you ever think the single would be as successful as it has been? "The success changed everything for us. I think that was a huge factor in the major tours we are offered. Alot more fans know about us now.When it went to #1 the crowds grew and people started singing the song at every concert. It was really cool."

If asked to record one for charity, what '80s (and possibly cheesy) pop/rock song would you love to cover today and why? "I actually have always loved the song "The Promise" by When In Rome. As of now, we actually play a rocked up version of Duran Durans "Come Undone"....that might be from the 90's though."

Lastly, and throwing you a journalistic curve ball, Exclusive Magazine loves Penguins, do you? "Of Course, they have great determination. I hear they can stand over their eggs to keep them warm for days!"

For more of this year’s favorite guilty pleasure, visit Cavo on the web and check them out on tour with Daughtry NOW!

Interviewed by: Erin M. Stranyak

www.cavomusic.com

www.myspace.com/cavomusic