Alternative rock radio was a busy place in the fall of 1996. Bands like Stone Temple Pilots, 311, and Sublime dominated the airwaves. But it would be the boys of Cake from Sacramento, California who would hit it big during this time period, and then go to greater success long after the 1990′s had ended. In September of 1996 Cake released their second album, “Fashion Nugget.” It went on to produce two major singles- both “The Distance,” and a cover version of the the Perren and Febaris’ hit, “I Will Survive.” It must be said that the band’s unique musical style has a lot to do with their success. Their fondness and use of droll lyrics, word play, and instruments like the Moog Synthesizer, attracted fans early on out of curiosity, but their ability to reinvent themselves has allowed their loyal followers to remain alongside them through today.

On January 11th of this year, Cake’s newest studio album, “Showroom of Compassion” was released, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Album Charts; a first for the band, with 44,000 copies sold. The break out single “Sick of You” was originally released last fall, but the excellent track was just a precursor of things to come on this outstanding release. The boys of Cake will be on tour all spring, making local appearances at two sold out dates in New York- at The Music Hall of Williamsburg on April 19th and at Terminal 5 on April 21st. Cake lead guitarist, Xan McCurdy took sometime before these local shows to sit down with us here at LocalBozo.com. During our chat, Xan opened up about joining the band in 1998, how far the band has come, the release of “Showroom and Compassion,” and what fans can expect to see and hear on the latest tour. We urge you to check out their new album, and if you’re lucky enough to have tickets to either show, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the band. And as Xan himself declared, “be prepared to sing along.”

- Alan Smithee