The Cab takes the do-it-yourself route on new album
The Cab is a testament to what acts can do without labels. After finding success with their 2008 freshman release, "Whisper War," on Fueled by Ramen/Decaydance, the Las Vegas-bred pop band parted ways with the label. Eschewing the search for a new home, the band members self-funded and released their second effort, "Symphony Soldier," to critical acclaim in 2011.
"It was such a long process to figure out the right way to go about getting the record out," pianist/guitarist Alex Marshall told SoundSpike. "We decided we needed to part ways from the label. It was just a crazy ride. When that album came out and we were getting such positive feedback after that long of a wait, we definitely felt fortunate."
"Symphony Soldier," bolstered by the first single "Bad," debuted at No. 62 on The Billboard 200 album chart, and for that Marshall credits the fans who were patient enough to wait.
"They're what keeps us going," he said. "We don't want to make them feel like fans. We want them to be like family. We're very in touch with all of our fans. Just being honest and showing honesty through your music is what really translates with people. If you're writing music that's not you, or somebody else is writing for you, as a listener, they can tell. You're just being naked and honest -- that's when people can connect with what you're saying."
That's not to say that The Cab -- which is rounded out by Alex DeLeon on vocals and Joey Thunder on bass -- didn't ask for help on this record. The group enlisted producer John Feldmann (Panic! At the Disco, The Used, Good Charlotte) to helm "Symphony Soldier," which includes contributions from Bruno Mars, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Martin Johnson of Boys Like Girls and others.
"Some of the writing sessions that we had we lucked out; they were never planned," Marshall said. "They just kind of happened. It was really cool to work with people you grew up listening to and people you're listening to now. Getting in a room with them is a crazy experience.
"Every person has their own formula of writing. When me and Alex go into writing sessions, we're just like sponges. We soak up all the information. They make you think in a different way, so we take it all in."
Much of "Symphony Soldier" was inspired by the band members' experiences, primarily in relationships.
"It's the love song," he said. "It's the heartbreak. We have a song called 'Living Louder,' which is just about living life to the fullest. It's half love songs, half heartbreak and the other half is the sex and the fighting and the loving and the living life songs."
Fans can hear those songs while The Cab is on an in-progress co-headlining tour with longtime friends The Summer Set.
"We switch each night as far as headlining goes," Marshall said. "Fans can expect to see 50- or 55-minute sets for each band. You definitely get to hear a lot of songs, a lot of new songs, our favorite old songs. It's just an intimate experience."
31 - Indianapolis, IN - The Emerson Theater (with The Summer Set)
February 2012
1 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge (with The Summer Set)
3 - Pontiac, MI - Crofoot Ballroom (with The Summer Set)
4 - Toronto, Ontario - The Mod Club Theatre (with The Summer Set)
6 - Buffalo, NY - Xtreme Wheels (with The Summer Set)
8 - New York City, NY - The Gramercy Theatre (with The Summer Set)
9 - Foxboro, MA - Showcase Live (with The Summer Set)
10 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock Café (with The Summer Set)
11 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer (with The Summer Set)
12 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage (with The Summer Set)
25 - Brisbane, Australia - RNA Showgrounds (Soundwave Festival)
26 - Sydney, Australia - Olympic Park Showgrounds (Soundwave Festival)
March 2012
2 - Melbourne, Australia - Melbourne Showgrounds (Soundwave Festival)
3 - Adelaide, Australia - Bonython Park (Soundwave Festival)
5 - Perth, Australia - Claremont Showgrounds (Soundwave Festival)
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