We had a blast chatting with Adam Donovan and CARRIE Stephens of Cara Van Thorn on this episode of ESP. We discuss the band's origins and current lineup, what's coming post pandemic, Voodoo Doughnuts, musical backgrounds, hometowns, oil fiends, audio engineering, endorsement deals, books, movies, comedy, sci-fi nerd stuff, and... diaper porn?
This Austin-based band (originally Caravan) got their name by combining the names of the two founders: Portland native Carrie (Vocals), who came to Austin with a background in musical theatre and show tunes, and well-rounded musician and renaissance man Mr. Donovan (Bass/Guitar), an escapee of Odessa, TX. After a few years of operating under the original moniker the band changed their title to 'Cara Van Thorn' after a suggestion at a listening party among friends. This name personifies the music and overall brand perfectly; CVT exhibits a combination of neo-barrelhouse with elements of more modern goth, rock, and jazz. A great quote from KUTX's Jack Anderson gives provides a good summation:
"The members of Cara Van Thorn have carved a niche for themselves over the past half decade with an eccentric cocktail of ’30s jazz, ’70s pop rock, ’80s goth, and ’90s alternative for a timeless onstage experience, ripe with bleak lyricism, dreamy brass, stabbing piano chords, and infectious harmonies and melodies."
Initially Carrie and Adam met via the band Donkey Island but departed to form CVT. They began writing and have assembled an eclectic roster of fantastic musicians over the past few years including Ryan Henderson (Drums), Cesar Reyes Velasquez/Tyler Olfers (Keys), Austin Johanning (Trumpet), and Jerome Chwalek (Trombone). Cara Van Thorn is a perfect example of the tight knit Austin music community... Adam was introduced to the TRCOA recording program via Ryan Henderson prior to CVT's formation, and the same relationship led to Adam's involvement in Austin electronic-rock band, Seek Irony. Adam also plays bass in Jerome's band rock band, Inch of Dark and programs lights for both.
The band does many things in-house including recording their own music at Adam's home studio and Horned Lizard Studios in ATX, and the creation of their own album artwork and logo. Adam Donovan endorses Kiesel Basses and Guitars
Thanks to our friends at: Godin Guitars, Tregan Guitars, Ernie Ball, 5 Iron Woodworks
Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan
Outro Music: Party in the Living Room by Cara Van Thorn
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Thanks for listening!
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