Unsigned Spotlight: Caldera
Caldera is an alternative/progressive/rock band hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana. As a project aiming to create music overflowing with fervid conviction and unapologetic aesthetic, every Caldera song ardently chases the group’s collective dream and design. An alchemy of progressive rhythms melt with harmony and dissonance while evocative lyrical content pushes into the unconscious seeking truth and being. Caldera explores the prosody of their music through tone, color, and negative space inviting listeners to surrender to selfish indulgence, emotional release, and genuine experience.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Trisha Krall: vocals
Jesse Pryner: guitar
Dan Minnerick: bass
Ryan Cox: drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Caldera? How long has the band been around?
Jesse, Dan, and Ryan started this project in May of 2017 and Trish joined in July of 2018. Prior to this band Trish had performed in local area cover bands and as a solo acoustic act, and Jesse had taken a music hiatus for several years. Dan and Ryan have played with The Holland Account, Native Shadows, and a reincarnated version of Presomnia together. Dan has also played in Simple Ghost and Rituals.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
A caldera is, essentially, the mouth of a volcano. Ryan returned from a Hawaiian vacation with the idea. We felt the name personified the dynamic intensity we wanted to incorporate into our sound. It is the only name we have used, thus far.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Jesse, Dan, and Ryan compose each song instrumentally before passing it along to Trish, who writes ALL of the lyrics. She isn't overly focused on specific themes or topics, but she does try to tackle subject matters that can be a little uncomfortable as a way of challenging herself and the listener. Surely, the lyrics will evolve according to her life experiences and societal changes, but you'll have to stick around to find out how.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Trish listens to everything from pop to punk to orchestral metal. She even gets inspiration from Joe Rogan's podcast! Ryan usually pulls inspiration specifically from other drummers (i.e. Benny Greb, Anup Sastry, Gavin Harrison, etc.), but he has recently developed a fondness for the jazz music on 88.7 FM, The Diamond. He's also a big fan of Anderson Paak. Jesse and Dan draw inspiration from variety of artists: Thrice, Tool, Radiohead, Hans Zimmer, Emarosa, I The Mighty, Narco Debut and many more...
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Probably not. Trish's interest in music was heavily influenced by her family. The same is true for Ryan and Jesse, who both grew up with fathers that played their respective instruments. Dan grew up playing brass instruments and took on the electric bass late in high school. However, it's got everything to do with the feeling associated with working collaboratively with everyone else in the room that keeps us interested in the band dynamic. When you have open and healthy communication between musicians, magical things can happen and we just can't help but continue our search for those moments.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Trish: One shot of Jack Daniels and warming up her vocal chords to some Journey or Chris Cornell songs
Ryan: Some light stretching and about 10 minutes of rudiments on a practice pad
Jesse: Slowly fill with anxiety and beer until it's time to go on stage so I can finally get lost in the moment
Dan: Warm up on bass for about 30 minutes prior to the show.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
The band's career is just starting to rev up. We're just happy to have released some music and are eager to start playing shows.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Well, the Foo Fighters are like the Ambassadors of Rock in the 21st Century, so that would be tons of fun. We all absolutely love Thrice, so that would be cool too. It would have been amazing just to hear Queen live, let alone tour with them. There's probably too many to mention.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you're passionate about something, then pursue it at all costs, but be mindful of the things you can't control. Don't get frustrated and give up because it's taking longer than expected. It's possible that the obstacles you encounter will make you better suited for success later in life. Be patient, but also persistent. Also, when listening, do so with a genuine curiosity. Seek to truly understand. Too many people listen with the intent to respond, which only stifles understanding and doesn't elevate conversation.
Always support live music, as much as possible. And that doesn’t mean you have to go out all the time to hear bands or different artists. But if you’re out and about and you’ve got an extra dollar in your pocket, show that band or musician some love. Most of us are weekend warriors these days working 9-5s. It’s definitely not like it used to be. Even cover players could make an actual living playing music throughout the week and on the weekends. So help ya brothas and sistas out, throw that dollar in the guitar case lol
https://www.facebook.com/Caldera.Indy/
https://caldera-indy.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/caldera-band
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNM5AeeiZ6u0xXPgzzMK3A