Jim Griffin - Lead vocals, lyrics, topline melodies Nigel Mervyn - Drums, backing vocals, bass The Teng - Lead & acoustic guitars
Songs written and arranged by the band.
Influences
Bowie, Tchaikovsky, Morrison, RHCP, Tea Party, Led Zep, Bach, The Kinks, AC/DC, Tori Amos, Sir Edward Elgar, Metallica, Genesis, Sigur Rôs, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Tool, Pink Floyd, Crowded House, The Prodigy, King Crimson, Van der Graph Generator, The Beatles...
Sounds Like
Caduseus' music aims to be free from preservatives, artificial flavourings, colours and additives. If we've got it right, it will be bursting with natural flavour, will not deteriorate over time and will still be palatable even after being stored for long periods.
It's been a solemn week for the band, following an illness which has forced Lightning Jay to leave the group and the announcement by Matt Finnish (bass) that he too has decided to go. Caduseus is as strong as ever but the core members Jim, Nigel and the Teng, will now continue to write and record and will not be appearing live for a while. It was decided, at a crisis meeting, that the Caduseus core will work in future with full time professional or session players only. There are many new songs in pot and this temporary blip will give the band a chance to record and produce some new material which has been shelved while rehearsing hard for the road during the past year.
Many of you have been asking about Matt's interview last month and about the new song 'Hold On'. Well, the interview has been pulled from publication, but we will be bringing you our new song very soon.
And, finally... A special thankyou for all the concern you have shown and for the messages of support which are flooding in. This gives us the strength to carry on. To all of you who have stayed with us through these testing times, we say: "Caduseans unite. We are not finished. We have simply come to another crossroads and must choose, once again, the path forward".
SEPTEMBER 3rd 2009
MATT FINNISH REVEALED
Matt Finnish finally showed himself at an open-air festival held at Womaston in the Welsh borders on Sunday 23rd August, yet his appearance was still shrouded in mystery as he was still not officially announced. Despite wet grass and drizzle, there was more than enough atmosphere, laser light, smoke machines (?), baked potatoes and beans to set the air alight as Caduseus took to the stage. Take a browse through some of the footage recently posted to see Caduseus deliver their goods.
Two weeks ago Matt Finnish met Angelina Packham who asked a few pertinent (and some impertinent) questions of the demon bassman. Stay tooned and we'll bring you the gossip... and... here he is in living colour:
AUGUST 7th 2009
MATT FINNISH TO BE UNMASKED
Our new bassman, Matt Finnish, is closely-guarded and his whereabouts is monitored at all times, to avoid the chance of another prolonged spell away from the band. Nevertheless, we are pleased to announce that he will be in the spotlight soon when he reveals all (hmmmm?) to Angelina Packham later in the month (please see previous bulletin, July 24th). The following picture is as far as we dare go at this stage.
JULY 24th 2009
WHO OR WHAT IS MATT FINNISH?
Last month we announced the re-appearance of an old friend, Gary, who takes up the post of bassman, after a good many moons, birthdays and New Year celebrations away from the world of Caduseus. Gary Watson, to be known henceforth as Matt Finnish, is to sit with Angelina Packham from GO! magazine to answer a few questions about his disappearance for so long. One of the burning questions will be just what exactly has he been doing since the early days of Caduseus 1? Also, what was it like on Mars? And, do they still use bakelite in the manufacture of electric kettle leads?
If you have any questions you would like to put to Matt Finnish, send them in and we'll pass them on to Angelina for consideration. Matt will be unmasked in the coming weeks, but for now...
JUNE 25th 2009
COMING SOON... A NEW SONG AND AN INTERVIEW WITH GARY WATSON
Yes, Caduseus has been rehearsing and working on some new material and will be recording 'Hold On' this summer. The song has the power to draw you into its simple, seductive chorus and will feature Gary Watson on bass. Those who have read the Caduseus Story will realise that Gary was the main motivation behind Jim's first exploits as a songwriter and performer. After some considerable time playing guitar and bass with other bands, Gary is currently in rehearsals with Caduseus after a further hiccup which saw both Emma and Baron leaving the band so soon after joining. Keep watching, Caduseans, because this band gets stronger and stronger.
APRIL 2nd 2009 (amended April 22nd)
THE WINDS OF CHANGE BRING NEW LINE-UP
Those of you who have read the Caduseus story (see link below this box, if you haven't yet) will soon be calling for the next chapter in this turbulent tale to be documented. In less than a fortnight, three events have turned the band on its head. Firstly, our bass man, Ste, had to leave the band because of personal commitments. He will be missed and our best wishes go to him and his other half. Secondly, knowing how rarely a good bass player comes along, the band considered their options. Nigel has been playing the bass on some of the more recent recordings, so, without so much as a paradiddle, Nigel packed away his sticks and skins for a while and picked up the bass to begin a dual career as Caduseus' drummer and occasional bass player. Then, Emma, experienced keyboard player and singer, called us to see if we needed her help. Yes please! was the reply, and she came to the studio to sit-in on a rehearsal session and get to know our songs. After a productive afternoon, Emma was recruited - a big welcome to her. The final piece of the jigsaw was Baron, who will be the band's new bass player. Both Emma and Baron have well-oiled vocal chords so expect some vocal acrobatics during the coming months.
MARCH 29th 2009
CADUSEUS HITS 50,000 VIEWS!
On a decidedly cold, but clear, sunny March afternoon here in Wales, we noticed that the counter had clicked over to 50,000 profile views. Maybe not that significant, but we are unsigned and it's a bit spooky that this happened on the day our clocks were put forward one hour in the UK, to acknowledge the coming of British Summertime. Could the old Time Lords have something to do with this, or are we being influenced by the stars? Mercury is in Aries between March 25th and April 9th - and as you know, Caduseus is Mercury's messenger! There must be an underlying message here somewhere... any suggestions? Thanks to all our fans for your continued support and for spreading the word to your friends and families.
JANUARY 12th 2009
CADUSEUS ON BBC RADIO WALES
On Sunday night at around 11.00pm (GMT) Adam Walton played our track 'I Guess it's Goodbye' on his show and had some very constructive comments. Also featured on the show were some well-known acts from Wales as well as other up-and-coming artists and bands. Adam also included a 'hot tips' section during which music industry professionals gave their advice about making it in the music biz... all very inspiring and uplifting. You can hear a stream of the show by following the iPlayer link
Our song is featured at around the 46 minute mark and Adam talks about ours and two other songs in his narrative after that. Listen out - Adam's promised to play more Caduseus this year!
JANUARY 5th 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR FANS
Happy New Year and a big thanks to all of you for your support during 2008. This year, we're aiming high - finalising the mixing and production of our new album, rehearsing and preparing for a new tour of the UK (and beyond) and consolidating our plans for new management. None of this would be feasible, or even worth it, without your continuing support so we are going to be announcing some interesting offers over the coming months, to say thanks for getting us launched. If funds permit, we'll be putting some podcasts together so you can see us in rehearsal - it all depends on how many albums we can sell and how much cash we can generate to plough back into developments like this. Stay with us. You ain't seen nothin' yet!
NOVEMBER 17th 2008
CADUSEUS ON AIR
BREAKING NEWS! TWO IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS: FIRSTLY, it's Pheonix Radio's big birthday party next weekend (22/23 November) and Caduseus are in the studio talking to the Bravens, from 8.00pm to 11.00pm (GMT) on Saturday 22nd. The band will be playing some tracks from the forthcoming album plus PLAYING SOME BRAND NEW SONGS - LIVE! So tune-in and join the party!
Just follow this Link.
SECONDLY, the band's music is now playlisted 24/7 on PlanetNerve8.com, the radio station musicians listen to!
OCTOBER 24th 2008
A BIG WELCOME TO NEW BASS MAN
We're extremely pleased to announce that bass player Ste, from Wrexham, joins us in our quest! Ste brings much enthusiasm as a musician and the band is looking forward to working with him towards our common creative goal... making some hot new music!
SEPTEMBER 23rd 2008 - SPECIAL OFFER ON NEW SONG
For all those who would like their own copy of the full song, My Pretty One, we've posted it on caduseus.co.uk where you can download it for just GBP £0.50!
AND HERE'S THE OFFER... FOR EVERY HUNDRED TRACKS SOLD, SOMEONE WILL RECEIVE A FREE ALBUM! WE WILL LET YOU KNOW WHO THE LUCKY WINNERS ARE.
More songs will be available soon.
SEPTEMBER 19th 2008 - NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED
We've created a new site where you will be able to share in the music and experiences of the band. As well as offering music downloads, caduseus.co.uk will feature some interesting material about how the songs are created and a chance to see the band in rehearsals. Just a holding page at present, the site is expected to go live during November this year.
SEPTEMBER 12th 2008 - 3 NEW SONGS ARE HERE!
As promised, three new songs make their first appearance. We've posted a montage in slot one of the player which gives you three songs in one: My Pretty One, Take it Away and Jesus Made Me Cry. These will feature on the band's forthcoming album (due for release early next year) but will soon be available for download right away. We'll keep you posted. We hope you enjoy the ride...
SEPTEMBER 4th 2008 - SHINY NEW SONGS
It's been a turbulent but exciting time for Caduseus, as they continue to work round the clock in the studio. Three new songs are in the pipeline and are due to be posted on MySpace and the Caduseus.co.uk website (currently offline, undergoing refurbishments) before the end of September. With the help of two session guitarists, who wish to remain anonymous at present, the new material delivers a fresh new vibe and affirms the band's continuing development as songwriters - three very different songs, yet each one retaining that familiar 'raw' edge that we've come to expect. Band members may come and go... but the music never stops!
AUGUST 28th 2008 - RECRUITING AGAIN
Following the sudden departure of Orbit and Theo, during the middle of August, the band is currently auditioning for a new guitarist and bass player. Saddened, but unabated by this serious setback, Jim and Nigel are continuing to write and record new material. Preparations are also underway for a tour of British Universities early in 2009.
Anyone interested in offering their playing skills should contact the band using the email link below or by sending us a message on our MySpace.
Coming soon - two new demos. Stay toon'd!
JULY 29th 2008 - FLEX, THE OUTCOME
Another long-haul down to Flex Nightclub at Dagenham and, despite being favourites to go through to the final of the contest, the band was pipped at the post by another band from Leeds who made a surprise appearance - surprise, because they had been knocked out of the previous round! The judges changed their minds on the night, as the original plan, to seek a band to support 70s acts like Status Quo and Shawadywady, was suddenly dropped for unknown reasons. The judges said that they would have had difficulty sending Caduseus through to support the Sugarbabes. (Huh... yes we'd agree with that!).
JULY 16th 2008 - CADUSEUS HEAD-TO-HEAD FOR MAJOR CHARITY GIG
Following their sizzling showcase at Flex Nightclub, Dagenham on Tuesday 15th July, Caduseus are through to the semi-finals of a contest to play at this year's 'Rock and Roll charity festival' in Dagenham, Essex on the 9th & 10th August 2008. The competition is being staged by Flex Nightclub, in association with ED-TELL promotions and Lockstock Promotions and the next heat is on Tuesday 29th July.
With confirmed headline acts such as Sugarbabes plus some top acts from the 70s, including Status Quo, Shawadywady and the Bay City Rollers, the stakes are very high and Caduseus stomped through their showcase, with a blistering performance, featuring Jim's trademark audience walkabout plus the magical electric violin work of Lizzie Prendergast. The judges were impressed by the originality and performance of Caduseus, who go through with one other band, Velocity.
Tickets for this event are sold out and the winners expect to play in front of 20,000 people! Wish them luck.
MAY 28th 2008 - NEW DEMO
A new demo emerges as Caduseus prepare to work on their second album, featuring the new Caduseus line-up. Demo tracks can be heard here on our myspace.
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Caduseus write and perform a hearty, most songly style of alternative rock. Unhindered by 'genre' or industry-led stereotypes, they go wherever the muse takes them. Featuring the winged words of Jim Griffin, their leading light for two decades, the band's creative base is a little-known hillside barn in rural Mid-Wales. These internet pioneers were the first UK group to fly a self-organised live webcast from Celtica, Machynlleth, Wales in 1996. BT even installed a high-speed telephone system for the transmission - totally free - and that took a bit of persuasion!
Caduseus have had a heavy presence on the underground scene since the '90s. They have generated a healthy following by playing live in reputable venues like the Cavern (Liverpool) and The Underworld (London), and festivals such as Black Cat, Farmer Phil's, Sh*t Fest.
After over a decade of touring, the band released the much anticipated collection of songs from their early sessions, 'Caduseus' (2007) and have now recorded their second album which is currently being produced.
Hey guys, …thanks for looking us up, your profile views are pretty impressive so you must be doing something right. Standout tracks that were an immediate with us were, 'I guess It's goodbye' and 'R U Ready' which equally had good cross-over appeals.
"As long as I can I will look at this world for both of us. As long as I can I will laugh with the birds, I will sing with the flowers, I will pray to the stars, for both of us."
Many thanks for the add. I only had time to listen to the 3 in 1 track, and what you do definitely seems a lot more interesting than most other people's, I shall be coming back to listen properly and at leisure as soon as I can. If you feel like a read, my blogs are full of lyrics. I know you write your own stuff, but I could see you singing my War Correspondent, I'll send you the lyrics by message. Hope you like my efforts. Even if you don't, I still genuinely like yours! Cheers! Tim
Things are getting better. I will be hooked up soon to my own computer and I will be able to talk through IM! Thank You for all the pictures, as soon as I can afford ink I will print them out!
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