Cavo is an American hard rock band from St. Louis, Missouri. Because of their sound and musical influences, they are sometimes classified as post-grunge.

[edit] Band history

In late 2000, guitarist Chris Hobbs, bassist Ryan Kemp, and drummer Chad La Roy were searching for a vocalist for their band. After some assistance from close friends Scott Gertken and Rich Criebaum of Modern Day Zero, the three decided to audition then-unknown singer Casey Walker. There was immediate chemistry, and Hollow came to be in March 2001. Later in 2001, Mike "Tomas" Tomasovich joined Hollow as a second guitarist. In 2001, Hollow released a three song demo with the songs "Fallen", "State of Mind" and "Unsung". Near the end of 2001, the band also decided to change their name to Cavo, which happens to be a variation of Hollow in Latin.

Cavo released their first EP, A Space to Fill, in 2002. The EP was produced by Scott Gertken and Rich Criebaum, recorded and mixed at their Trailer Studios in Foristell, Missouri, and released through their Bullet 339 Records. Cavo began to grow a loyal fan base while playing shows with Modern Day Zero. A Space to Fill spawned two singles that earned rotation on local radio stations in the St. Louis area. "Say Again" was picked up by WVRV and KNSX, and KPNT picked up the rock anthem "Unsung".

Cavo followed up the EP four years later with their self-released full length The Painful Art of Letting Go in September 2006. Walker invited Brian Smith to join the band in 2006 because they needed a new bass player to replace Ryan Kemp who was no longer in the band.

[edit] Major label success

Cavo released a second EP, Champagne, in 2008, which set them up for national attention. The track "Champagne" caught the attention of 105.7 KPNT in St. Louis, and the single was put into rotation. The success of "Champagne" allowed Cavo to set up several showcases, including an opening slot for Stone Temple Pilots, which was attended by label representatives from Warner Brothers Records. The band was flown to New York where they showcased for label executives, and Cavo then signed to Warner/Reprise late in 2008.^[1][2] The group's major label debut, Bright Nights, Dark Days, was released on August 11, 2009; Zac Maloy of The Nixons and Norwegian songwriting team Espionage worked with the group on songwriting^[3], and the record is produced by David Bendeth.^[4] The single "Champagne" has reached #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts.^[5] The single Crash written by Tommy Henriksen, Bobby Huff and Zac Maloy reached #6 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks.

In 2009, their song "Let It Go", which is their third single, was featured in the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and is available on the soundtrack.

The band has toured with: Halestorm, Rev Theory, Red, Chevelle, Daughtry, Lifehouse, Shinedown, Sick Puppies and Adelitas Way, have played Cruefest and are currently touring with The Veer Union and Framing Hanley.

In 2010 after completing their second leg with Daughtry and Lifehouse, CAVO hits the road for their very first headlining tour starting in late July with Black Sunshine, Shaman's Harvest, Atom Smash, Brookroyal and American Bang supporting.

[edit] Members

Current

• Chris Hobbs - guitar, backing vocals
• Chad La Roy - drums
• Brian Smith - bass, backing vocals
• Casey Walker - lead vocals

Former

• Mike Tomas - lead guitar
• Ryan Kemp - bass

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

• A Space to Fill EP (Bullet 339 Records, 2002)
• The Painful Art of Letting Go (Bullet 339, 2008)
• Champagne EP (Bullet 339, 2008)
• Bright Nights Dark Days (Reprise Records, 2009) #47 US
• Crash Live EP (Reprise Records, 2010)
• Let It Go Acoustic EP (Reprise Records, 2010)

[edit] Singles

Notes

[edit] References