An Interview With Steve Lasker & Dan Lyons of Microcave
Zachary Franck interviewing Steve Lasker & Dan Lyons
Microcave, the jamtronica four-piece from New York/Philadelphia, had a fantastic 2019. Since 3/4 of the band shifted their focus from Tractorbear (their Disco Biscuits cover band) and joined forces with drummer Dan Lyons, they’ve started to carve out a lane for themselves in the Northeast music scene. With a sound that is fueled by tenacious improvisation, they pride themselves on pushing their music to the limit every time they touch the stage. But anybody that is familiar with them already knows that, now they’re taking things to the next level by steadily adding new compositions into their rotation. Coming off a fantastic show with Space Bacon at Mercury Lounge on 12/29, the band is prepared to put in the work to solidify themselves as one of the strongest up and coming bands in the region. TPC had a chance to talk with keyboardist Steve Lasker and drummer Dan Lyons and get their thoughts on the current state of the band and what the future holds for them. If you haven’t heard of Microcave yet, it is time to get familiar.
ZF: When did Microcave officially start?
SL: Well first of all, thank you for doing this dude! Have been wanting to make this happen for a while now. Microcave started sometime around 2014 and consisted of James, Paul, me, and a drummer I met through my job at the time. We only played at local bars on Long Island and one gig at Fontana's (RIP) in NYC opening for Sofus, which is a band I actually wound up joining about two years later.
ZF: I know you guys focused on Tractorbear, your Disco Biscuits cover band, for a few years. When did you decide to link up with Dan Lyons and bring him into the mix behind the kit to make Microcave what it is today?
SL: So, after Julian, fake Barber 1.0, left the band, we brought James on as he was the obvious next step. We got pretty tired of Tractorbear and figured we already have a name, a couple decent songs, and a very tight relationship, which led us to deciding to revive Microcave. We had initially started with Jason Cohen (of Tractorbear) on drums, and we actually played an entire set as "Microcave" at American Beauty in NYC during a Tractorbear show. Jay didn't really want to get too serious however, which led us to yet again another search for a drummer we could mesh with. I think Dan coming on was basically written in the stars. He is without a doubt the missing piece we have been searching for and not even 20 minutes into our first practice, he was our drummer. It felt like we had been jamming with him for 5 years.
ZF: How many shows have you guys played since embarking on this journey with Dan behind the kit? What are the ones that stood out the most?
SL: As of right now, we have played 16 shows with Dan. Some weren't recorded, some were average, and some were pretty great. I'd say if I had to choose, and I'm sure the other guys may have different opinions, my favorite shows so far were Satellite Ranch, Space Invasion, our first headlining gig at Sprout Music Collective, the Boom Room, and the last show we just played with Space Bacon at Mercury Lounge. In terms of SBD releases that I think are a must-hear, I would say 10/06/18 - Space Invasion, 02/09/19 - Sprout, and 06/15/19 - Boom Room. Each of these shows have something special, particularly Space Invasion because that was our first time in NYC to a real crowd that actually wanted to see us. That was a huge jump off point for us and you can hear it in the recording. Our last show, 12/29/19, featured a bunch of new material that we’re proud of.
ZF: Dan, most people know you from Horizon Wireless and formerly Solaris, how does it feel to play in a four-piece with three individuals who love jamtronica as much as you?
DL: It feels right, that’s for sure. I think we’ve all been separately training for this group, this new iteration of Microcave, our whole lives. I’m glad that we came together when we did; it was the perfect timing for our talents and interests to combine. We’re still working on meshing together our years of experience and backstory, but without a doubt, everything we do together bonds us closer as a family and a band. We may have come from different places, but our musical connection is undeniable, obvious, and kinda like “duh” from day one. One practice in and we were linked—addicted. With time, this thing is only gonna get better, sound better, and break new ground. I may’ve come from a smattering of other projects, but I’ve never been challenged or met at this level musically, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
ZF: If you guys had to pick specific highlights for people to check for and listen to, what would they be?
DL: I think the ‘Rosebud’ from our Live at Sprout recording is always on my mind, but I am as much of a Microcave fan as I am a band member. Every new soundboard is my favorite soundboard until the next come along.
SL: My personal favorite segment is Odyssey > Cosmos from The Boom Room, but Dan nailed it. Every SBD gives me something new and I'm a huge fan of my band. I truly believe each member is the greatest musician on Earth with their respective instruments. I have watched James peak hundreds of times and he still blows my mind on stage.
ZF: How would you describe the sound of Microcave?
DL: I would describe the sound of Microcave as percussively sexual and melodically aggressive; a cross-fucking of electronic interests, jambanding excess, and the improvisational power of fifty thousand mummified black holes.
ZF: Are you guys planning on getting in the studio at all this year?
DL: We’ll have an album when the time is right
SL: Yeah, the album will come when it should, it's obviously been discussed. As far as the sound, I think we just play music we want to listen to and hope for the best. The improv is as organic as it can be, and this is something we pride ourselves on. The songs are all written purely from the soul. We don't necessarily discuss what we would like a certain song to sound like, someone brings something to the table and we either like it or we don't. I think we have found a rather solid balance of composition and improvisation, and the beauty of being in a primarily improv heavy band gives us the power to craft each moment the way we see fit. There is truly no better feeling than when a jam comes together and each member is in their happy place.
ZF: I totally agree. What is 2020 looking like thus far? Any big plans that you can disclose?
DL: In 2020, I’m looking to stay alive, play drums within reason, and respect the hell out of my bedtime.
SL: 2020 is looking pretty great as of now, nothing really crazy to disclose but we definitely have some fun gigs planned. Listen to the recording of our 12/29 and show your friends, we just want to get out there as much as we can and show people why they should enter the Cave and join us on this ride!
