Ep558: John McCrea of CAKE

Ep558: John McCrea of CAKE

Author: The Vinyl Guide August 3, 2026 Duration: 32:08

John McCrea of CAKE discusses their elusive catalogue on vinyl, rarities of the band, upcoming Australian tour, new recordings, record nerdery and more.

Tickets & info on CAKE's Australian tour is here

Topics Include:

  • John McCrae discusses collecting records, revisiting old favorites like Perez Prado
  • He describes "chasing goosebumps" — the feeling of rediscovering great music
  • Shares vivid teenage memory seeing Led Zeppelin at Knebworth, England
  • Recalls dancing to washing machine rinse cycles as a toddler
  • Names early formative records: Beatles, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie
  • His parents played accordion and folk guitar, shaping his musicality
  • Discusses his dad's Eastern European minor-key accordion versus polka music
  • Talks about "Rancho Seco," his first recorded song, a protest track
  • Song addressed a nuclear plant illegally releasing radioactive steam locally
  • Connects Dylan influence and poets to his built-in social justice streak
  • Reflects on growing up near Sacramento, Berkeley, and Nevada City, California
  • Compares old Bay Area culture to today's flashier Silicon Valley wealth
  • Describes Cake's early '90s formation, self-financed four-song EP release
  • EP funded through show earnings and merch, later expanded into album
  • Album got European distribution and unexpected early popularity in France
  • "Rock and Roll Lifestyle" got college radio play before wider fame
  • Cake signed to Capricorn Records, a small Southern rock label
  • East Bay Ray advised McCrea to fight for keeping album masters
  • McCrae says most bands don't retain their masters like Cake did
  • Vinyl of Cake albums historically hard to find, tied up licensing
  • Discusses 2014 box set now reselling for $700–$1,000 secondhand
  • New Cake album is finished, awaiting mixing, targeted early 2027
  • Explains he avoids forced album themes, focuses song by song
  • Reflects on why Cake albums come infrequently, citing family, industry fatigue
  • Criticizes modern music industry as increasingly exploitative and financially unsustainable
  • Explains reduced touring due to travel dislike and environmental concerns
  • Considers eco-friendly vinyl options and shifting kids' preference toward CDs
  • Discusses Cake's DIY visual identity, homemade posters, and lino-cut aesthetic
  • Talks rare live vinyl pressings, including $300 Crystal Palace release
  • Wraps up promoting Cake's Australian tour dates and Sydney ticket sales

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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