ROCK MUSIC/ Jeff Caudill and Trainwreck, his new band

The Californian singer Jeff Caudill, who is just back from his United Kingdom tour, where he gave five concerts, talks to ilsussidiario.net. The former singer and guitarist of Gameface, the punk group from Orange County, has dedicated himself to a solo career for the past ten years, with folk songs that often conquer his audiences with the magic of their words. But he is also involved with an electronic music project, Floormodel, and has recently gone back to playing for a rock group, Your Favorite Trainwreck, which has just finished recording an album that he hopes will be published soon. 

How was your experience on your latest UK tour and what did you learn from it?
It was one of the best ever - because the trip was part tour and part family vacation. It was really nice to have my family with me when I travel. It makes things so much more worthwhile. At this stage in my life, it's more important to spend time with my family. Being able to tour and play music and share it with them is just perfect. I love coming to England. The shows were great - most of them small but filled with great people who have supported me for a long time. It was nice to see some familiar faces.

It is unusual that a rock singer, upon reaching the age of 40, changes his style very much, but you still seem eager to experiment with many different styles. Why are you changing so much?
I've always been interested in many different styles of music. Growing up in the punk scene and singing in a punk band, my musical outlet was very narrow. I loved my band but there was only so much we could do without completely becoming something we weren't. The breakup of Gameface allowed me to pursue other musical endeavors and styles. When you grow up with a band, they become like your family and your allegiance to them is very strong. Now, that I don't have a strict musical family I feel free to collaborate with all type of musicians and bands. As sad as it was to walk away from the band I did for 13 years, it has also been very liberating. I love all kinds of music and I feel that life is too short to restrict yourself.

How do you feel as an artist who has reached the age of 40?
I turned 40 this year but I still feel very young at heart - but now with many years of wisdom and growth behind me. I feel more confident as a songwriter, but not yet completely set in my ways.

Your songs often allure people with their lyrics. For instance, the lyrics of “Destination” are somehow the opposite of the idea of the rock star, who is often considered a person without ties, without a place where to stay or stable relationships. What were you inspired by?