Interview: Crank Caviar, The Go Go Band That Is Performing Covers Of Your Favorite Songs
Interview by Sarah Ruiz
Washington D.C. is home to the musical genre of go-go which began in the mid-to late-1970s. Go-go is a vibrant musical genre and much of its development came from singer-guitarist Chuck Brown, whose band, the Soul Searchers, laid down the foundational elements combining funk with Afro Caribbean rhythms, exemplified in hits like "Bustin' Loose."
The 1990s introduced new groups, and in the 21st century, bands like Backyard Band and Northeast Groovers emerged, with contemporary trends like "beat ya feet" and the "bounce beat" defining the genre's current landscape.
In 2022, Crank Caviar was founded by Malachai Johns. He is a former guitarist for the Northeast Groovers and mastermind of Mambo Sauce. Crank Caviar is a rotating cast of the best DMV (D.C. Maryland and Virginia) musicians who are making go-go versions of popular songs.
Some of the covers include “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “In the air tonight” by Phil Collins, “I want to know what love is ” by Foreigner and others..
These musicians have performed with artists such as Wale, Rare Essence, Backyard, New Kids on the Block and the list goes on. Each of them brings in their unique talent whether it be percussion, voice, bass and more, representing go-go music in the most authentic way.
To learn more about the behind the scenes of Crank Caviar, I was able to chat with Johns.
The inspiration of Crank Caviar rose from California's "Scary Pockets," a group renowned for crafting funk covers of popular songs. Crank Caviar creates covers but in the musical genre of go-go to reach a global audience.
In the endeavor to introduce others to the beat of go-go music, it becomes more accessible when the rhythm is intertwined with a familiar song. Musicians have the flexibility to choose which songs to cover.
For Crank Caviar to represent the go-go culture means a lot for Johns in which he stated,
“my wife and family will tell you it kind of consumes my life and, you know, it's pretty much the cornerstone for everything that I do.” -Crank Caviar for Tongue Tied Magazine
In addition, his goal with Crank Caviar is to globalize go-go music even more outside of the local success it had.
There are indefinite reasons why people should listen to go-go. Johns shared his opinion on why people should listen to this musical genre.
“It is definitely some of the best musicians in the world. If you are at a go-go, it is almost impossible for you to not nod your head, tap your foot, or move side to side. It is just infectious. And it is, in my opinion, the most energetic music in the world. I have seen everything from punk rock to heavy metal to death metal, and it is just the music with the most energy, it is just pure raw culture, you know.” -Crank Caviar for Tongue Tied Magazine
DC is filled with go-go culture everywhere you go, and Crank Caviar is one of the many bands that keeps the culture thriving. You can listen to more of Crank Caviar here!
Since it is also Grammy Week, on Friday, February 2nd, also known as 202 Day ( the area code of D.C.) catch Crank Caviar performing at the Peppermint Club. Tickets can be bought here!