Cabal Central is a band formed in 2021 in Liverpool, UK, by two long-time friends, musicians Sean Delaney and Stu Shaw. For many years we said we would one day collaborate on music and finally the stars aligned in 2021 when we found ourselves with an abundance of previous creations in a stage of preproduction that would now become the focus of our attention. This started with our debut single in September 2021, ‘The Tempest’, followed by ‘Love Lane’ and ‘You Changed’.
Stu is an excellent all-round musician with a strong talent for explosive bass lines, punchy brass, captive electronic keys and deeply rich baritone vocals. Sean’s forte rests on widely contrasting vocal leads and harmonies, melodic rhythm and lead guitar-playing in addition to multilayered string arrangements. We work from a reciprocal understanding of ‘100 percent full trust, zero percent ego’ where ideas, concepts and sounds are created as freely as they are vetoed. We never fight over the pretty lady! We’re like 2 ugly brothers – we’re used to rejection! We just get on with it because we trust each other without reservation!
Our belief is that music created from the soul goes straight to the heart regardless of your location, age, gender, native language or preferred music genre. Our aim is to stimulate your ears and stir your emotions.
"You Changed" Single Review
The track begins right up with some uptempo Electronica energy mixed with oustanding melodies. The track then shifts into a more Alternative Rock feel in the one minute mark as the chorus takes over. The sound utilizes its Synth sound perfectly as it glides along effortlessly to create a wonderful wall of infectious and catchy tones. The two minute mark sees the track twist and turn with more varied sounds. The bridge slows things down for a bit before bursting right back up with soaring melodies to help close out the track in style.
Verdict:
Cabal Central's latest single showcases their multi-genre signature sound perfectly.
-Interview- (3/13/24)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Cabal Central" come about and is there any meaning to it?
Cabal Central started when we both had a long discussion about why we had never made music together. We decided to put that right. We are old friends so it wasn’t difficult when we got started. How do we develop our sound? We don’t think we have a particular sound yet, to be honest with you. Well, we mean we don’t have a flag planted to say ‘this is our sound’ because I think our music identity constantly shifts according to what comes out of us with each song. For example, when we wrote You Changed it was a jazz-influenced ballad with Hammond Organs and Double Basses, but we realised we wanted to switch it up a bit, so we changed Key, raised the tempo, thickened and dirtied the Bass and Drums and went for more aggressive vocals in the choruses... and the rest just followed. The name Cabal Central - it came about because ‘Cabal' has dark, secretive and mysterious undertones in its definition … a bit like Stu! The groove of our first release, 'The Tempest’, had a bit of bass & guitar-filth going on but again it’s a very different vibe to 'Love Lane’, which was our 3rd release. The ‘Central’ potion of our band name was added for its symmetry and strength as an alliteration.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
We don’t ask for anything other than for people to realise that our music is genuine, from the heart and soul….and we hope it puts a bone in their flute! If people are tapping their foot - lovely. If they’re singing along - even better. If people want to get tattoos…go for it!
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
At the moment our sound is a bass & guitar-driven groove, supported by strong harmonies, strings and subtle synths. We’re like a decent pair of leather boots, imperfect and scuffed up with a few cracks!
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Just 3? Impossible! You’re having 5! Whichever band Dave Grohl is in these days, count us in, because he’s incredibly talented and outrageously funny! Michael Gabriel Music because we just love the overall vibe. Paul McCartney - no explanation required! Jamie Webster. If you don’t know Jamie’s music yet you’re in for a treat! BT (Brian Transeau)…genius!
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
It didn’t impact our music or how we produce it but it did help us realise that music is far more important to us than ever. It’s balm for the soul.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
We’re not a rock band so we’re not really qualified to speak about it, but from an outsider’s perspective, like some other genres, it feels over-saturated..but maybe that means there’s just a great deal of talent out there.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in the UK?
Liverpool and Manchester - both cities represent the beating heart of British music. Identical, working-class cities with a strong sense of community is where genuine talent comes from - that rawness and the passion. There’s a lot of honesty in music in places where life is hard-going because there’s always something to sing and shout about. No shortage of talented musicians, some absolutely cracking bands. We’re lucky we’re based in this neck of the woods because there’s a never-ending stream of quality to admire…and this influences us and encourages us.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
If we criticise it we’re hypocrites. If we celebrate we’re insensitive. We signed up for all the streaming services and we went into those agreements with our eyes open. It doesn’t mean anything else..other than there was no alternative; and until a better model comes along this is the lay of the land. It’s 'Hobson’s Choice’! Of course, if you’re earning a decent living through Royalties from millions and millions of streams it’s less of a problem for you…but when you break down the pay-per-play rates can anyone really say it’s a reasonable deal? In contrast to that, the streaming services offer a route for your music to be heard and that’s why they are still in business. In summary, if you want to make a living you must Tour, sell merchandise … and maybe this means more live music will be in your town. Pros and Cons.
9. What’s next for Cabal Central?
Our new single ‘Cloud 9’ is out on the 22nd of March and ‘Feed Me Love’ is planned for later in the year too.
10. Any shoutouts?
First to our fans and friends - we are very grateful for your unwavering support - From The Depths Entertainment are putting on a free bar near you very soon!
Elon Musk, please sponsor Cabal Central and also launch a hostile takeover of the entire music industry and give all Artists a chance to earn something.
To anyone who hasn’t heard our music - go and have a listen, we might just be the band your ears are waiting for.
