Interview: Phil Caivano (Caivano, Monster Magnet, Murphy’s Law, Blitzspeer)

With a passion for music that has spanned decades, Phil Caivano has made a significant impact on the NYC scene through his work with Monster Magnet, Murphy’s Law, Blitzspeer, and Shrapnel. Having recently released his debut full-length album, Phil was eager to share his experiences and insights into his music career. Join us as we dive deep into his musical journey, influences, and the creative process behind his latest work. Enjoy!

---

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. How have you been?  

Things are really good. I’ve been working on a very cool project call Soma  Kirtan. Great guys super fun project.

Congratulations on the release of your debut solo album, “CAIVANO”! Can you  tell us about the creative process behind the album and how it differs from your  work with Monster Magnet? 

Thank You! The creative was pretty simple. I started going threw some riff  while I had time during the pandemic. The core of the record was in place so I  buckled down to finish it up. The main difference is I did everything except play  drums. With Magnet Dave has great demos he’s put together. Nobody writes  like Dave. Once the creative process starts it just starts snowballing. I love  working with him. I’ll do whatever it takes. Dave, Garret, Bob and now Alec we  have such good chemistry. At the end of the day it was similar. 

Have worked on your solo album provided any new perspectives or  approaches to your music? 

The man, thing for me is to keep things simple during the process. In the past I  would try all kinds of crazy things only to come back to simplicity. It always wins.  With this album I stuck with the same guitars and amps throughout the recording.  In the past I changed things up a lot. I didnt want to get caught up in the  engineering side of things too far. I do love switching things up but it can be time consuming. I wanted to keep it moving. 

What inspired you to venture into these new musical territories? 

Really just having the time to do it. With all the down time and stuff going on, music has always been the thing that I turn to. The world was crazy at the time so  I did what I know how to do to escape. The inspiration came from within. I keep  the outside chatter out of it . 

You collaborated with Monster Magnet drummer Bob Pantella for the album. How  did his musical sensibility and percussion contribute to the overall sound and vibe  of the record?

I could not have done it without Bob. We work so well together. I dont consider  Bob a drummer. He’s a musician. There’s a big difference! When I brought the  first 3 songs to Bob I knew it was going to be lot of fun recording and mixing with  Bob.

With such a diverse musical background, how do you balance your work as a  producer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and rhythm guitarist? Do these different  roles inform and influence each other? 

I enjoy taking on the different roles. I was aways fascinated with recording  studios, gear, sounds. All of it. I like taking on whatever role presents its self. I  like to do what’s in front of me. I started as a bass player. I believe in building a  solid foundation so the things on top usually find their place. The engineering side  is always nuts. If people saw my setups they would be like “what the hell is he  thinking.“ Some times I will work backwards with a simple guitar part and build  around it. A lot of times that little guitar part stays in the final track. There are no  rules at all and yes they end up influencing each other all the time.  

Over your career, you’ve worked with notable bands like Hatebreed, L7, and  Agnostic Front. How have these collaborations shaped you as a musician and  influenced your approach to music? 

Definitely. Ive been fortunate to be around some amazing people. You can’t help  but be influenced by the bands you mentioned. I learned so much from the  producers I’ve worked with. Matt Hyde, Joe Barresi, Zeuss, and Joe DeMaio. I  first met Joe through L7. After working with Matt on Monster Magnet he brought  me in to work with Hatebreed. On that session I met Zeuss. Joe DeMaio is an old  friend who has Shorefire where I’ve been recording for years. Each and every  project has always been an influence. Being in the studio with Agnostic Front was  such a blast because I remember when they first started. Roger is one of my  favorite vocalist ever. Watching him and Zeuss was special for me. And what can I say about Stigma ? Simply amazing.

Could you share some insights into your early musical journey, from your time with Shrapnel and Murphy’s Law to your involvement in the thrash metal band Blitzspeer? How did these experiences shape your musical path? 

I was a teenager in Shrapnel. It was an amazing time being around all the great  things going on in NYC at the time. CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas City were my Disneyland! I moved to NYC during that time. When that scene stated to die out the Hardcore, Noise scene really interested me. That’s when I met all the guys in that scene. Blitzspeer started around that time. Scott Lano scraped me up and  put a guitar in my hands. Before that I mostly played bass. We were off to the races! It was a very fun time to be in NYC so many cool things going on all the  time. When Blitzspeer was done Jimmy and Todd asked me to play bass for a  European tour. I always wanted to get over there. I can not thank Jimmy and  Todd enough for that opportunity.That tour led to some more touring and writing “The Best of Times” record. All the experiences are my musical path, road,  whatever has been my life.

As a guitarist, what techniques or playing styles do you find most captivating or  enjoyable? How do you incorporate them into your own music? 

I don’t know a lot about techniques. It’s always been about attitude with me. It  goes back to seeing Johnny Thunders, Brian Gregory of the Cramps, Johnny  Ramone, Ron Ashton, Hawkwind, Lemmy, Fast Eddie Clark, and Dave Brock. These  guys made me know I could do it. Before that I wanted to play but didn’t think I was any good. They basically told me “Fuck it”. Grab that thing and just play! The  Velvet Underground records were also a huge influence. Even the band Suicide who didn’t even have a guitar gave me ideas to bring into it. Everything I’ve been  influenced by is in my DNA. It comes out one way or another.

“CAIVANO” is a self-titled and self-released record. What led you to take on the  responsibilities of production, mixing, and release for this album, and how did it  affect your creative process? 

It all just started happening. Wendigo Productions gave me the opportunity to  move forward. Like I said, I finally had the time. Once the wheels started moving,  Bob getting involved there was know turning back. I had no pressure so I enjoyed  the process throughout. 

How do you approach songwriting? Do you have any specific rituals or methods  that you find effective in capturing your musical ideas? 

It starts with a riff.Once that gets going I see where it leads. I’m fortunate I have a  cool studio. I’m always messing around with stuff. I don’t have any rituals or  methods. Well, maybe the ritual is to turn the phone off! Forget about the outside  racket! Keep distractions to a minimum.

“CAIVANO” features powerful and dynamic vocal performances. How do you  approach vocal recording and find the right balance between your guitar playing  and singing? 

The vocals were the hardest part. I’ve worked with so many great vocalists I knew  what had to be done. I had to put the guitar down and get in front of the mic. I  had to get comfortable with my voice and just go for it. I got a lot of encouragement from Dave and my close friends when I was doing it. They all said  the same thing. Just get on with it. Once I got the vocals on it I came back to  finish guitar. I like to get vocals on songs before going full on with guitar. A lot of  bands and producers wait until the end. I don’t like that because guitar can get in  the way of the vocal. It all needs to find its place. 

What impact do you believe your involvement with Monster Magnet has had on  your solo career? How  does your solo work reflect your artistic growth and individuality? 

Monster Magnet means everything to me. Dave gave me the opportunity to play  guitar in an amazing band. He helped me learn how to craft a song that has impact with out that I don’t know if I would’ve done this. All I really did was record  some stuff I put together over a period of time. I feel like I’m playing the best guitar of my life these days. My solo record is just an extension of what Dave gave  me to opportunity to do.

How do you see your solo career progressing alongside your work with Monster  Magnet? Do you have any plans for future solo releases or collaborations? 

I dont know where it’s going to go. If it makes some sense to play these songs out, I will. Monster Magnet is my main priority, plain and simple. I don’t have plans right  now to do another record. That doesn’t mean I won’t do it. It the right collaboration presents itself I will explore it.

Do you have any plans to bring “CAIVANO” to the stage in the future, and if so,  what can fans expect from your live shows? 

If it makes sense I will play. It will be a dirty Rock n Roll experience! 

Are there any specific themes or messages that you hope listeners take away  from “CAIVANO”? What do you want your music to evoke in your audience? 

No special messages. If ya dig it cool. If ya dont find something ya dig. I hope people have fun with this record. I had fun making it.

“CAIVANO” was mastered by Bill Skibbe, known for his work with artists like Jack  White and The Black Keys. How did Skibbe’s expertise enhance the final sound of  the album? 

Bill was amazing to work with. He brought it past the point I envisioned when Bob  and I were mixin . He got it right off the bat. His experience was invaluable.  Mastering is such an art. I knew I wanted him involved from our first conversation.

Are there any particular artists or bands from the past or present that have had a  profound influence on your musical style and approach? How have they impacted  your music? 

I always loved all kinds of music, but it was the NYC Scene that had the biggest  influence all those people and bands. And of course Motorhead from the second I  heard them. Lemmy’s sound just grabbed me. I also love all kinds of art. The list  is endless. My dad was an artist. I was always around it. I learned early on to go for it and believe in it. 

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are looking to find their  unique voice and navigate the music industry? 

I always say if it’s in your blood it’s your obligation to do it. Do something creative  what ever that may be. Don’t sit back. Trust the process. Live it.  

Looking back on your musical journey so far, is there a particular moment or  achievement that stands out as a defining or memorable experience for you? 

The first time Shrapnel play Max’s there were maybe 10 people there. This girl  comes right in front on me, lights a cigar and blows smokes at us the whole time. It was amazing. I knew right there I had to do this forever.  

The time Dave Brock asked my to play some songs with Hawkwind in Finland. We  were waiting to go out for the encore. Lemmy is standing there and says hello to me. Walks out, picks up his bass and starts Silver Machine!!! Im onstage playing with Lemmy and Dave Brock. Two of my biggest influences. I was like how is this kid from New Jersey on stage with these guys. I could’ve been struck by lightening that night and not cared! 

That’s it. Thank you so much for your time. Anything you would like to say to our  readers? 

Thank you as well. Readers… Rock on! Enjoy the record and hope to see ya in my  travels!