Cameron Cox, lead singer and saxophonist of Kaua‘i’s own Applesauce, said he and his group strive to “keep the dance floor going and keep people’s ears perked up.” So far, this high-energy quintet of musicians has had no trouble turning
Cameron Cox, lead singer and saxophonist of Kaua‘i’s own Applesauce, said he and his group strive to “keep the dance floor going and keep people’s ears perked up.”
So far, this high-energy quintet of musicians has had no trouble turning heads, delivering a progressive sound infused with funk and rock.
“We just really clicked right away,” Cox said. “Since then it’s just been like an endless stream of writing and performing.”
Earlier this month, in front of a jam-packed Trees Lounge in Kapa‘a, Applesauce unveiled its first EP during the “Sauce EP Release Party.” Today, they’re gearing up to record their first full-length album in July.
If you haven’t had a chance to catch them live, Applesauce performs tonight at 9:30 p.m. at Backyards Bar and Grill in Kapa‘a.
Bassist-producer Paul Cline — who is also the CEO and founder of UnKnown Endeavors (U.K.E.) — described Applesauce as “a rock-funk band with an eye toward classic rock sensibilities.”
“Musicianship is paramount and we inspire to always put on a quality show,” he said.
Cox added that the group also dabbles in hip-hop, jazz and electronica. The handful of cover songs they do perform, Applesauce makes them their own.
In 2008, Cox, guitarist Rory Marsh and drummer Chris “Hamster” White-Root moved from Kaua‘i to Seattle to pursue their love of music. To make a long story short, Cox said the three of them ended up “getting over the city, and mostly the cold.”
They moved back to Kaua‘i, where they joined forces with Cline and percussionist Dan Muench to form Applesauce.
“We’ve just been gelling as guys,” Cox said. “It’s really nice to be in a band with like-minded people.”
Cline said everyone brings something unique to the table, which has allowed the group to do everything on their own, from production to designing all of their own posters, merchandise and stickers.
“We want to be in-house, and I think that’s kind of the way of the future,” Cline said.
For now, Applesauce is focused on entrenching itself in the Hawai‘i music scene. But the long-term goal is to take their sound to the Mainland.
“We want to be professional musicians and make a living doing this thing,” said Cox, adding that the motivation and talent is there to make it happen.
First and foremost, Cox said he and his bandmates are lovers of music. If they can reach one person out of a million, Cox said he would be a happy guy.
“Our basic collective trip is to try to spread some love that we get from music — or positivity or inspiration,” he said.
Cline said Applesauce offers something completely unique for Kaua‘i and the response so far has been incredibly positive.
“I think the band really resonates with people.”
Applesauce performs tonight at Backyards and June 28 at Trees Lounge.
For more information visit www.applesauceband.com.
