(Artist Report)

Written by: Jake Beach  

Cage the Elephant, the American rock band from Bowling Green, Kentucky, has charted a remarkable course since their formation in 2006. After relocating to London in 2008, the band released their self-titled debut album, garring substantial attention and producing chart-topping singles. The current lineup features frontman Matt Shultz, his brother Brad, Nick Bockrath, Matthan Minster, Daniel Tichenor, and Jared Champion. Initially gaining traction with their eclectic sound—a fusion of classic rock, '90s alternative, blues, punk, and funk—their debut album established them as a formidable force in the music scene, particularly with the hit single "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked."

The band's evolution continued with their second album, Thank You, Happy Birthday, released in 2011, which embraced punk rock influences. Their third effort, Melophobia (2013), sought to carve out a unique identity, while the fourth album, Tell Me I'm Pretty, released in 2015 and produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, marked a new artistic direction. The band's discography includes the live album Unpeeled (2017) and Social Cues (2019). Their sixth studio album, Neon Pill, was released on May 17, 2024, adding to their impressive catalogue. Cage the Elephant was recognized with Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album in 2017 and 2020.

Before achieving musical success, the band members held various jobs: Matt Shultz worked as a plumber and at a sandwich shop with Brad. At the same time, Daniel Tichenor was employed at Lowe's, and Jared Champion worked in a pet store. Nick Bockrath played in bands like Nicos Gun and Morning Teleportation before joining Cage the Elephant. Their musical journey traces back to their high school days with the band Perfect Confusion, which released a self-titled album in 2005. The name "Cage the Elephant" was born from an encounter in 2006 where a man advised Matt Shultz to "cage the elephant."

Following their performance at the 2007 South by Southwest music festival, Cage the Elephant signed with Relentless Records and began touring with renowned acts like Queens of the Stone Age in Canada. However, their move to London posed challenges, especially with parental guardianship issues due to some members being underage. Their debut album was officially released in the UK on June 23, 2008, and received critical acclaim. The lead single's exposure through video games and films, including the inclusion of "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" in the video game Borderlands and the film The Bounty Hunter, contributed to their initial success. The song became iTunes' free single of the week in April 2009.

The band quickly gained momentum, supporting notable acts like The Pigeon Detectives in 2008 and Silversun Pickups in 2009. A pivotal moment in their early career came with a performance on the Late Show with David Letterman in July 2009. They made their festival debut at Lollapalooza and participated in the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival that summer. Their second album, Thank You, Happy Birthday, debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 39,000 copies in its first week.

In 2011, Cage the Elephant's rise continued with extensive live performances and a nomination for the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video for "Shake Me Down." They topped Rolling Stone's "Reader's Poll: The Best New Artist of 2011," surpassing fellow Bowling Green band Sleeper Agent.

The release of Melophobia on October 8, 2013, generated significant anticipation. The lead single, "Come a Little Closer," was released following a teaser on the band's YouTube channel. Shultz described the album as reflecting the struggle to create authentic music free from societal pressures. It also featured singles like "Take It or Leave It" and "Cigarette Daydreams." However, the band's lineup experienced a shift when guitarist Lincoln Parish left in December 2013 to focus on his production company, leading to Nick Bockrath stepping in as lead guitarist.

The subsequent album, Tell Me I'm Pretty, released on December 18, 2015, further highlighted the band's artistic growth, cementing their status as a significant player in the contemporary rock landscape. As Cage the Elephant continues to evolve, their journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs of a band committed to authenticity and innovation in music.

Cage the Elephant made a notable return with their fourth studio album, Tell Me I'm Pretty, which hit shelves on December 18, 2015. The album, produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, showcases the band's desire to explore new soundscapes, infusing the project with a distinct psychedelic quality.

The first single, "Mess Around," debuted on October 29, 2015, drawing inspiration from iconic acts such as Outkast and The Black Keys. To further promote the album, the band released a second single, "Trouble," along with the track "Too Late To Say Goodbye."

The striking album cover features model Rachel Sykes, whom lead singer Matt Shultz praised for her beauty and relatable depth. Tell Me I'm Pretty signifies a bold artistic evolution for the band and earned them their first Grammy Award, marking a significant milestone in their career.

On November 26, 2018, Cage the Elephant announced on Twitter that their new album was "Done. Mixed. Mastered." They released a sample of the song "Ready to Let Go" on Instagram on January 7, 2019. They officially released it as the album's first single on January 31.

On February 11, they announced a summer 2019 co-headlining tour with Beck, who is featured in the track "Night Running" from the album. "Social Cues" was released via RCA Records on April 19, 2019. A "Ready to Let Go" music video was also released on January 31. In September 2019, they announced tour dates for early 2020 in the UK and Europe.

The album won the band's second Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards 2020. They contributed a cover of Metallica's "The Unforgiven" to the charity album The Metallica Blacklist in September 2021.

After a five-year hiatus from the music scene, Cage The Elephant made a triumphant return with the release of their new single "Neon Pill" on January 19, 2024. The track, which John Hill produced, was recorded at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas. Following the success of "Neon Pill," the band released a second single titled "Good Time" on April 4, 2024. Both tracks are featured on their sixth studio album, "Neon Pill," which debuted on May 17, 2024.

A significant announcement on September 30, 2024, revealed that Cage The Elephant would be opening for all stops of the North American leg of the highly anticipated Oasis Live '25 reunion tour.

Additionally, "Neon Pill" garnered critical acclaim, receiving a nomination for Best Alternative Music Performance at the Grammy Awards in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the band's career.

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