CakeWalk is a nine-piece band made up of Tulane students that dabble in soul, funk, and pop music. They opened for Smashmouth at the Tulane University Homecoming concert, and now are in talks for a Back to School show at Gasa Gasa this spring. Recently, I had an opportunity to sit down with one of the lead vocalists, Piper Browne, and discuss her experience balancing music and schoolwork in the context of the Big Easy.
What would you say is your style of singing, and how does mesh with the rest of the band?
Kyle, Jenna, and I all have very different voice types, which I think is one of the best parts about having three different vocalists. It adds diversity to the bands overall sound and makes sure that each one of our songs has a little something different to it. Even though we all have very different styles, our voices actually mesh together really nicely. We generally have one person sing lead and the other two on backup with some sweet harmonies. I would describe Kyle’s voice as Motown meets neosoul, Jenna’s as soulful betty pop with theater/classical undertones, and my own voice as jazzy pop with folk undertones.
What other groups are you a part of on campus?
Music wise, I have been in Green Envy A Cappella since freshmen year. That and CakeWalk have been my main music groups for the past year. Before CakeWalk I was in a band with some other friends Saf City and was in one of Tulane’s jazz combos my sophomore year.
Has your singing, and/or performing changed since you got to New Orleans?
I would say my singing and performing have definitely changed since I’ve gotten to New Orleans. In high school I did a lot of musical theater and choir. Once I got to Tulane I started studying jazz voice, singing pop with Green Envy, and now funk with CakeWalk. I haven’t done any theater or even choir type music since I’ve been at Tulane. My time here has really solidified my unique and versatile sound and has made me realize what kind of music I really love singing. As far as performing, I did a lot of performing before I got here, but definitely performing of a different kind. Through Green Envy I’ve learned how to perform very in sync with about 15 other people on a stage and keep up complicated voice parts while listening to three others and dancing to the groove. With CakeWalk I’ve learned how to really let lose while on stage and improv. I have always loved performing and being on stage, and my time in New Orleans has only increased that love.
Who are your biggest influences, and why?
I would say my biggest influences in the music realm are the other musicians I perform with 100%. I was trying to think of famous people that I listen to and look to for ideas and advice, and there have definitely been some of those over the years, but I am surrounded by so many talented singers and performers constantly in my different music endeavors that I really don’t have to look very far. They all bring something so special to our groups and when I hear something they do that I love, I’ll try to recreate it with my own Piper twist. Specifically, Jenna Winston has pushed me to new vocal heights more than I’m sure she even knows. That girl can absolutely wail and never ceases to amaze me. I’ve always felt pretty sure about my own vocal range and capabilities, but I think I was being a little timid with it and standing next to Jenna up there and listening to her belt out crazy lines, timid is definitely something one can be. She has forced me to open my mind and try new things and push myself even when I think I probably won’t be able to make it up to whatever note I’m reaching for. I still remain faithful to my lower more jazzy and sultry? Haha (that’s what I go for at least) sound, but because of her I’ve really pushed myself and sang parts I never used to think I could.
What are your favorite venues in New Orleans?
My favorite venues are always the clubs on Frenchmen. I love how intimate they are and how close you can get to the stage and performers. It’s a completely different experience and you really feel like you’re a part of it. I love surrounding myself with the kind of people who go to these clubs as well. Everyone gets so into the music and doesn’t even think judge when you just have to go a little wild on the dance flow…if anything, they’ll just join you!
What is the greatest challenge you've faced as a performer?
I’ll be honest, singing backup has definitely been a challenge in different ways. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in your own part and solo when you’re up on stage and switching gears and singing backup can feel like a bummer in the moment, but now it has turned into one of my favorite things. Especially with Green Envy where we have really complicated, beautiful, and overall amazing background parts, knowing your part and singing in sync with the rest of the group, eyes locking and bodies bouncing, while the lead sings over us is an amazing feeling. It’s when I feel most cohesive with the group and when I really appreciate the beauty and complexity of a cappella. In CakeWalk, being a backup singer is just plain fun. We come up with catchy, funky background harmonies and belt out those (and dance…a lot) while the lead wails on top of them. I think it takes our band to the next level and being a part of creating that is incredible.
What is you favorite show you've ever played? (What/Where/When/Why etc.)
I think my favorite CakeWalk show has been the one we played at Cafe P (Cafe Prytania) at the beginning of the semester. We opened for Naughty Professor which was so cool and such an honor and it was our first show back together after the summer and it was just pure magic. I had been missing the guys and Jenna, and making music tougher, a ton. The singers also wore overalls, which was clutch. We were vibing with each other hardcore and I’m pretty sure the audience could feel the love emanating from all of our instruments.
What does the future hold for CakeWalk, and for you?
In the immediate future, we’re working to book some studio time to record some of our originals and hopefully release an EP of sorts. That’s our primary goal at the moment, so we’ll be putting a hold on performing for a couple weeks, probably until around Mardi Gras. And as far as my personal future…I’ll be working to take advantage of every sweet moment I have left as a student at Tulane as a second semester senior. Being a senior is definitely bittersweet. On one hand, I’d like to be a Tulane student forever, but on the other hand (and I’m more so on this hand), I really cannot wait to get into the real world and start my new life in a different part of Nola.
Check out the CakeWalk in our Homecoming video!
Justin Picard
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