MUSIC NEWS - CAKE, already regarded as one of the most principled, enduring, self-reliant and best-selling artists in post-alternative rock, are currently working on recording their sixth studio album, with an eco-twist: the new project is being written, rehearsed and recorded entirely with solar power. During the recording process, CAKE is sharing the results with their fans via a set of free ring tones--each based on a song from the upcoming album--released via the band’s mailing list.

And starting today, the first of six ring tones based on brand new album tracks will be released through CAKE’s mailing list. The first ringtone, “Long Time,” is only available for download to members of the CAKE mailing list; to sign up, visit CakeMusic.com.  Every six weeks, they'll release a new ringtone to all mailing list members up until new album release date in Spring 2010.

Says trumpeter VINCE DIFIORE: “All the parts we've written for a song work symbiotically for the whole; however, some hooks have enough merit on their own to justify offering them as utterly satisfying ring tones." "We weren't sure if people were still even listening to albums,” adds songwriter and lead vocalist JOHN McCREA, “so we thought we might just release ring tones and car commercial music instead. This allows people who own cell phones a chance to sample our wares long before an album is ever released. That's what we know people want. Ring tones." And bassist GABRIEL NELSON says simply: "We are proud to offer high quality, custom crafted ring tones to listeners worldwide." 

CAKE teamed with Borrego Solar to convert their entire Sacramento recording studio into solar power. The innovative group documented their break away from the city’s energy grid, as illustrated by this video of CAKE’s solar conversion. watch it here.  Their decision to record the new album entirely with solar power was made for both artistic and environmental reasons: “It just seemed like the right thing to do,” says McCREA. “I believe in science, and science is telling us that we need to make adjustments. Living in California, it seemed like a waste not to take advantage of all the free electricity.” DIFIORE added; “We work in the spirit of cooperation, and when there is something like solar energy above your head, there is a little bit more levity added.”

Earlier this year, on June 9th, CAKE reissued their first album, Motorcade of Generosity as an enhanced CD. The re-issue includes previously unavailable video footage and limited edition decal. The 180g vinyl version of the album features limited edition poster art and sold out in two days.