King Gizzard Drummer CAVS Embarks on a Sonic ‘Sojourn’ with New Solo Album

Michael “Cavs” Cavanagh steps beyond the drum kit with his second solo album Sojourn, blending rhythmic imagination and mystical soundscapes.

If you've ever been captivated by the thunderous rhythms behind King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s eclectic sound, then Michael “Cavs” Cavanagh’s solo work will feel like a fresh yet familiar journey. Taking a rare breather from his role as the powerhouse drummer of the Aussie psych-rock giants, Cavs is set to drop his second solo album, Sojourn, on April 24 via King Gizzard’s own p(doom) label. The release offers a deeper dive into his solo artistry, expanding far beyond the drum-centric debut he unveiled back in 2021.

From Beat Tape to Full-Bodied Soundscape: The Making of Sojourn

What began as a modest sample-based beat tape grew into something far more vivid and immersive. Co-producer Jim Rindfleish describes the album's evolution with poetic flair:

“Sojourn began as a sample-based beat tape that Cavs had been chipping away at between Gizz commitments. Even in its demo form, the material had a distinctly visual quality. We kept returning to the image of waking up on an uncharted island, covered in dense jungles, waterfalls, and glittering caves. As that vision developed, the material began to resemble the forms of various mystical and undiscovered fauna and flora.”

This striking imagery hints at how the album’s sound is crafted to feel like a sonic exploration—a journey through mysterious, lush realms conjured by Cavs’ rhythmic imagination.

Growing as a Band Leader: Cavs Steps into the Spotlight

While Cavs’ 2021 solo debut CAVS primarily showcased his drumming prowess, Sojourn marks a bold new chapter. The album introduces him not just as a drummer but as a bandleader and sole songwriter—a natural progression for an artist eager to reveal more facets of his musical identity.

Rindfleish shares, “The next logical step for Cavs was to step up as a band leader and sole songwriter. After deciding to record it all with real instruments and players, we began to tap into an aspect of Cavs’ musicality that has perhaps yet to fully surface as the drummer for Gizz. As drummers, we understood each other completely, hearing music in a very similar way. We wanted this record to feel like a journey through Cavs’ rhythmic imagination.”

There’s something truly captivating about a drummer stepping out front and shaping entire soundscapes—not just keeping the beat, but crafting the story itself. Sojourn promises that immersive experience.

A Musical Tapestry: Influences and Collaborators on Sojourn

Fans of jazz and progressive music will find plenty to love in Sojourn. The album nods to legendary drummers like Billy Cobham, Harvey Mason, Tony Williams, and Tony Allen, seamlessly weaving influences from spiritual jazz, progressive rock, and Krautrock.

Cavanagh’s King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard bandmate Joey Walker lends his talents, but the album also features a rich cast of Melbourne-based musicians adding unique textures:

• Adam Halliwell on flute and guitar
• Siwei Wong on harp
• Archibald Pommelhorse on saxophone
• Selene Messinis on keyboards
• Robbin Poppins on percussion

This dynamic ensemble helps expand Sojourn’s sonic palette, delivering layers that evoke the aforementioned lush jungles and sparkling caves. The collaboration breathes life into the album’s otherworldly vision, making it a true collective voyage.

Live Performances on the Horizon

Excitingly, Cavs plans to bring Sojourn to life on stage later this year with some of these talented musicians. For fans, this means experiencing the album’s rhythmic odyssey firsthand, with live improvisations and atmospheric depth that only performance can provide.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s 2026 Plans

While Cavs explores new solo territory, King Gizzard keeps the momentum going with select live performances this year. Their only shows in 2026 are scheduled for August 14-16 at the Field of Vision festival in Colorado, followed by August 20-22 in Forest Hills, New York.

Band member Stu Mackenzie recently revealed in an interview that the group is currently experimenting with new genres: “making techno and bluegrass at the moment. Not at the same time. Well… not yet…” Fans can expect King Gizzard’s trademark adventurous spirit to continue flourishing alongside Cavs’ solo explorations.

Michael "Cavs" Cavanagh, drummer of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (photo: Sarah Findlay).

The First Single: “Candiru”

Ahead of the full album drop, Cavs has shared the lead single “Candiru,” offering a tantalizing glimpse into the lush, rhythmic world of Sojourn. The track immediately immerses listeners in a mesmerizing flow of percussive layers and atmospheric textures, embodying the album’s concept of awakening in an undiscovered, mystical environment.

Give it a listen and get ready to dive headfirst into Cavs’ rhythmic journey.

Why Sojourn Is an Essential Listen

Sojourn isn’t just another solo outing; it’s a bold, creative statement from a musician stepping into the spotlight with fresh confidence. It invites listeners into a vivid soundscape shaped by deep rhythmic intuition, collaborative spirit, and a passion for musical exploration.

Whether you’re a die-hard King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard fan or a seeker of new, boundary-pushing jazz-infused sounds, Cavs’ Sojourn promises a captivating expedition into uncharted sonic territory.

What are your thoughts on drummers turning solo bandleaders? Could Sojourn be the next epic adventure in psych-jazz fusion? Share your thoughts below!

FAQ

• How does Sojourn differ from Cavs’ debut solo album?
  Sojourn moves beyond the drum-heavy style of CAVS by featuring full instrumentation, songwriting, and a broader range of musical influences.
• Who contributed to the album alongside Cavs?
  Melbourne musicians including Joey Walker, Adam Halliwell, Siwei Wong, Archibald Pommelhorse, Selene Messinis, and Robbin Poppins collaborated on the record.
• What genres influence Sojourn?
  The album draws from spiritual jazz, progressive rock, Krautrock, and iconic drumming styles inspired by legends like Billy Cobham and Tony Allen.
• Will Cavs perform Sojourn live?
  Yes, Cavs plans to tour with select musicians later this year to bring the album’s rich soundscapes to life on stage.
• Are King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard touring in 2026?
  Their only confirmed shows are in August at the Field of Vision festival in Colorado and in Forest Hills, New York.

For fans inspired by Cavs’ rhythmic journeys and lush soundscapes, consider elevating your space with a favorite album cover poster. Browse unique prints that celebrate the spirit of musical exploration at our store here. It’s a wonderful way to bring that vibe home.