Cake

USA, 1991–now

Sacramento band led by John McCrea, formed in 1991. Deadpan spoken-sung vocals, trumpet and a magpie mix of country, funk, mariachi and hip-hop made hits like 'The Distance' and 'Never There' — a wry, unmistakable strand of '90s alt-rock.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Cake and 0 artists Cake influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Cake?

• Sly and the Family Stone — John McCrea cites Sly and the Family Stone as a key influence — their funk grooves underpin Cake's deadpan alt-funk.
• Hank Williams — Hank Williams's plainspoken country songcraft feeds Cake's dry, twangy Americana streak.