Caught Inside

This interview was recorded on the 13th of September, 2024.

Caught Inside have come a long way since their early days in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. What began as a few mates jamming together in high school has turned into something much bigger. Now based in Pōneke Wellington, the band’s sound has matured into a unique blend of indie and alternative rock, with their energy and passion as strong as ever.

I had the chance to sit down with Caught Inside’s drummer, Jasper, who’s currently studying jazz at Victoria University of Wellington. Jasper’s mix of formal training and years spent playing in garages and house parties shines through in the band’s sound—a perfect example of how theory and raw musical instinct can collide to create something special.

Jasper’s Musical Journey
A lifelong musician, Jasper’s love for drums began at an early age. Jasper recalled one of his earliest memories of performing:

“There was this school holiday program where, at the end, all the kids would come together to perform. I was maybe seven or eight. I remember playing ‘In the Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins during that, pretending I was the gorilla from the Cadbury ad. They rolled me out in front of the parents, and I just jammed out on my drums. It was a bit ridiculous but a lot of fun!”

From those early performances, Jasper has honed his skills, going on to study jazz performance at the New Zealand School of Music. He finds the academic environment both a blessing and a challenge, as it sometimes pulls the spontaneity out of music but ultimately makes him a better player. “Jazz school has definitely shaped me,” he admits. “It’s made me more competitive and has pushed me to think about arrangement and structure in a new way.”

Caught Inside’s Origins
Like many bands, Caught Inside started by chance. Jasper recalls the chaotic start:
“It was 2019, and the band was asked to play this big gig for a climate march. The drummer at the time couldn’t make it, so they called me—probably the best drummer they knew!” Jasper laughs. “I hadn’t done much gigging, but they needed someone, and I agreed to do it. We practiced for a few days and played in front of 5,000 people. Honestly, it was terrible, but they must’ve liked me enough to keep me on.”

That last-minute performance may have been rough, but it solidified Jasper’s place in Caught Inside and set the foundation for their lineup. Playing in garages and playing small local shows, they began to develop their own voice, influenced by the music they were listening to at the time. Jasper laughs as he remembers their first gig, played in front of a handful of mates at a friend’s house party. “We were pretty rough back then, but it was fun. We just kept going with it.”

Finding a New Sound
Relocating to Pōneke a couple of years ago brought a new chapter for the band. Jasper and the band moved south to pursue their studies, drawn in by Wellington’s more intimate music scene. “Wellington’s got such a tight-knit music community,” Jasper says. “You see the same people at gigs, and there’s a real sense of community. In Auckland, the scene’s bigger, but it’s also more competitive. There are more opportunities to fail, but also more chances to succeed.”

The shift has influenced their music as well. “We’re still the same band at the core,” Jasper explains, “but we’ve definitely grown. Moving here has helped us find more confidence in what we’re doing.” Recently the band has expanded their lineup, with the addition of a horn player and a saxophonist.

Jazz school has also influenced the band’s journey, not just by adding new members but by exposing them to a wider range of musical styles. “We’ve taken on a horn player and a trumpeter, and that’s opened up new avenues for us musically,” Jasper says. “Our sound has evolved, and it’s exciting to see where it will go next.

The Vinyl Release
In August 2024, Caught Inside released their first-ever vinyl—a significant milestone for any band. Jasper explains that the process was a long one: “We recorded the album two years ago, released it last year, and only got the vinyl out this year. It took about a year to press.” The band opted for vinyl over other physical formats due to its nostalgic appeal and physical presence. “CDs are cool, but vinyl just has a certain magic to it.”

 “We’ve always been big on the idea of physical releases,” Jasper says. “There’s something special about holding a record in your hands. It makes the music feel more real. We’ve sold about 40 so far, and you can find it in places like Flying Nun Records.”

What’s Next for Caught Inside?
So, where does Caught Inside go from here? Jasper is hopeful about the future but also keeps things realistic. “We’d love to play a New Year’s festival—hopefully next year,” he says. The band has already made a name for themselves at Wellington events like CubaDupa and Wellington Jazz Fest, but their sights are set on bigger stages.

For Caught Inside, it’s about continuing to push themselves, both musically and as a band. Their journey from Tāmaki Makaurau to Pōneke has been one of growth, learning, and—above all—staying true to who they are as musicians. And with their first vinyl out in the world, it’s clear they’re just getting started.

Follow Caught Inside on Instagram @caughtinsideband