Caustic Casanova Announce Hiatus; Drummer Stefanie Zaenker Leaves Band
This one hits a little harder than this kind of news generally might, in part because Caustic Casanova so gleefully seemed to stomp all over the proverbial ‘next level’ with their 2022 album, Glass Enclosed Nerve Center (review here), which — if you have to have that as your last record, at least it saves you the trouble of trying to top it. I’ve gone on and on about its multi-tiered brilliance, and the performance on vocals and drums of Stefanie Zaenker is a crucial, integral part of that. As regards the band in its until-now-current configuration, she is essential personnel. Her leaving after 18 years, well, that’s a tough one to take.
On the other hand, after 18 years, I sincerely doubt she owes anyone anything, so if it was time to go, that’s all there is to it. Bassist/vocalist Francis Beringer — the four-piece is (was?) completed by guitarists Jake Kimberley and Andrew Yonki — posted the following on social media and I think in reading the personal nature of that loss comes through. I don’t know how Caustic Casanova moves forward without Zaenker in the lineup, but I also can’t imagine being a drummer, hearing their last record, and not wanting to join the band, so it’s entirely possible they might find somebody and be able to keep going. No question that any future incarnation would be a significant change in style and personality. If you ever saw them live (I’m sad I didn’t for this album) or checked them out at all, you know Zaenker was one of a kind in what she brought to the mix. I would have loved to see that full-arrangement “Bull Moose Against the Sky.”
So yeah, deep exhale. Here’s the post:
Hello, Francis here.
Stefanie has decided to leave Caustic Casanova, permanently and effective immediately. There will be no final shows or goodbye tours or anything like that, unfortunately.
For 18 amazing years, she was the beating heart and belting soul of this eclectic music machine that went from college dorm room band to a nationally touring heavy rock behemoth. She is an elite level drummer, masterful composer, and all-around fantastic musician. She became an outstanding co-vocalist and, most recently, keyboardist. She booked tours, handled logistics, drove the van, and did anything and everything to help this band succeed. In many ways, she was the leader of Caustic Casanova. She put everything she had into it. The amount of times she resolutely kept us going when things looked bleak: you have no idea. CC wouldn’t have made it five years, much less eighteen, without her strength and vision, determination and grit. Eventually, all truly great things do come to an end. Honestly, more important than the music is the bond that Stefanie and I shared since 2005, that Andrew and her shared since 2012 (and before that, too, as friends), and that Jake and her shared since 2019. Touring that much, writing that much, practicing that much, hanging out that much (24/7 on the road) — it’s a kind of closeness with another human being few will ever know. It’s so sad to lose it, to know that it’s over. It doesn’t just feel like a part of me is gone — a major part of me IS gone. 18 years is a long time to be a rhythm section.
Her first show was April 20th, 2005 at Lodge One, Williamsburg, VA, The College of William and Mary. Her final show was December 19th, 2022 at Highlands Tap Room, Louisville, KY, for Metal Monday. In between that time we played in almost every state in the lower 48, as well as in three provinces of Canada.
Where this leaves the band I simply cannot say. The idea of Stef taking a break, or bowing out, had been bandied about since the winter. I hoped she might reconsider. Later I thought there might be some transition over to another drummer with her help and blessing. I even fantasized about getting in a farewell show or two. I hoped to play “Bull Moose Against the Sky” live, at least once, with J Robbins and Howard Parker on stage and a guest on keyboards. Many nights I fell asleep imagining a packed house at Pie Shop in DC erupting as we kicked into the 22 minute song with the acapella intro. Unfortunately, none of that can happen anymore.
Part of me thinks this is the natural end of Caustic Casanova. Part of me thinks, considering all our successes in 2022, that the band should continue, if the right drummer can be found, though that’s an extremely tall order. Part of me thinks an indefinite hiatus is the way to go, so I can process all of this. If you’ve got thoughts, advice, encouragement, feel free to share. Also, feel free to share your favorite Zaenker memories from shows, records, couchsurfing, hanging out, etc! Let’s celebrate Stef’s indelible contributions to CC, the DC music scene, and the larger heavy rock/stoner/doom scene.
Regardless of what happens with the band, there will be additional recordings released digitally this summer, all featuring Stef on drums and vocals. The live version of Filth Castle / Poor Wigs from Sky Stage and the EPPPCOT EP will go on all streaming services, and we’ll have Pantheon: Vol. 4 after that, and then a live recording will follow. I am not anticipating anything physical for these but you never know.
I ask that you please not speculate about or discuss the band members’ personal lives in the comments. If you do, it will be deleted. Please reach out to one of us individually if you want clarification. The social media accounts are entirely run by me (Fran) now.
One final time, thank you to Stefanie Zaenker for eighteen amazing years of bringing the thunder behind the kit and being such a wonderful part of our lives! I know I speak for the band and all of CC Nation when we loudly proclaim: WE WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!
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Fuuuuuuuuck! What an absolute bummer.
Was at their last show at that Metal Monday and they absolutely killed it. Fantastic band, they’re gonna be missed.