After more than a decade away from releasing a full-length album, The Cab is officially back — and not quietly. In a heartfelt conversation on the Rock Titan Podcast, frontman Alex DeLeo opened up about the band’s long hiatus, the emotional journey behind Chasing Crowns, and why now felt like the perfect time to return.
For longtime fans, it’s more than just a comeback album. It’s a reunion years in the making.
From Vegas to “Nash Vegas”
Originally rooted in Las Vegas, The Cab built a loyal following during the late 2000s emo-pop and Warped Tour explosion. Today, however, Alex calls Nashville home — a move that wasn’t driven purely by career ambition, but by something more personal.
While many assume Nashville is strictly for country artists, Alex explained that the city has evolved into a creative haven for musicians across every genre. From pop and rock producers to hip-hop collaborators, Music City has become exactly that: a city where people genuinely love music.
“It really is small town and big city in one,” Alex shared during the interview. “As a musician, how could you not love being somewhere people care this much about music?”
That passion clearly rubbed off creatively.
Why Chasing Crowns Had to Be a Full Album
Released on April 24, 2024, Chasing Crowns marks The Cab’s first full-length release in 13 years. And instead of following modern streaming trends with a handful of singles or a short EP, the band went all in with an ambitious 18-track project.
For Alex, that decision came down to one thing: the fans.
Throughout the hiatus, The Cab’s music quietly exploded online. Songs began reaching platinum status. Streaming numbers surged unexpectedly. Fans flooded social media daily asking for “just one more song” or “one more tour.”
The support never disappeared.
“We didn’t know the last tour was the last tour,” Alex admitted. “So the least we could do after 13 years was give fans a real album.”
The result is a record designed to satisfy every era of The Cab listener — from Warped Tour veterans to newer fans discovering the band through streaming playlists and Sirius Hits 1.
Although the album technically includes three interludes and intros, the project still represents a massive creative undertaking, especially considering the band reportedly narrowed the final tracklist down from roughly 50 songs.
Creativity During the Pandemic
Ironically, one of the most productive periods for Alex came during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Living in Nashville at the time, he transformed his home into a creative sanctuary alongside close friends and collaborators. Songwriters and producers moved into the house, forming what Alex jokingly described as a “creative bubble.”
Some days involved nonstop songwriting sessions stretching until 3 a.m. Other days were spent relaxing on the porch with tequila and cornhole. But regardless of the mood, creativity flourished.
“We were writing three songs a day sometimes,” he said. “There was nothing else to do but create.”
That freedom allowed Alex and his collaborators to experiment across genres including pop, rock, and R&B — ultimately helping shape the diverse sound found throughout Chasing Crowns.
The Emotional Core of the Album
One of the most powerful moments of the interview came when discussing the song “Every Universe,” a deeply personal track inspired by Alex’s wife.
Written during a sleepless, jet-lagged night after returning from Copenhagen, the song came together in roughly 20 minutes — one of those rare moments where inspiration simply pours out naturally.
“It just wrote itself,” Alex explained.
The track explores themes of fate, spirituality, love, and human connection without becoming overly literal or preachy. And according to Alex, fans immediately connected with its honesty.
In fact, he noted that the album’s most personal songs — including “Every Universe” and “Hellraiser,” inspired by his young daughter — have quickly become fan favorites.
“You can’t trick people,” he said. “Fans know when something’s real.”
That authenticity may ultimately be what makes Chasing Crowns resonate so strongly. Beneath the polished production and catchy hooks is a genuine emotional vulnerability that gives the album weight.
The Cab Experience — Bigger Than Ever
The Cab’s return isn’t limited to the studio.
The band is also preparing for an extensive run of live shows, including stops on Warped Tour in Long Beach and Orlando, along with their aptly titled “Back From the Dead” tour.
For the first time in the band’s history, fans will experience full-scale production, lighting, and the longest setlist The Cab has ever performed. Even more exciting for longtime listeners, the band plans to perform songs live that they’ve never previously played on stage — including tracks fans have waited nearly two decades to hear.
“It feels like we finally get to see what a Cab show can really look like,” Alex said.
For a band that once toured in vans and trailers during the height of the Warped Tour era, the moment feels earned.
A Comeback Fueled by Passion
What stands out most about Alex DeLeo isn’t just his talent as a vocalist or songwriter — it’s the gratitude.
Throughout the interview, he repeatedly credited the fans for keeping The Cab alive during the years away. And now, with Chasing Crowns, the band seems less interested in chasing trends and more focused on creating meaningful music that reconnects with the people who never stopped listening.
In an era dominated by quick-hit singles and algorithm-driven releases, The Cab’s return feels refreshingly sincere.
And if Chasing Crowns proves anything, it’s that authenticity never goes out of style.
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