Dodge the Caravan is Eva Bush on vocals, Zach Brown on guitar, Caleb Walker on bass and vocals, and Noah Ankeney on drumsPhoto byPatty Bush
You’ve probably never heard of punk band Dodge the Caravan, yet. With Eva Bush on vocals, Zach Brown on guitar, Caleb Walker on bass and vocals, and Noah Ankeney on drums, this group brings together a powerful combination of skill, talent, and creativity.
The group started playing together in 2019 with middle-schoolers Eva and Zach. Zach invited Caleb, who in turn asked Noah to step in to play the drums. Noah says this was “the best decision I ever made.” All four shared music teacher Rueben Johnson in common, who they say was a big support and inspiration. Johnson not only brought the students together as their teacher, but also allowed the group to practice together and helped them to grow as a band. As music lovers, they want to share that love with one another, and to bring that love of music and the fun they have while performing with their audience.
All four members of Dodge the Caravan play guitar, thanks to Johnson, who taught them all. Vocalist Eva Bush credits her elementary school music teacher and her vocal coach Debbie Rosenthal as being both influential and supportive in her growth as an artist. Bush also gives kudos to her dance teachers Amber Towns and Michelle Colombia as well as theatre teachers Jessica Plog-Bacik and Victoria Jumpe. Noah Ankeney took formal drum lessons for a few months, but is mainly self-taught.
Their musical influences cover a wide range of genres. Ankeney’s first interest in music was sparked when he was in sixth grade. His father introduced him to punk rock bands like the Ramones, Black Flag, and Minor Threat, which inspired him to begin writing his own music. His biggest influences include Henry Rollins; Dave Grohl; Joey, Tommy, Dee Dee, and Johnny Ramone; Jerry Only; Doyle; Glenn Danzig; and Black Flag/Misfits drummer Robo.
Photo byPatty Bush
Eva Bush comes from a musical family. Her father, Randy Bush, has been active in the phoenix music scene since the 1980s. Eva finds most of her musical influences in solo artists Mitski, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, as well as English alternative band Bôa. Her performances bring together the expressiveness and emotive styles exemplified by these musical artists, her own theatre experience, and the work of actors like Marilyn Monroe, with whom she shares a birthday. Bush has an extensive theatre résumé, working with Childsplay, Thunder Theatre Company, Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre, and Akimel Theatre Company.
Both songwriters draw on their own emotions and experiences such as events that have happened to them, the things they love, and interpersonal relationships. They understand that creative ideas are best shared through what the artist knows. As Henry Rollins wrote, “I can only write about personal stuff, about my point of view.” Through sharing their own points of view, Dodge the Caravan hopes to make a connection with their audiences on a personal level. Ankheney writes that “there are certain things, like being misunderstood, ignored, depressed, and sheltered, that a lot of people of my generation would feel similarly to.”
Photo byPatty Bush
Dodge the Caravan has performed for audiences of over 3,000 at their Desert Vista High School pep rallies, as well as for the local community at Foothills Park. In addition, they often play open mics at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center in Phoenix. Since 2022, they have been onstage at The Nile Underground, The Rhythm Room, The 44 Sports Grill & Nightlife, Soho Coffee Shop, and The Rebel Lounge. They have built up a fanbase that come to many of their gigs. Band members enjoy seeing their fans having fun, supporting them, and “keeping the crowd wild.”
A Little Inspiration
Since Dodge the Caravan has been together for a few years, they have a few thoughts to inspire other young musicians to pursue their dreams:
Be patient and practice, it takes a lot of time to figure out your style of music, how to perform live, and how to practice correctly. If music is something you enjoy then don't give up on it. Your music will only be good if it comes from the heart. Don't be afraid to make many mistakes! They will happen but you just have to continue and push through. Practicing is very important! Finally, when you are ready to play out, know that there are only a couple with restrictions with age at certain venues. Overall, if you just work hard and practice, you will gain more experience. Making mistakes will also be hard but give you so much insight to improve.
What’s Next?
The band is currently working on their first EP. Once it’s been released, it will be available on Spotify. They dream of one day playing larger venues like The Van Buren and music festivals. Venue agents interested in booking Dodge the Caravan can reach out to their Facebook page or email their Booking Agent, Patty Bush.
You have a chance to see Dodge the Caravan for free at the City of Mesa’s Celebrate Mesa Fall 2023 event this coming Saturday, October 14. The event will be held from 5 to 9 pm at the Red Mountain Soccer Complex, 905 N Sun Valley Boulevard in Mesa. Eva Bush says, “Battle of the bands by the end of show to watch us close for our Mentor's band!”
For something a little different, you can see Eva Bush perform as Flotsam in the Little Mermaid Musical at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix on October 19 and 20 at 6:30 pm and October 21 at 12:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Bush is also the assistant choreographer.
One parting thought from drummer Noah Ankeney:
We are Dodge the Caravan and expect more music in the future.
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