Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean Smith EP. 373 - Casey Cavaliere (The Wonder Years / Lesser Matters Management)
Jan 16, 2026
Casey Cavaliere, guitarist for The Wonder Years and artist manager, shares thrilling insights as he prepares for the 10-year anniversary tour of 'No Closer to Heaven.' He discusses travel nightmares with lost instruments and engaging fan interactions, like the origin of Hank the Pigeon artwork. Casey emphasizes the importance of celebrating small wins as a musician and reveals advice for emerging artists. He also opens up about his recent hand injury and the excitement of playing rare songs live. Packed with stories and tips, this chat is a treat for music lovers!
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Hometown Gallery With Fans
- Casey describes The Wonder Years' Philadelphia pop-up birthday gallery where they spent days with fans and old memorabilia.
- He recounts fans sharing when they discovered the band and how those moments felt deeply meaningful to the group.
Gear Lost On The Flight
- Casey tells the story of the band's gear not arriving on their flight and scrambling to rent replacement equipment.
- He praises the crew's problem-solving and insists the band would never cancel and always sort logistical issues out.
Management Reconnects You To Beginnings
- Casey sees management as understanding the artist lifestyle and calming perspective when crises arise.
- He finds managing refreshing because it reconnects him to early building days and first-time experiences.