Cavetown

Biography

Robin Daniel Skinner, known professionally as Cavetown, is an English singer-songwriter, record producer, and YouTuber born on December 15, 1998, in Oxford, England. Raised in Cambridge, he was introduced to music by his family; his father, a musicologist and choir director, taught him acoustic guitar at age eight, and his mother is a professional Baroque flautist and music teacher. His musical style is a blend of indie pop, indie rock, and bedroom pop, often featuring mellow ukulele ballads.

Career

Skinner started his YouTube channel in November 2012, initially uploading covers and original songs. At 14, he released his first album, "Everything Is Made of Clouds," on Bandcamp. He continued to release music on the platform, building a following with his lo-fi, emotionally transparent songs. His 2018 album, "Lemon Boy," marked a breakthrough, leading to a record deal with Sire Records in 2019. Later that year, he released the mixtape "Animal Kingdom," a compilation of singles featuring artists like Sidney Gish and Chloe Moriondo.

In 2020, Cavetown released his major-label debut album, "Sleepyhead," which was recorded and produced entirely by Skinner in his London apartment. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the supporting tour. He followed this with the EP "Man's Best Friend" in 2021 and the full-length album "Worm Food" in 2022, which featured collaborations with artists such as Beabadoobee and Pierce the Veil. His most recent EP, "Little Vice," was released in 2024.

Musical Style and Songwriting

Cavetown's music is known for its diaristic and introspective lyrics, often exploring themes of love, identity, personal growth, and anxiety. His songwriting process is deeply personal, often described as a form of journaling to process his emotions. He produces his music himself, maintaining a DIY aesthetic that originated from recording in his bedroom as a teenager. His sound combines gentle melodies, simple arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics that have resonated with a large online audience.

Personal Life

Skinner has been open about his personal life with his audience. He has stated he is on the aromantic and asexual spectrums. In September 2020, he came out as transgender and uses he/they pronouns. Many of his earlier songs explore his struggles with gender identity. He has also been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Discography

Studio Albums

• Cavetown (2015)
• 16/04/16 (2016)
• Lemon Boy (2018)
• Sleepyhead (2020)
• Worm Food (2022)

Extended Plays

• Man's Best Friend (2021)
• Little Vice (2024)