Where and how did Clutch get their start?

We performed together in high school in Germantown, Maryland. Two years after that, in 1991, we got back together and started playing local hardcore shows. Most of those shows were in D.C., Baltimore, and Pennsylvania.


Neil, how did music become one of the #1 priorities in your life?

By default. Truthfully, I started singing as a stand in for another guy who was already jamming with Tim, Dan, and J.P. One thing lead to another and I ended up staying on. 13 years later and I’m assuming Roger isn’t coming back.


Clutch produces a very "flavorful" blend of music, who do you credit to shaping your sound?

Well, it’s hard to answer that question since I am so close to the supply end of it all. Our sound really is a second nature and never calculated. As far as influences go, I think anything one listens to is an influence. Certainly, the older rock bands like Cream and Zeppelin as well as hardcore and metal bands. Jazz and funk artists have had there influence as well.


1991 was a long time ago! How would you describe the change and adaptations Clutch has made? Would you agree with change being a healthy and vital part of your longevity?

As Charles Darwin will tell you, adaptation is necessary for evolution and evolution is necessary for survival, unless of course, your physiology is already perfect like cockroaches or the Ramones. Speaking for myself, I get bored fairly easily so trying new things is vital. We try to learn new approaches, both artistic and technical, and incorporate them into the music. It is important to take risks. I would rather take a risk and fail than skip down the easy road.


Clutch stops at nothing when deriving their sound... what is it like to have that ultimate freedom, stereotype & genre free?

I suppose I take it for granted. But this is the only band I have been in, so it is all I know. Being the odd man out is good. Years ago, people who made and enjoyed heavy music were pariahs. Now that metal, punk, hardcore, has obtained social acceptance, preference even, a lot of the energy derived from being below the radar is gone. So, the fact that radio programmers, record labels, and marketers, don’t know what genre or demographic to peg us into is a good thing.


It has been 13 years since your debut release, how have you kept your sanity while keeping the band rolling?

I haven’t.


You have toured and created an incredible underground following, what kind of response do you get when performing for new audiences?

Sometimes we go over great, sometimes horribly. People rarely sit on the fence. We do not appeal to a majority of people, only the right people.


Spiritual Beggars is another one of my personal favorites (readers check out my recent interview with Michael from SB!) What was it like to share the stage in Europe and Japan with them?

Great guys, great band. It was nice to be on tour with a band that shared a lot of similar tastes as far as rock and roll goes. A lot of drunken nights. I tell you this much, Michael knows his Abba.


Neil, Infectious is how I would describe your vocal stylings with a sound like no other, lyrically more of the same. How is lyric writing approached?

Thank you. Usually I take a demo home and write around the music. I try to write lyrics that will stand on their own on paper and to reference topics that are not typical of rock songs. We recently have been trying to write in the opposite manner in that I will lay down a vocal track with only a beat and then Tim and Dan will write riffs around the words. I also try to be a full time eavesdropper. A lot of the lyrics are lifted from conversations I have overheard and then taken out of context.


What do you like to do when you are not rockin?

I am never not rockin’


Tell us about your first concert, or the one that meant the most to you?

The first clutch show took place in late August of 1991. We played an outdoor venue called Ft. Reno. We played with some discord bands. A show that has meant a lot to me occurred last autumn in Lawrence, Kansas. The night before our crew were involved in a horrible truck accident. Their truck rolled two times and our gear spilled over rail road tracks. They were bruised up, but for the most part o.k.. I was stunned when those guys managed to get into another truck that morning and continue driving to Lawrence, making the show in a matter of minutes. Shit like that makes you reevaluate some heavy issues.


Care to comment on the recent elections or current events?

I am unaffiliated with any party. I never really liked Kerry too much, but I voted for him. Why? Because Bush is a lapdog for men with Machiavellian schemes. Their foreign policy is bullshit. Their domestic policy, after 4 years, is non-existent. Their supposed belief in the philosophy of Christ is a farce when one considers the hyper-capitalist theories the espouse. They saw an opportunity in 9-11 to tap into people’s fears for their own advantage. They are pigs and history will remember them as such.


How does Clutch feel about internet file sharing?

For a band like us it is often good promo. I’m sure we lose some sales because of it, but it really isn’t to be stopped. And for me to criticize would be hypocritical since I have downloaded music myself.


You have spent hours while on the stage, what strange and crazy things have happened while performing?

Holy cow, where to start? I have developed a tolerance for the bizarre and often don’t notice it.


What has been the highlight of your career?

I would like to think that the highlight is yet to come. Clutch has never had a peak so to speak. We have moved slow and steady, and for this reason highlights mundane. I have particularly enjoyed the opportunities that have been afforded to visit Europe and Japan. It is great to go to new places and perform.


What was it like collaborating with Bam Margera for "The Mob Goes Wild" video?

Making videos is a pain in the ass. No one in the band likes it. This might explain why we only have 2 of them in 13 years. But working with Bam was easy. We played for two hours and after that went home. We really didn’t want to work with someone who would ask us to act or do stupid shit. With Bam we didn’t have to.


I want to congratulate you on my list of "Top 10 albums of all time" with Blast Tyrant, any fan of music NEEDS to hear this record! What was it like making and recording it?

Thanks! BT was the easiest record we ever made. The reason for this is because when making BT we went completely digital. We had always shied away from the digital approach because we felt that it couldn’t compete sonically with tubes and tape. But we discovered that difference is non-existent now and the freedom that digital gives the creative process is phenomenal.


What is the latest on the live DVD?

We haven’t made a live DVD yet, but we’re working on it. We do have a live record, Live in Flint, Michigan. It will be available online and at shows after the 25th of November.


What can we expect for the follow up to Blast Tyrant?

We have been jamming with Mick Schauer. He plays the Hammond B3 organ. More Deep Purple.


Neil, I want to thank you for taking the time out for Adrenalin. We look forward to catching you on the road! Any last words?

Thanks for the opportunity. My pleasure. Stay heavy and rock without apology.

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