Clip!! An innovation to metal. As a fan of metal, I find it difficult to find good music these days. Through my studies and reviews of many bands, very few have caught my eyes. That is until Clip. I happen to be on my Myspace page and I got a friend invite from a local band in Massachusetts. (www.myspace.com/CLIPundergroundcom)
The music attributes took my breath away. Clip is full of harmonics with bone crunching guitar and drums that make your heart skip beats. I knew I had to get into the action. So I pushed a bit and I found more than a fantastic band. I found great, down to earth people. Though big into their work, they still give time to their fans. A rare quality but they will pave the road for future bands. I know from experience, that it isn't the star that shines the longest but the one that shines the brightest. I must say, Clip is shining so bright, it burns my eyes!
The madness begins in 1999 when a group of friends think that the music scene was in dire need of some major music changes. Created in Springfield, Massachusetts. The band hit it off quickly consisting of 5 members, Mike Merrill – Vocals, Brian Haggins – Bass, Rich Guzman – Guitar, Dan Vierno – Guitar, and Mike Pelkey – Drums. Thus, Clip was formed. The main idea of this band was to construct a sound that would explode in the eardrums of people listening and leave a lasting impression on the music industry. They started with radio friendly music that would also tell a story but it became very apparent that the band needed something more than what radio was offering. The band evolved from a hardcore sound to the death deafening sounds known as clip today. Sticking to their main idea, Clip has evolved that thought with much consideration into an epidemic for all eyes and ears.
I intrigued by this band in so many ways. So in my nature to expand, I step passed the bright lights to get to know the ability of this band beyond its music accretes. What I found was not only astounding but also a free system of comfort. Metal bands aren't a bunch of lunatics as so many like to think. These were very relaxed and comfortable people. Like talking to a life neighbor or standing in the sun. It's almost scary. So I started my interviews.
I started this interview with Brian. The bassist from the band. Lets here what he has to say:
Stats:
Name: Brian Haggins
Position: Bassist of Clip
Q&A
BM: "Bass, why the Bass?" (BM – BlackMaiden)
BH: "Everyone knows the bass is where it's at. It's always felt like the most powerful instrument to me, like the foundation that everything else rides on."
BM: "What is your relationship with your band members?"
BH: "Those bastards...actually they are pretty cool, I mean if were going to be living on a bus together for who knows how long they'd have to be right?"
BM: "Who or what has motivated you to become a musician?"
BH: "Since I can remember I've always been into music. Just the fact that a certain song or lyric can change the way you are feeling at the time has always amazed me. That and all the partying."
BM: "What is the funniest moment while recording?"
BH: "I don't remember many funny moments from when we were recording because yaw know...we're like totally all business and stuff, but when we were on our way to the studio my buddy Jim was driving. We just opened a fresh case of beer. We almost missed the on ramp to the highway so he guns it and drives over the median and almost took off the front end of a cop car. So now the cops pulling us over and were all shoving beers into the seats and guitar cases and anywhere there's a hiding spot. My buddy has a really thick Greek accent so the cop thinks he's drunk. The cop pulls me out of the car, gives me a sobriety test, and then gives me his keys and tells me to drive. I think he followed us for about an hour."
BM: "What are your weaknesses and strengths?"
BH: "Booze, a high alcohol tolerance. You can see how that can be a problem."
BM: "If you weren't a musician what else would you do?"
BH: "Well I have a lot of different interests so some possibilities would be a cajun/bbq chef, writer, racecar driver/stuntman, hit man, some type of motorcycle outlaw, artist, homeless boozer, etc...
BM: "What is your message to fans and musicians?"
BH: "Thanks for sticking by us and the best is yet to come!"
Next in line for us is Danny
Name: Danny Vierno
Position: CLIP Guitarist
Q&A
BM: "As a guitarist, what drew you to clip?"
DV: "A good story. Before CLIP, I was guitarist in a New England Godsmack Tribute called Brethren. It was known in this region. Anyway after the disbanding, A local entertainment paper known as "The Advocate". Wanted to do a write-up on the Brethren members and what we wanted to do next (musically). I mentioned I wanted to go back to doing original music in a Metal Genre. A few days later, A "now" good friend Krystof and local tattoo hero (www.myspace.com/tat2krystof), emailed me because of the article and wanted to see if I would like to audition for his Death Metal band. Never meeting him before, I got his address and showed up to review his videos his band had done at some shows. Afterwards, I honestly told him I didn't want to do death (metal) 100%. He was super - cool with it and understood. I ended up hanging out there most of the night drinking with him and bullshitting. Then he said, well even though this didn't work out, you should really meet my buddy Brian (CLIP Bassist). From everything you told me, I bet you'd fit his band perfectly. They are looking for a guitar player as well... I believe he is the reason other members joined CLIP too. Weird! Anyway, after some phone calls with Brian, I brought my guitar rig down to the CLIP practice space, and it has been there ever since."
BM: "Who are your mentors?"
DV: "First off, I would have to say, my teacher Louie Pelliter. I learned a lot from him including music theory. I remember the first thing he said to me, "...If your here to learn the latest Metallica solo, then get the fuck out. I teach music, not licks" - An awesome classical major, who would be disappointed I didn't go further with my classical studies. Perhaps I will get back on that sooner or later!
Beside him, I have a lot of guitarist I look up too: Clapton, Vai, Pertucci, Satch, Hendrix, Dimebag, Zakk, Stevie Ray. Also even James and Kurt... Just to name a few...
BM: "When did you first come across playing guitar and what has been your biggest battle?"
DV: "age 16... I was a late bloomer musically. I really just made noise on it until I met Louie at age 21.
My biggest battle, really was during the learning stages of being a guitarist. From past girlfriends, and even some of my friends of the time... Who didn't mean to put me down, but really just considered my playing as nothing more of a hobby...
BM: "What are your dreams? What would you do if you weren't a musician?"
DV: "I feel a dream without a plan is just random thoughts that are forgotten. I guess my overall dream is to just be happy, healthy, and successful at whatever I do. Failure is not an option.
If I wasn't a musician... Since a young boy, I always wanted to be a pitcher for the Red Sox. My Grandfather, was somewhat of a great player himself. And would have continued to the hopefully the majors if not for the call of WWII. I guess I wanted to be like him. I love baseball and if I wasn't a musician, perhaps I would have been on at least an AAA baseball team."
BM: "How has music changed your life?"
DV: "Imagine for a moment life without music. We would all loose a huge part of what make us who we are, and unique to one another. I'd have to say music continues to shape my life, and makes up a large percent of who I am. It continues to do so everyday..."
BM: "Who would you say is your best friend in CLIP?"
DV: "Pelk, Rich, Brian, Mike...."
BM: "What is your message to fans and to musicians?"
DV: "To CLIP fans:
Thanks to all. For the new people we have found in our travels, as well as through MySpace all the way down to the handful of people with us from day one.
It's not only great to have people enjoy your music from all over parts of the world, but all to hear them say... "I remember those dudes in CLIP, all the way back when..." We do notice, and love it! We hope our music give to you the same enjoyment for us playing it for you.
You Guys Rock!
And as far as other musicians... Look at the whole picture. Don't just be that one guy labeled a metal head, or strictly that blues guy or whatever... Soak it all in, there is a lot to be learned from every genre of music. Let all form you into a well round musician that makes you unique. Then people will remember you by saying... "man... that dude/dudette is such a great musician!"
Next, Mark Pelkey
Name: Mark Pelkey
Positions: Drummer
BM: "As a drummer, who is your biggest influence?"
MP: "Growing up, Vinnie Paul set the standard in metal for me. Each beat emphasized the songs in so many ways. It made me want to progress to that point and beyond."
BM: "Why the drums, what do you like and hate from it?"
MP: "The drums captured my interest at a very young age. I was brought up in music with my parents both being musicians. I love having the ability to move people and produce such a raw energy. Words cannot describe the feeling of being on stage and utilizing the years of practice and lessons. If there's one thing I hate about the drums, it would have to be the price of everything. If you want quality gear, you'd better be willing to pay!"
BM: "How has music changed the person you are today?"
MP: "Music has given me an "out" whereas most would result to bashing someone's face in; it has proven to be an invaluable anger management tool. It's a great way to express yourself emotionally; as the feel you create makes your style unique. The price of a drum head vs. paying a lawyer. Speaks for itself".
BM: "If you weren't a musician what would you do?"
MP: "Cross my fingers and hope for the best. I couldn't picture my life being any different than what it is. I'd most likely end up flipping burgers and visiting the sperm bank for a paycheck."
BM: "A message to the fans and future musicians?"
MP: "I'd like to thank our fans for their continued support. Most don't realize the sacrifice and what really goes into being a band. It's a tough lifestyle to manage and before you make a commitment to play any instrument, ask yourself; do you really have the time and patience and the money to make your dreams a reality? You must make a pact with yourself and devote a lot of your free time to becoming a well seasoned musician. If you lack the dedication and willingness to study, practice and learn, you'll only be cutting yourself short. Some are born with good coordination. Others just never had it to begin with. Some advice for prospective musicians...before you touch an instrument; see how well you interpret music theory first."
NEXT - Rich Guzman
Name: Rich Guzman
Position: Guitar
Q&A
BM: What do you find most appealing about the guitar?
RG: When I was younger before I picked up my first guitar I always found it appealing to see bands like kiss and metallica, pantera etc on stage playing that sick axe, I guess I always new I wanted to play guitar.
BM: Where and when did you start out with the guitars?
RG: I was always in Springfield MA my buddy
gave me my first guitar, it wasn't the best axe, it was guild lol, but I learned on it and I will never forget it, thanks Jason McCormick, me and that fucker used to light guitars on fire and pretend we were rock stars lol...
BM: what do you say, would be your best attribute to this band?
RG: I am always working on the sound trying different amps and effects out to benefit the sound of clip, I also write great guitar riffs and then the rest of the band will give me input on the final product. I guess, you can ask the guys... Really picky on my sound. I know what I
like in my rig, and have tried many different amps and cabs to maintain up
to date equipment... I also think I bring a great attitude to help out
my parts...as far as writing; it really takes all 5 of us in our compositions. I mean
I might come up with a riff, then Danny will add to it then, Mike... and
so-forth down the line... It's never the same combination twice, and seems
to add to our originality
BM: What have you found to be the hardest moments about being in a big band?
RG: I been with clip since almost the beginning (1999) I guess one of the hardest moments is seeing band mates come and go, you become really good friends then they move on some had major issues in more ways then one, and when you keep starting over its gets harder every time but we never give up cause we love music to much. 5 guys having different work schedules, staying consistent on a weekly basis for getting ready for the studio
BM: Where would you like to travel ?
RG: anywhere on this planet
BM: What is your favorite food?
RG: Beer, seafood, but if your talking fast-food its gotta be quizno
BM: Message to the fans and other musicians?
RG:
FANS:
I want to thank all the fans by saying thanks you always for the support you've shown to us. And for believing in us. We never let our fans down; CLIP has been through too many ups and downs for that to happen. Thanks again! We love you guys
Musicians:
Follow your dreams --- always, believe in yourself and keep pressing forward no matter how many people put or beat you down. Life is to short, so make it count!
MIKE MERRILL
(Unavailable For Interview)
So, this is Clip! Follow the crowd and enjoy the madness
EASTCOASTROMPER REVIEW
2003
Springfield Ma. natives CLIP have been making brutally darkened music for over three years now. Their self-titled release encapsulates their deafening approach to hardcore/metal/death metal. This mixture of styles can be found from the first few notes of the beginning track. In an instant, a barrage of anvil hammering double bass work rumbles through your ears. In pure hardcore fashion, powerful, chunky and endlessly grave guitar movements slam you without any discretion. Without even the slightest notification, you are now being musically abused by ear-splitting, ultra-aggressive intonation. The rhythms by which the sounds are being carried are tempered with traditional scales that will provoke the listener to inadvertently move with the beat. Michael's vocals are the perfect compliment to this musically penetrating array of songs. The growls of wrath do not seem contrived but more naturally primitive as he has the capacity to peel the paint of your walls while listening to the CD. They could remind the listener of a milder, less death-metal like "Painface." Clip does comprehend proper orchestration and tracks like "Nameless", "Friends with the Devil" and "No Turning Back" highlight an overall effort that is angst-ridden and believe it or not, thought provoking. As the CD continues though, you will notice an increase in diversity with their song structures. This unconstrained progression really adds an element of continuity and becomes the most attractive feature of the CD. They are growing musically right in front of you. Listen to "Nameless" (first track) and then check out "Bled". You will notice some obvious changes in the technical aspect of their music. The songs become more elaborate, providing the listener with a larger scope of their talents. They have established a solid groundwork for future efforts and it will be really interesting to see where they go next with their music. Keep and ear out for this band because you could be one of the few to proudly to say "I knew them when..."
