We are Clutch Cargo; a multi-genre band from Tyler, Tx. We provide energetic entertainment through live music sets, which include original, unique material, and a vast array of covers including music from the 70's through the 90's era. Our veteran guitarist, classically trained vocalist, and metal influenced drummer and bassist deliver a wide variety of interests and music taste. Our immense passion for music has formed a bond between our members, and fueled a love for traveling and performing for as many people as possible.
-Interview- (7/5/23)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name "Clutch Cargo" and is there any meaning behind it?
Our band has a wide variety of backgrounds, influences and training. Most of us started music very young and are multi-instrumentalists. Some of us were in school music groups, while others played in local bands. As for our sound, its changed and evolved with members coming and going, but we've always kept it fluid and just played what felt right. Our guitarist and former guitarist came up with the name Clutch Cargo during a night where the band had a bit to drink and were complaining about a former bands dedication to "Clutch Cargo gigs" at a local open mic night. Also Tenacious D said it and we thought it sounded cool. Clutch Cargo itself means something that you feel is more important than anything else which is how we view the band and making music.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
An overall good experience is what we aim to put out when we perform. If the audience is moved by it and enjoy the stories we tell, then even better. But as long as people enjoy themselves, we're happy.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Mainly Alternative Hard Rock with some Funk influences, but recently some Thrash and Hardcore have been introduced in our writing.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
We would love to tour with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden, or Incubus. Those seem to be our most shared influences.
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
Covid really shook our world. We were playing shows constantly, meeting up often, cranking out new songs and gathering up a following. Then it all shut down. Our bassist had to move to a night job and through mutual understanding our then drummer left the band. We had to all but start from scratch. But it wasn't the first major hiccup and it won't be the last.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
There are a lot of amazing, skilled, and dedicated rock bands and musicians out there today, but a lot of it also seems ingenuine. You have to sort through a lot of tripe to get to the gold stuff.
7. What's the current music scene like there in Texas?
Texas is a big state. Very big! So we don't wanna generalize too much, but East Texas is struggling with their Rock and Metal scene. Even with our loyal and dedicated fans, most venues don't wanna put up with loud Rock bands. All in all it's supportive and we love the venues that let us be us.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Back in the day if you didn't have money to buy an album, you just didn't have it. The fact that you can pay one flat rate and get almost everything is amazing and it serves as a great way for new artists to be heard. That being said, unless you have a few hundred thousand or more listeners, you don't see any return. So it has also made it harder to monetize our music as its all self funded.
9. What's next for Clutch Cargo?
Due to a core member departing the band late last year, we've mainly been focused on writing a new album and changing our musical direction. After we feel comfortable with our new sound and songs, we want to start booking as many shows as we can!
10. Any shoutouts?
We would love to give a shout out to the fans, of course, who keep us going and give us the ability to do what we love. Our families for being so supportive of us. The Green Room in Tyler, Texas for letting us practice there and being an amazing asset to the scene here. Guitar Center for putting up with our nonsense. And last, but not least, Post Profit for helping us record our singles, EP, and being just stellar guys all around.
