Published: August 27, 2009 9:33 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight August/September 2009 Edition
The Solid
The Solid
If you are a lover of Rock music, then The Solid is definitely going to please fans of this genre. For those fans who have ever listened to great bands from the 1960s Rock era, elements of this style can be found in the music of the Solid. In fact, influences of all different generations of Rock are easily recognized in the music of The Solid. Recently, the band took some time to speak with our Webzine about their music in this ultra chic spotlight.
Isaac: What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?
Clementine: We're The Solid, out of San Francisco, formed for about 9 months. We want to be known for old-fashioned, Solid rock and roll. The name says it.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Justin Caucutt: Rock and Roll, plain and simple. Zeppelin, Guns 'n Roses, Aerosmith.
Greg Randolph: Influences: Sabbath, Coltrane.
Clementine: I think we've got some Southern Rock thrown in there, some metal, a little punk sprinkled about.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Justin: I've known Clem for almost a year, and Greg about the same. Brian I've known since 2000 when I was living in Denver playing drums in the scene back there. In fact, after the first time I saw Black Lamb (Brian's band), I really loved his style and work and said to myself, I'd like to be in a band with that guy someday.
Isaac: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Justin: Spring of this year is what I consider to be the birth of the band. Clem, Greg, and I have been playing and writing a short while longer, but it wasn't until Brian came in that I consider it The Solid. I think our love of rock and roll and the need to create music inspired by those great bands we all love is the inspiration.
Clementine: I was looking for an original project to play drums for, and when I heard Justin's riffs I knew we were going to get along great musically. With the addition of Greg and then Brian, it all came together really fast. While we all have many different influences, we all generally love great rock.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Clementine: Not yet on a label. Our first 5-song EP, Arrivals and Departures, was self-released this year in July. We're all ASCAP members.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Justin: I'm pretty much all Les Pauls. I think I started on LP's because the guitarist I played drums for had one and it just felt great when I would pick it up. And as a kid almost all of my favorite guitarists were Les Paul guys, Jimmy, Joe, Slash, Randy, you know 'em. That and it's just the best tool in my opinion for the style of music that I play. I do love, play and own different guitars but the LP is just me.
Greg: Jazz Basses and Vintage Tube Amps.
Clementine: I play 1973 Ludwig drums and Paiste 2002 cymbals. Pretty much always.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Clementine: We've played a total of 3 shows so far, all in the Bay Area. Woo Hoo! In September, we're doing a short tour to Oregon and Northern Cal, and we're booking shows now.
As someone who's played so many shows in their career, I have to say how fun it is to start from the ground up again. It makes me remember what it's really all about: walking into a venue as a band nobody's heard of, and having to prove yourself to new listeners. I'm getting such a charge out of it, and it's adding a spark to playing in the other more established project I'm in. All the dudes in the band are career musicians, and I think we're all in the same place that way. It's been a long time since we've been in this place, and it's really fun.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Justin: We play all our songs and that's the set list, because that's all we know! We are adding new ones to the repertoire as the others are finished up. Look for a few new ones mixed in during the next shows.
Clementine: It's a nice fertile time of writing right now. We intend to do some covers eventually, but when the new stuff is moving along it's hard to concentrate on someone else's stuff.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Justin: It usually starts when Greg or I come in with some songs, riffs, and ideas. Then as a band we break them down, arrange, fine tune and make the finished song. As far as themes, lyrics and such it's all Brian. He is the master at imagery and telling the story.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Clementine: It's pretty fun in this band and goes quickly. Everyone's a hard worker, so if there's a part that's not working, the person who originated the riff comes back next time with it fixed. We try to be concise in the process and not go off on too many tangents that can muddy things.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Justin: It's pretty much get down to business and work on tunes. We all have other projects and are really busy so when we are together we want to make the most of it.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Clementine: We're a baby band. It evolves every time we play together.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Justin: I guess that might be that Brian lives in a different state. But even that has been easy to overcome. We all are so hard working and focused that the normal 'bumps in the road' that bands face seem to not be much of an issue for us. Or at least not up to this point, knock on wood!
Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Justin: I've not even thought about that sort of thing yet. For me right now, I just want to keep writing songs I'm proud of and playing more shows. Well, now that you ask, keep the fame, but I'll take some money.
Brian Hagman: " fuck fame & fortune. fuck that they ever knew our names... "
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Brian: Prepare for the most soul-satisfying, blissful-existence of heartache and obscurity.
Clementine: Make sure everyone you're playing with wants to spend the same amount of time on the project. I've seen a lot of bands sidelined for a long time because someone in the band has different priorities, but no one can let them go because of the friendship. Keep your friend, but find a drummer/bassist/guitarist who can tour when you want to.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Clementine: We're all pretty stable, happy, career musicians, whose friends and families long ago gave in to the reality of having a musician in the family. We're all lucky that way.
Isaac: Any last words?
Brian: RRAAWWKK!!!
Clementine: Thanks for speaking to us in our infancy, Isaac! I think you'll see some great songs and shows coming from this project.
