Published: December 06, 2007 7:53 AM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior (Juniorscave.com)
Rock / Alternative / Grunge
Former Front Man Clint VanSciver of Apathy is flying solo these days. He is taking his love for music to new heights as he is hoping to continue the success that followed Apathy. Coming out of the scene of Salisbury, Maryland, VanSciver is keeping the grunge/alternative movement alive. The magazine recently had the chance to catch up with Clint to talk about his solo project and everything else that is new in his life.
Isaac-Joseph: Clint, thank you for coming back to speak with us on your solo project. I have to ask; was the breakup of the band something that each member decided on or were there other issues that could not be resolved?
Clint: There were issues that had been lurking for quite some time, but it was in about the end of July 07 that the other members decided it was do or die, and things were going to change or they were going to split. I wanted to be true to our direction, so I just decided the best thing to do was cut it right there.
Isaac-Joseph: How have you been handling the transition from lead singer of a band to solo artist?
Clint: It's actually a lot easier at the moment, because I'm in the writing process, and it's great to be able to have free reign over the music, rather than make sure it's OK with everybody first. However, I will still have to find musicians to tour with me.
Isaac-Joseph: What have been some feedbacks from the fans of Apathy about your new status as a solo act?
Clint: They are disappointed that Apathy is gone, but they enjoy the music better now, I think. Clint VanSciver is what Apathy wanted to be, because I would lay down the song, and the other members would put their little twists on it, for better or worse. I think about 90% of the time, it was for worse. And now that those little twists are gone, the music is very pure and true to the vision. I think when the record comes out, people will respond very well to that.
Isaac-Joseph: What is the one most important thing that you want to get from this whole experience of making music?
Clint: I want to get famous. Simple as that. (laughs)
Isaac-Joseph: You are from Salisbury, Maryland. Describe the music scene in this area:
Clint: Most would tell you there isn't one. We have a local Knights of Columbus that's about as big as a walk-in closet where bands play, and we have Battle of the Bands every year, but both of those are dominated by flavor-of-the-month emo/hardcore bands, who all sound exactly the same in my opinion. I guess I would say there's a music scene, but it leaves a great amount to be desired. I never wish to play a show in this town.
Isaac-Joseph: I am digging your style/deliverance. It really reminds me of the grunge scene of the 1990’s where many of the most influential bands like Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains originated from the Seattle area. Describe some of your own influences and how their musical styles shape your own:
Clint: My favorite music era is, of course, the 90's. I can turn on the radio, hear a song I've never heard before, go look it up, and it will be from 1995 or something. I just really have a taste for stuff from that time. Of course there's a huge amount of AC/DC influence, too. The problem is, I can't sing like Bon Scott (laughs). You mentioned the Seattle movement. I would give close to anything to have been there and able to watch it unfolds. The whole grunge story is really inspiring! You have all these no-name bands from the sticks who got really huge and famous worldwide, and you have characters like Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder who really were unique. I would have to say I draw a lot from that as well. It's just good music.
Isaac-Joseph: Since going solo, what has been one of the biggest adjustments that you have had to make?
Clint: I had to learn bass guitar! (laughs) I'm also learning drums at the moment, too, but someone else will probably play them on the record for me. However, learning any other instrument makes you better at the ones you already know, so it's been a great experience.
Isaac-Joseph: What can fans expect from Clint VanSciver that may be different than what Apathy delivered?
Clint: Well, with Apathy we were more concerned with the catchiness of the songs. That's still important to me, but my goal is to create songs that people can really sink their teeth into. Songs that create an atmosphere of their own, and the lyrics emphasize the feelings put into the song, while remaining slightly ambiguous. It's really not that different from Apathy, since I wrote all those songs, too. I guess I would say I've matured as a songwriter and a musician, and it shows in the new songs.
Isaac-Joseph: Currently, you are not with an Indie or Major Record Label. What are some steps that you have been taking to get more exposure to land a record deal?
Clint: I actually have been in contact recently with some very important people! The only thing that really seems to work is spreading the word around. When you're unsigned, you can't go and sell your music, because no one will buy it. You've got to give it to people, tell them to spread the word, tell them to put it on LimeWire, etc. I'm still waiting for the day I can download one of my songs illegally, but, as crazy as it sounds, I support it. It would help me get popular, and therefore noticed by even one person who has an opportunity for me.
Isaac-Joseph: What role have your family, friends, and fans played with your plight to becoming an established artist?
Clint: My family has definitely helped me on the financial side of things. They bought me a lot of my gear when I started and supported me all the way, which is great. It sucks to have to worry about money or something when you're trying to create art. And because of them, I haven't really had to do that. My fans have really helped spread the word, and show support. I have a pretty big group on MySpace who goes and listens to my songs as soon as I post them. It means a lot to me, and it helps to hear their feedback. They make me think it's possible to make it, I guess.
Isaac-Joseph: If you were not doing music is there anything else that you would like to do or is music in your blood?
Clint: I really think I have a sort of knack for music. Ever since I can remember, I could pick out the bass part in a song, or the harmony part in the vocals. But I'm also pretty into filmmaking, and if I wasn't doing music, I would probably be entering film contests and things like that. I know it's pretty similar to music, but maybe that's why I like it.
Isaac-Joseph: How important is fame? If you could have a devoted following without the fame would you be satisfied? (Why or Why not?)
Clint: I don't think I will ever be satisfied, even if I do get famous. If I put out a record and it goes to number one, immediately my mind says, "Ok, so how am I going to get the next album there?" However, fame is a very huge goal for me. It's a prime inspiration and it's in just about every dream I have. I would not be satisfied if I was, say, 30 years old, looked back and saw that I never really got very popular.
Isaac-Joseph: What can fans expect from you in 2008?
Clint: A record! Hopefully, that is. I'm currently in the writing process and I have 7 songs completed. I'm not one of those guys who write about 50 songs and then whittle it down to 12 for the album. I concentrate all my energy on tweaking each one to make sure it's excellent by my standards. The songs on my profile now are just demos, but I hope to get the studio to professionally record them by the summer of 2008!
Isaac-Joseph: Time for Shout Outs: (Giving props to anyone and everyone out there that has made a difference in fulfilling your dreams):
Clint: Of course, my family has been an enormous help to me. Also my guitar teacher, Keith Thompson, who got me started and oriented with the guitar. God, because faith is always important in believing you can do something. And all my listeners, fans, and people who my name seems familiar to but they can't remember where they heard it.
Isaac-Joseph: Shameless Plug time! Give out any new releases, updates, and tour dates that are coming up.
Clint: At the moment, all I can say is keep an eye out for me in '08!
