Band Interview: Clarence Oddbody
Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging life are pleased to bring you an interview with Americana/funk-infused rock band, Clarence Oddbody.
1. How did you get started as a band?
Well we formed on the 4th of July 2017 under the archway of the district line near Hammersmith. I’m originally from Liverpool and our old bassist was from New York, Tom, our Drummer was the only Londoner.
From 2017-2021 we released 5 EP’s and have been gigging all round London. Unfortunately as a result of Covid, Cliff, our old bass player and his family had to relocate to Switzerland. So in stepped Jasper Osborn Bass player & Keyboard player. Jasper already knew the songs as he mastered all 5 EP’s for the band and both him and Tom have been in and out bands together since being teenagers.
The very first rehearsal with Jasper we became a different type of musical beast we kind of went up a notch. The Drums & Bass were so locked in really tight but at the same time really grooving. It’s almost telepathic with Tom and Jasper. In all my long years I have never experienced a rhythm section as tight as
these two lads.
I have had to raise my game as well….
So the current lineup is:
Paul Claxton: Vocals & Guitars
Jasper Osborn: Bass & Keys
Tom Chittock: Drums :BV’s
2. How would you describe your sound?
I suppose we are like 60’s/70’s Rock with a Hint of Blues/Funk/Motown with a splash of Americana. We listen to a lot of old stuff. We are just a good honest little tight Rock’n’Roll band that loves playing live. We have a little bit of everything for everyone.
3. What bands/artists would you say have influenced your style of music?
Two bands :
The Beatles (mainly because I was born in Liverpool and they we’re drummed into me at a young age) and Mega City Four who were a indie/punk band from Farnborough (just outside London).
When I started to sing and write lyrics they were a huge influence on me (they still are). I was in and out of bands from 11 till 15 as a bass player and lead guitarist. I was always being let down by so called singers, so I thought it’s easier if I just sing. I remember one night turning on the radio to listen to John Peel back in 1990 and hearing their new song Finish.
I was hooked.
I got to see and meet them a few times in the early 90s and there second album “Who Cares Wins” is a masterpiece. They were together from 1986 till 1996. Sadly Wiz died in 2006. He had just finished a American tour with his new band Ipanema and he was giggling right up until the end.
I couldn’t really call which one is my favourite band because they are both so different but at the same time without them, I would be nothing.
4. Has the rise of YouTube & music streaming helped or hindered you as a band?
On one hand it’s great because you can record something in your bedroom and release it straight away. But I think everything has been over saturated now, so it’s hard to find good music. For Us at this stage it hasn’t hindered us, it’s been very handy for getting gigs.
5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?
Music is a huge part of my life, so when I’m not making music, I am either tinkering around with my guitars or dreaming about guitars. I’m a huge classical music fan so I find listening to classical music really relaxing.
6. What are your future plans musically? Tours?
We are rehearsing within an inch of our lives.
“Who You Loves You? And Who Do You Love?
15 belter tunes….ranging from Old School Blues, 70’s Funk, Hard 70’s Rock and Americana. It’s got something for everyone on it and we put our blood sweat and tears into it.
Thanks for listening.
Links
Link Tree | Spotify | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
