Clap Clap Riot Nobody/Everybody Interview

Clap Clap Riot Nobody/Everybody Interview

Clap Clap Riot is a five-piece rock n' roll band from Auckland, New Zealand, known for their raw and energetic song writing and magnetic live shows. Jumping head first into the studio at the beginning of the year working with producer Kody Nielson (Opossom, The Mint Chicks) and Olly Harmer (The Naked & Famous), the band recorded their sophomore album, Nobody/Everybody, set for release in Australia later in 2014.

Now the band is ready to unleash the clip for their desert swooning new track Everybody, taken from the upcoming release. The video visually engulfs the frenetic raw energy of the song into sparse desert landscapes, littered with imaginative vista's of road trips, roller coaster rides, cheap motels and bon fires, creating a hallucinogenic world reminiscent of Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas.

Connoisseurs of the hazy stripped back vibe of the 60s infused with genre bending elements of punk and garage-pop, Clap Clap Riot will undoubtedly blow minds and ears with Nobody/Everybody, set for release later this year.

Interview with Dave Rowlands

Question: How would you describe the track Everybody?

Dave Rowlands: A fast paced, guitar-fuelled, surf inspired track.


Question: What was it like filming the clip for Everybody?

Dave Rowlands: It was an amazing whirlwind. We headed deep in to the depths of California and discovered a lot of crazy stuff. We struck a thunderstorm in Death Valley as well which apparently only happens once a year.


Question: What was the main motivation behind the album, Nobody/Everybody?

Dave Rowlands: It was based around the concept of all or nothing, we split the record in to two halves with side 1 starting with the track 'Nobody' and side two starting with the track 'Everybody'.

Question: Can you talk us through the process of recording Nobody/Everybody?

Dave Rowlands: We wanted to get back to the heart of playing live as a band, pushing ourselves in the studio. We tracked all of the main instrumentation live and then laid down a couple of basic overdubs.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Dave Rowlands: Yes we do, inspiration can come from a vocal melody or a ghost lyric or a simple guitar line. It changes with every track.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Dave Rowlands: I've been listening to an acoustic record by Buddy Guy, Connan Mockasin, Johnny Cash, The Nerves, Marty Robbins and The Phoenix Foundation as of late.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Dave Rowlands: I fell in to the drum kit and split my pants once. Enough said.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Dave Rowlands: Both have great elements to them. It's like comparing Apples and Oranges.

Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Dave Rowlands: We loved the challenge of putting on a great live performance - we started in an era where great rock n roll bands like the D4 and The Datsuns were really hitting their stride.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Dave Rowlands: Not having enough money is always a challenge. Being in a band is not cheap.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Dave Rowlands: We do a lot of writing and production work as well as a handful of other musical projects so each day changes. We're due to start putting together some music for a film shortly.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Dave Rowlands: Getting to spend time with a lot of our heroes.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Dave Rowlands: Maybe Ray Davies...


Question: What is the story behind the band's name?

Dave Rowlands: It's the name of an applause machine from Top of the Pops.

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: David John Lewis Rowlands
Nickname(s): Dave
Star Sign: Saggitarius
Favourite Food: Meatloaf
Favourite Film: Lost in Translation
Favourite Actor: Steve Buscimi
Pet: Cat
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Yeezus
Hobbies/Interests: Napping
First Job: Supermarket attendant
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: House
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: My wallet and phone
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: …it's too early.

Interview by Brooke Hunter