Livin’ for the Trade – an interview with J.P. Gaster of Clutch

Pictures and interview by Jenny Elliott

Clutch is back in Richmond promoting their latest album “Robot Hive / Exodus. As usual, there is a buzz in the crowd waiting outside for the doors to open. People share stories of when and how the discovered Clutch, and what it means for them to see the band live. After the doors open, the fans race to grab a beer and the latest Clutch merchandise. Clutch fans are a pretty raucous crowd who warmly welcome opening act Kelly Carmichael to the stage and seem to truly enjoy his songs as well as his great talent.

As Clutch approaches the stage, all fans are braced and ready for a long, exciting double-set packed with enough material to satisfy old and new fans alike. Clutch does not disappoint on this night in Richmond at Alleykatz – the mob really does go wild for Clutch!

Before it all got started that evening, I sat down with drummer J.P. to discuss what challenges and surprises the band has encountered and where it all leads next….

Jenny - Welcome back to Richmond!
Gaster – Thanks!

Jenny – You were over in Europe recently touring with CKY. How was it this time around?
Gaster – We played for a lot of new people, which is what you want to do in any town.

Jenny – They get “Viva La Bam” over in Europe, don’t they?
Gaster – Yeah, so CKY fans knew about us through the T.V. show a little bit too. It was good. They’re fans were really receptive and our friends Viking Skull were on the bill as well.

Jenny – You co-headlines the “Sounds of the Underground” Tour with many different types of talent. Which band do you think has long-term potential regardless of radio play or MTV?
Gaster – I like High on Fire quite a bit. Matt’s a great guitarist and I think the whole band is killer! They write great songs.

Jenny – It must have been hard picking out the set lists for that tour?
Gaster – It was tough because obviously we could only pick out a few songs. After a few days we realized we just wanna play and not get wrapped up in playing heavier or louder than other bands.

Jenny – Which Clutch album do you like the best?
Gaster – I can’t speak from a lyrical point of view but musically, I think “The Elephant Riders” was a really important record for us. We really learned to play odds on that record and to make the songs feel smooth – not the hurky-jerky 7’s and 9’s.

Jenny – Any other musicians in your family?
Gaster – I have some family members who play instruments but no one does what I do!

Jenny – Most fans of heavy rock consider you to be one of the best drummers of our generation. Do you still take lessons?
Gaster – You have to apply yourself to the drums everyday. For me, that comes in lessons. It also comes from listening, watching, and practicing certain beats itself. You’ve got to play your instrument every day!

Jenny – Being on the road so much for over 15 years, do you collect anything (like records, etc.) on tour?
Gaster – On the first few tours I did that but then the road really becomes your workplace. Whether it’s in Richmond or Portland, OR; it’s just what we do.

Jenny – What do you do to pass the time on the road? Do you play any video games?
Gaster – No. Absolutely not. I read, listen to music, and I have a laptop with me so I make beats all the time.

Jenny – What foods do you eat on the road?
Gaster – We don’t eat any of that fast food stuff. I haven’t had McDonalds once! Panera is a great place that has great salads and Internet access.

Jenny - Clutch has played with enough bands to fill an iPod! What bands were you so excited to share the stage with that you called your friends?
Gaster – We were pretty excited when we got the Sepultura tour back in 94’. Chaos A.D. had just come out and those were some pretty exciting shows!

Jenny – I remember seeing Clutch at The Metro in Richmond back in 92’. Small club, not too many people had heard of you yet. To come back now and sell out every stop in Virginia must feel good!
Gaster – Of course - We used to come down here and play the hardcore shows. That started our following. I love coming to Richmond. We always have a good time here!

Jenny – What are some other places you enjoy playing?
Gaster – The Midwest is really good for us; that’s where the heart of our fan base, I think. Michigan, Chicago, and West Virginia are great. Then you get out to the West Coast and it’s a little more spotty. It’s not as consistent as the Midwest. We can’t go there as often so it’s hard.

Jenny – What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever given you?
Gaster – I had a kid give me a cassette demo the other day. I hadn’t seen one of those in 5 years!

Jenny – The past couple of tours have been “An evening with Clutch” with you guys playing double sets. Is this a trend that will continue?
Gaster – We are doing it for this tour and the next one. After that, who knows?

Jenny – Besides The Bakerton Group and working with the opening act Kelly Carmichael, are there any other side projects that Clutch fans should know about?
Gaster – I just did a record with Five Horse Johnson for Toledo, OH that I’m really excited about. I was fortunate enough to have them ask me to play on the record. I said absolutely – they’re a great band and good guys to hang out with. They also write awesome songs.

Jenny – Your latest promo picture has the band gathered around a sweet vintage truck. Who is the lucky owner?
Gaster – That’s my truck! It’s a 66’ Chevy Stepside; my daily drive.

Jenny – Clutch fans have been voting on MTV2 to get your video for “Burning Beard” in contention for Best Metal Video at the MTV video awards. This having been only your second video (besides “Mob goes Wild” on Bam) to get played on MTV in your entire career, it must be a weird feeling?
Gaster – We really thought it had gotten to the point where those folks would never play our videos so we are all pretty excited!

Jenny – How was the experience of making “Burning Beard”?
Gaster – Because of all the computer animation, it was hard to play to an empty church all day long. Neil had to do so much for the video. Levitating is not something the rest of us wanted to do!

Jenny - Thank you so much for taking the time to keep C! fans up to date.
Gaster – No problem…