Interview: Jean-Paul Gaster (Clutch)
This week FDTC writer Adam Holtzapfel had a chance to chat with Clutch drummer JP Gaster via email about music, food, and movies.
Adam Holtzapfel - Clutch is coming up on being a band for twenty five years, what do you attribute your longevity to?
JP Gaster - We get asked this question a lot. I attribute our longevity to the fact that when we started the band the only goals were to make good recordings and play good shows. Having that perspective cuts out a lot of peripheral nonsense that can happen to a band at any level. Fortunately we’ve been able to make a career out of making rock and roll. Although it was not our intention we are appreciative of this and are excited to have what I consider the best job in the world.
AH - Psychic Warfare came out last year, how has the reception been to it?
JPG - Reception to Psychic Warfare has been very good. It’s especially gratifying since we released this record on our own Weathermaker record label.
AH - You toured with Mastodon and Big Business last year and are currently touring with Kyng and Zakk Sabbath, how have both tours been as it’s a different style of bands?
JPG - We’ve played with bands of different styles since the earliest days of Clutch. Some of our first tours were opening for bands like Bad Religion and Marylin Manson. We didn’t sound like those bands but were able to make a few fans at each of these shows. It was a slow build but now we have a very diverse fanbase that come from and listen too all genres of music.
AH - What can fans expect for the rest of 2016 heading into 2017?
JPG - We’ll continue to tour thru the remainder of 2016. We’ll switch gears and begin writing new material after the new year.
AH - Last time we chatted you mentioned using your parrilla, did you have a chance to do a lot backyard cooking this year?
JPG - We’ve spent quite a few evenings grilling meats over the coals this summer. The trend will continue into the fall and winter!
AH - What are 5 bands you’re currently listening to that others might not be familiar with?
JPG - A few artists that Ive been listening to are: Captain Beefheart, Roland Kirk, Bombino and Sonny Boy Williamson
AH - Last but not least, what’s your top 5 movie of all time?
JPG - I do not like horror movies. My wife loves them though. 5 movies I like are , The Deer Hunter, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Beware of Mr Baker, Woodstock, and Red Dawn. Jaws is rad too.
Be sure to check here to see if Clutch is playing near you.
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