Clutch Frontman Discusses New Music and Creative Ventures

Clutch fans have reason to celebrate as the band is currently immersed in the songwriting process for their upcoming album. In a recent interview with the Mark And Me podcast, frontman Neil Fallon provided insights into the follow-up to their latest release, Sunrise On Slaughter Beach, which debuted in September 2022.

Songwriting Progress and Creative Process

Fallon shared that the songwriting journey is ongoing but has taken longer than anticipated. “Yeah, we’re writing now,” he explained. “It’s taken longer than I think we would’ve liked to have, but to be honest, we toured a lot in the past three years, like really grounded down.” He further elaborated, stating, “When you come home from tour, you don’t wanna turn around the next day and say, ‘Let’s get together and write a song.’ Gotta take a bit of a break.”

The band’s current creative routine involves regular meetings. Fallon noted, “We typically meet once, twice a week for four or five hours to work on new material.” He emphasized the organic nature of their songwriting process, mentioning that the most successful songs often arise spontaneously. “You gotta write a lot of garbage to get to the good stuff. And it seems the less premeditated it is, those are the songs that end up as part of the canon, almost the accidental songs,” he added.

Solo Projects and Personal Interests

When prompted about the potential for a solo album, Fallon revealed that while he has composed music outside of Clutch, he has no intention of pursuing a separate project. “I’ve written a handful of solo works, for lack of a better word, just because they never ended up in the hands of the band,” he explained. “Not because I’m keeping it a secret. It’s just I listened to it, and it’s, like, I don’t think this is gonna make a lot of sense, trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. And I don’t have any interest in being in another band. I feel very satisfied with where I’m at.”

Exploring New Artistic Avenues

In addition to his musical endeavors, Fallon has rediscovered a passion for oil painting. “The only other thing I kind of occupy my time with is I’ve taken up oil painting, which I used to do when I was really young,” he shared. “And I find it to be a very good distraction from music, and a lot of times I come up with lyrics when I’m doing that instead of sitting down with a blank piece of paper. It’s just another exercise to keep the creative brain in shape and not atrophy.”

Upcoming Tour Dates

Clutch has an extensive tour schedule planned for June through August, featuring performances alongside Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and Nate Bergman. Here are some of the notable dates:

• 6/6 Montreal, QC – MTELUS
• 6/7 Pickering, ON – The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort
• 6/8 Ottawa, ON – Bronson Centre Theatre
• 6/10 Moncton, NB – Molson Canadian Centre at Casino New Brunswick
• 6/12 Lynn, MA – Lynn Memorial Auditorium
• 6/13 Portland, ME – State Theatre
• 6/14 Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino
• 6/15 Albany, NY – Empire Live
• 6/17 Morgantown, WV – Ruby Amphitheater
• 6/19 Sault Ste Marie, MI – Kewadin Casino Indoor Concert
• 6/20 Ann Arbor, MI – Michigan Theater
• 6/21 Elizabeth, IN – Caesars Event Center at Caesars Southern Indiana
• 6/22 Pelham, TN – The Caverns
• 6/24 Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
• 6/25 Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues
• 6/27 Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
• 6/28 Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall

Following that, Clutch will perform with Blacktop Mojo and The Inspector Cluzo:

• 7/30 Little Rock, AR – The Hall
• 7/31 Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
• 8/1 Austin, TX – Emo’s
• 8/3 Fort Collins, CO – Washington’s
• 8/4 Sturgis, SD – Bike Week at Iron Horse Saloon
• 8/5 Bozeman, MT – The ELM
• 8/7 Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
• 8/9 Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
• 8/10 Tsuut’ina, AB – Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
• 8/12 Fargo, ND – UP District Festival Field
• 8/14 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
• 8/15 Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
• 8/16 Hammond, IN – Horsehoe Hammond Casino

Conclusion

As Clutch continues to evolve and create new music, fans can look forward to both fresh sounds and the band’s dynamic live performances. Neil Fallon’s commitment to his craft and exploration of new artistic outlets promise an exciting future for the band and its followers.

FAQs

When can we expect the new Clutch album to be released?

While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, the band is currently in the songwriting phase, suggesting that new music could be on the horizon soon.

Will Neil Fallon pursue a solo album?

No, Fallon has stated that he has no interest in pursuing a solo project at this time, feeling satisfied with his work in Clutch.

What are some upcoming tour dates for Clutch?

Clutch has a packed tour schedule from June to August, with performances scheduled across North America, including cities like Montreal, Ottawa, and Austin.

What other hobbies does Neil Fallon have?

In addition to music, Fallon has taken up oil painting, which he finds to be a productive distraction that helps him generate lyrics.