The band that I am sitting with today deserves some attention. These guys know how to melt your face. I have not seen them live yet but the energy that they produce in their tracks online and on disc are incredible. I am not a big dancer, never have been. This is mainly due to the fact that I am not very good at it. But when I first heard these guys I felt obligated to get up and move my body. They do not look like they sound, and I am not sure that is a bad thing. It is a nice little surprise to hear something you don’t expect. These dudes are also nice which helps make their music that much more like able. Sit back with me today as I am pleased to introduce you to the Clutter.
Where did you come up with that name?
We were originally Rick DeSutter and The Clutter back when we started in early 2008. Rick had some albums he had recorded and wanted to add a band to his Rick DeSutter solo project. Clutter rhymed and it sounded cool. In October 2009, we decided to rename the band just The Clutter in order to be more marketable.
How long have you guys all known each other?
Rick, Brad, and Bobby have known each other for a long time. Ethan came into the picture in early 2009 when we needed a replacement for our first bass player, Craig Meinhart.
Where did you all meet?
We all met in Lafayette, Indiana in various ways for various reasons.
You guys play a lot around the Midwest. Do you have thoughts of a nationwide tour anytime this year?
Our main focus right now is to work on playing shows in the surrounding area and the surrounding states in order to build up a strong fan base. Nationwide touring sounds cool, but would not be wise without the help of a label/booking agent or a well seasoned, experienced band. Better to build a strong foundation than to stretch ourselves thin and burn out.
Who writes all the lyrics?
Rick does. He’s written music and lyrics for several bands now and continues to write his own solo work on the side. For The Clutter, Rick’s lyrics mostly focus on his personal challenges in life, like struggling to be successful and always feeling as if there is not enough time to get everything done. The Clutter is an honest expression of how we all deal with the clutter in our lives.
You guys are playing Cornerstone? How did you land that gig?
We’ve made up our minds to go this year and make the best of it. We’re still technically in the process of landing the gig. (Laughs) The hope is to perform at least three times while we’re there whether it be on the New Band Showcase, The Label Showcase, or generator stages. We’re currently entered in the New Band Showcase and are in the top twenty-five out of over one hundred bands. We need people to continue to vote for us everyday until May 16th in order to get a slot. So yeah, everyone please go to and start voting for us!
Have you been to Cornerstone before?
Brad and Rick both went several years back to play with their first band called Dead2Self. Rick has been back several more times since.
Describe your genre in one word.
Clutter.
How did you react to the passing of Michael Jackson?
Bobby is a huge fan of Michael. We didn’t think we would ever hear the end of it when he passed. We still hear if every once in a while. He was very talented and a great entertainer and many people will miss him.
You guys have shared the stage with a ton of bands. Who was the most fun to play with?
Red Morning Voyage. Those guys know how to rock out and have a good time while playing some of the sweetest riffs you’ve ever heard!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
We were getting ready to play the finale of a band competition at The Lafayette Theater. Rick jumps up on stage to heft an amp and rips the crotch out of his pants. The set went well, but Rick had to stand a little more still than usual. (Does anyone feel a draft in here?)
Do you have a favorite venue to play?
In our hometown, Lafayette, our favorite place to play is Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop. The people are extremely nice, the turnout is always great, and they make this sweet little drink called a fragalappé! When we go out of town our favorite venue is The Underground in Cincinnati. Great people, awesome stage and venue setup, and the local crowd is very friendly. We’ll be playing there again in May!
What is the biggest crowd you have played for?
200-300.
The smallest?
3.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Blindside, Muse, the Juliana Theory.
I dig that photo on the top of your MySpace page. Where was that taken?
That photo was taken in the back of McCord Candies in Lafayette. That have a sweet room with a really old stair case in it. The photo was taken by Al Davis Creative.
Speaking of MySpace. What are your thoughts on the service?
Great for booking shows and keeping in touch with other bands.
Are you on Twitter?
Nope.
Any tattoos in the band?
Ethan, the bass player, has a few. A flower, a star, and SP00 (his old band) which somehow looks like coffee beans.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you?
The Midwest baby! Living the dream, living the dream.
You guys have some sick show posters. Who designs all of those?
Rick does. He has designed posters for all of his past bands, too. Rick, Brad and Bobby are all graphic designers.
Living in the neighborhood of the Boilermakers, I will assume you all went to Purdue?
Nope. Rick is the only true Boilermaker.
Do you guys have jobs outside of music?
Indeed.
Where do you get inspiration for a new track?
The inspiration comes from living life and dealing with it’s many challenges combined with just loving to make music that’s different and refreshing.
Where can I get some of your merchandise?
Come to a show! Or message us on MySpace and we’ll arrange for payment and shipping.
Are you guys using a PC or a Mac?
Both.
If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, whom would you pick?
The three MJ’s. Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Michael J. Fox (You gotta love Back to the Future!)
Where do you guys practice?
Brad’s mom’s house.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Livin’ in a van down by the river! (Laughs) No, not really. In five years we hope to be performing bigger and better shows and making enough money to keep writing and playing music.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
We want to be remembered for not only being a group of guys who play good music, but mainly for our ministry in God.
I always let the artist get the last word.
We have some really big shows coming up this year. Taste of Tippecanoe, Cornerstone Festival, and the Indiana State Fair!
