In the Meet The Band spotlight this week are Tommy’s Rocktrip. The band was formed by drummer Tommy Clutefos (Ozzy Osbourne, Dead Daisies), who also handles vocals on a few tracks of their debut album Beat Up By Rock N’ Roll. Clutefos introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: What led to the formation of Tommy’s Rocktrip?
Tommy Clutefos: I had never had the time or motive to make any of my own music, and when this unfortunate world shut (especially the music business) I finally had the time and motive, so I said why not!
How did you put the band together?
I found musicians I respected and knew would be open to play the music the way I wanted it played. And was very proud of how everyone performed on the album. I was very adamant the music have the energy, groove and feel that I wanted. And to me it came out exactly how I wanted. So I’m really grateful to the guys for helping me make the music come out so great.
Describe the songwriting process for Beat Up By Rock N’ Roll.
I sang most of all the ideas out, then we rehearsed them the old way of getting together and plowing through them all together. Loud and together in the same room, no computers, no sending tracks back and forth.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
Having my daughter June Grace Clufetos come in and sing the very last sound on the record.
How was the experience doing lead vocals on three tracks?
I never set out to sing at all on it. My final vocal tracks were meant initially to be just “scratch” or “guide” vocals. I ended up liking the vibe they had and how it came off so I left them as they were.
Was the recording process affected by the pandemic?
The recording only happened because OF the pandemic!
How would you characterize its style/sound?
Heavy rock n’ roll.
How did you come to sign with Frontiers?
They had asked me to do a few different things, and when the freedom of a worldwide shut down happened I said why don’t I just make my own music.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
I set out to make a album that I could be proud of. After that, no expectations at all.
Do you have plans to tour the album once shows open up again?
I have no plans at all as no one knows the future as of this moment. There is a tune on my album called “You Got The Cash, I Got The Flash” by the way…
How did you come to join the Dead Daisies?
I had worked with them on a short run in 2015 and they called me to come join back up with them. And I am looking forward to getting out there and playing some good music with them, in the near future!
Any other projects/bands you’re currently working on?
No.
What is your fondest memory of your time playing with Black Sabbath?
Greatest group of musicians I have played with thus far.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bob Seger, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Jimmy Reed, Elmore James, Louis Armstrong.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Thank you to anyone who takes the time and hard earned money to buy and listen to my record. I hope you enjoy it.
(interview published May 8, 2021)
