Clockwise: Manipulating Your Mind
by David Chiu

Vegas has been known for many things: casinos, tourists, desert, CSI. But what about music (and no I'm not talking about Wayne Newton)--is there an actual, homegrown music scene down in the city of sin? If there is one, it's not talked about much outside of it. Given the amount of lighted, bloated attractions down in LV, it must be daunting for a young band to get some attention.The alt hard rock band known as Clockwise is looking to remedy that situation by delivering some hard hitting music with the same 1-2 punch similar to that of a boxing match at the MGM Grand.

Clockwise was formed in is made up of singer Austin Leduc, bassist Alfonso Bernal, drummer Dave McMahan, and guitarists Justin Pasquale and Scott Beare. The guys have known each other since childhood, and growing in a bubble within the environment certainly played a role in wanting to bring their music across a hungrier notch further than most other bands. With constant playing in the local clubs, the group started a fierce competition between labels looking to signing them--they eventually settled with RCA.

The group is poised to released their full-length debut major label album on the RCA records label called Healthy Manipulation, produced by Dan Broadbeck. It is full of pure unadulterated hard rock music light on sentiment and aiming to please ("Lay Her Down," "Paranoid," "Southern Drawl") , and more on making a unflinching statement (although there is one subdued song "Aware" but by no means is it sappy, rather unnervingly reflective) Although the music is essentially thunderous hard rock music, there are moments of pop, funk, and hip-hop that gives the sound some diversity and revealing a versatile side to the band in the process.

Clockwise has already earned their chops by playing with David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar on tour (any one that can support those ex-Van Halen frontmen/hams deserves to be commended), and is later supporting Alice Cooper. With that and the impending release of the new record, singer Austin Leduc took some time off to talk to NewBeats about the band's sound.

1. How much of a factor of growing up in Vegas plays in the music and the lyrics on Healthy Manipulation?

The biggest effect growing up in Vegas had on our band would have to be our live show. There's so much else to do in our valley, that if your band isn't balls to the wall, larger than life, no one's gonna come watch you play.

2. What was the idea behind naming the band 'Clockwise'?

Nothin', man. It was the only name we didn't fight about.

3. Your single "Lay Her Down" is pretty aggressive yet melodic too. What is that song about?

That song is basically a story spelling out the classic fight n' f**k
relationship, and realizing the vicious cycle.

4. Would it be fair to say that the album incorporates elements of pop,
funk, and hip-hop into the hard rock base? Do you like to mix up the sound a bit?

You would be the first writer to nail the musical influences of this band to the wall. It's definitely a fair statement. i think we naturally write what we dig and feel, so the influences that come out are not intentional.

5. How did you guys know each other? What explains the chemistry between you guys?

We met each other through school, and the local Vegas music scene.Our
chemistry comes from our brotherhood, and our common love for music, and
finger painting.

6. Who did you listen to growing up or what acts influenced you?

We listened to Jane's addiction, Chili Peppers, Tool, Alice in Chains, Rage Against the Machine, ..........

7. How did you get signed to RCA?

Bob Jameison discovered us, and Steve Ferrara signed us.

8. Does the record accurately portray the band live or is playing live a totally different matter? What do you do to win over a crowd who never
heard of you?

I believe they're totally different mediums. The album captured the songs, but playing those songs live is a new experience each time. We throw down and force people to do what they came for:  Have a good time.

9. What sets your band apart from the other hard rock bands out there?

We're sincere. We're there for the glory of the crowd and the music. I think many band have forgotten who the real rock stars are: The People.

10. How is it like playing with David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar? Given
their history with Van Halen, are they getting along with each other?

They didn't get along for shit. Sammy rocks.

11. What's next for you guys? What do you guys hope to accomplish?

The release of the album on November 5. WORLD DOMINATION.

http://www.clockwiseband.com