In the era of the "VH1 Behind The Music" tell-alls of hitting bottom in music, it seems Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers has found a solid formula for being sustained, career musicians. Both married, with children, Clyne and Naffah approach their passion as a profession.
Roger Clyne and Peacemakers at the Marquee Theatre. 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. 8 p.m. March 19. $20. All ages. 480.829.0607. Web site
The rock 'n' roll fantasy of groupies, green M&Ms and trashed hotel rooms is a good fantasy, but only for a short while. Clyne and Naffah have not only lived through the fantasy, they've thrived, all the while building lives, a business, families and a career that is also their passion.
The Valley musicians return home for a short stop, as part of a 200-date tour for their new CD, Americano!
Taking a much needed break from their dizzying schedule, front man Clyne and Naffah recently met SPM for lunch at their favorite Tempe hideout, The Fire House. Discussing everything from their formula for success, to their controversial new song "God Gave Me a Gun," Clyne and Naffah reflect on their long journey, their band's longevity and what it means to be an independent musician in today's MP3-obsessed musical climate.
SPM: So, what kind of following does RCPM have outside of Arizona?
Naffah: A lot of people had no idea who we were, so when we started touring, we hit the markets where our former band, The Refreshments, had success--for example, Denver, Chicago, New York. You know, all the places where we already had a foothold with Refreshments fans.
SPM: Critics have compared you to Barenaked Ladies and Dave Matthews Band, but I really don't see a strong resemblance in your musical styles. What I do notice is the same kind of loyal fan following at your live shows, though. How do you feel your fans reflect your success?
KZON St. Patty's Day Throwdown featuring Barenaked Ladies at Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue, Tempe. 8:20 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 17. $15. 480.784.4444.
Naffah: See, I've never been to a Barenaked Ladies or Dave Matthews show, but we'll be playing with 'Ladies at the KZON (101.5) show. But that's our manifesto man; we all grew up playing in bars, to a crowd, so doing live shows for our fans, that's our whole thing.
SPM: So how do you like recording?
Naffah: You know, we're not really a studio band, and we don't really want to be. We just try to capture what we can do live, in the studio. But live shows are how we put our kids in shoes and put food on the table.
SPM: Speaking of putting food on the table, what's your stance on illegal downloading of music?
Clyne: I have to recognize that on some level, it's damaging to our revenue, but you also have to understand, if we had to live off of album sales, we wouldn't make it. That's the cold business response. However, I have to recognize that if my music is accessible to anybody, through the computer, the listener will hopefully be turned on to the music, and will check out one our shows. So, I'm glad it gives us exposure. I realize that it hurts album sales, but
I'm not interested in suing my fans ... that's just ridiculous.
SPM: I really dig the track "God Gave Me a Gun" from the new CD and how it comments on the current war, without ever really taking sides. As the writer, are you taking sides?"
Clyne: On the record? I'm taking the side of responsibility for human life and non-violence; it's an anti-war song, period. I wanted it to be applicable to any conflict.
SPM: So I'm right to assume that it critiques Bush's foreign policy as much as it critiques religious fanaticism?
Clyne: Any ideological entrenchment, whether it be political or religious, it's still an entrenchment. No ideology should give one the right to take a life in the name of God or country.
SPM: You have very creative merchandise at your shows and on your Web site. What prompted this kind of merchandising?
Clyne: Well, like the bracelets are by my neighbor Hoss Rogers, who's a silversmith. My son goes to school with his son. See, with creative merchandise, we're supporting another artist, too.
SPM: You tour rigorously, have a successful product line and a die-hard fan base. Is this your formula?
Clyne: We did the major label thing; we had national radio airplay with The Refreshments, but that stuff ... you know, it's fleeting. We do what we do because it's what we do best. We tour and play our hearts out, and we're grateful people are listening.
Reach the reporter at saman.mehrazar@asu.edu.
