Clare And The Reasons Interview
Clare And The Reasons newest record Arrow was released today via Frog Stand Records. The album was written and produced by the two core members, Clare and Oliver. The had a little help from their musician friends along the way and some of them will join the two on tour. They will head out on tour this week and will make a stop at the First Unitarian Church next week(10/28)with The Vic Chestnut Band. Interview and the new video for “All The Wine” below.
Clare and Olivier, how did you two meet? Is there a good story behind it at all?
Claire: In a dark alley!
Oliver: Clare who? Never met… 
How exactly did you come to be Clare and The Reasons? Was it a solo project of yours before the others joined?
Claire: I had solo stuff going on before, but it wasn’t Clare and the Reasons and not really a similar sound. It was my “musical searching” stage… Figuring out how to get to what I was hearing in my head.
On your record Arrow, there are so many different instruments being played. What’s the live show like? Are you trapped on stage by instruments?
Claire: Yes, if there is a fire, we go down…It’s amazing multi tasking by all members.
The first record The Movie, featured collaborations with Sufjan Stevens and Van Dyke Parks. Arrow had the likes of Shara Worden and a member from both The National and Beirut. They’re pretty big musicians to play with. How did they come to be? Did they contribute to the writing process at all? What was the experience like?
Claire: They are friends, to me, and I think they are talented. Ben Lanz who plays with The National and Beirut is a dear friend of ours and we’re so happy he’s touring with us. No, none of them contributed to the writing process, that’s me, and Olivier is the arranger (amazing I think!)
Have you seen any good films that lately?
Claire: I really liked the Coco Before Chanel movie, thought it was great and dark in all the right ways. I haven’t had much time to see movies lately truth be told. I want to see Where The Wild Things Are.
Who or what influences your music?
Claire: Mostly visual things, like the other day I went to see the Kandinsky show, couldn’t have been more inspired. I associate music with colors and lights (that might be a disorder, but it’s me!)
What’s your favorite kind of wine? Any recommendations for the readers?
Claire: Oh BORDEAUX!!!!! Not too young. Earthy!
The video for “All The Wine” is really wonderful. One of the better music videos I’ve seen in a while. Did you take part in the creative process at all?
Claire: Yes, sure, Ryan Foregger directed it and came up with the story board, but we all contributed to the story and process. I’m quite happy with it as well. So many Bobs!
Have you ever played in Philadelphia before? The Sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church is an amazing venue. Your music will fits the atmosphere of the space well. If you haven’t been there yet, you are going to really enjoy it.
Claire: We did play there last year with My Brightest Diamond, really enjoyed it, especially the audience. Actually, I think we were in the basement…
