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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Interview with Peter Riot of McClinton

McClinton
Peter Beck
Peter Riot of McClinton on his  DBZ Guitar
McClinton is a five piece Rock band from New Jersey.  The lineup consists of Michael McClinton on vocals, Peter Riot on bass, Gavin Lawrence on guitar, Marcel Buby on guitar, and Michael Lee Allen on drums.  
The band has recently released the album “Final Closure”.   Not only will I get the opportunity to find out more about McClinton and their newest release in this interview, but I will also get to see Peter Riot and McClinton in person this NAMM 2015!!!  He and the band will be traveling to the West Coast and can be seen in the DBZ Guitar Booth this January 2015.
Before we visit about McClinton can you tell us a bit about your history as a musician?  You have worked on multiple projects besides McClinton.  What were your favorite projects?
Yes, I like to keep busy. McClinton is my primary focus but I welcome opportunities that further my career and challenge me as a player. My favorite project was Sick an Tired.  I had complete control and wrote all the material.
What brought McClinton together? 
Michael McClinton brought us together. He is the driving force behind this project and won’t tolerate dead wood.  I am in agreement with him on this. I am sick of lazy musicals who want to just show up and play. It’s a business that requires plenty of behind the scenes effort. I just answered a Craigslist ad and came down for an audition.  Anecdotally the band’s first impression of me was that I was an asshole and wouldn’t make the cut. Now I have the most seniority of the current line-up.
The song, “Empty Silhouettes,” by McClinton has accumulated accolades, such as being nominated for “Rock Song of the Year” with the IMEA Awards, as well as being nominated For Akademia Music Awards for “Best Rock Song.”  Congratulations.  Can you tell us more about the song “Empty Silhouettes” and the album?
Empty Silhouettes is an extremely moving piece written by Michael McClinton.  It is a stand out in in style and audience response.  It definitely is the most talked about McClinton song. I suggested moving it later in the set because of its popularity.
 
What makes McClinton different?  What can fans expect to see at a live show?
The main difference with McClinton is the positive message in the song content.  You won’t find the typical ‘sex, drugs, r-n-r’ drivel. As a cancer survivor, Michael has found a philosophy to keep himself motivated in the face of adversity.  These are words that fans sing along with us at the shows. We are non-stop once we hit the stage. We love to perform and the looks on our faces convey that to the crowds. We all get along great and it shows when we play together.  Sometimes the guys just crack me up.
 
Bedsides these IMEA Awards and Akademia Music Awards what other highlights has McClinton encountered? 
It was a real thrill to play at the New York City Marathon.  We literally set up on a street corner at 54th and 5th with are power cords running down into a local Bodega basement. The spectators and participants were incredible.  We were all high fiveing and fist bumping as we took pics and videos.  It was the most inspiring and fun gig I’ve had. Next year we will return to play the big lawn in Central Park.
 
 You have shared the stage with some great names such as Eric Martin, Stryper, Dio Disciples, Dierks Bently, Firehouse, Mike Tramp, Winger, Ademam Ace Frenhly, Randy Jackson, Z02, John Corabi and others.  How does it feel to play with performers of this caliber?   Any backstage stories which are appropriate to tell?
It’s always an honor to play with big names and share their crowds. I am always happy to meet them and most of them are gracious and humble.  I use them as an example of how to conduct myself with grace and remember that the fans make it possible so always take time to say thanks.
 
McClinton has released the album “Final Closure”.  When did you release?  How are fans responding to the album?   Are you getting positive reviews from the industry regarding the album? 
Our newest release just came out in November.  It is our strongest selling effort so far. Final Closure entered the ITunes chart at #6 between Slipknot and Dokken!
 
You set the bar high with your previous album and awards.  Does “Final Closure” compare?
 
McClinton has gained endorsements with several companies.   The band will be attending NAMM 2015 with DBZ Guitars.    Can you tell fans about the guitar company?   Where can McClinton fans find you at NAMM 2015?
Dean Zalinsky is a world famous guitar maker. He left his former namesake company, Dean Guitars,  to found DBZ Guitars. They make some of the finest instruments in the industry.  I am proud to be with them and if you have played a DBZ you should try one today!
 
 What does your future look like for McClinton?  Are there any upcoming tours, festivals, videos or releases? 
2015 is going to be huge for McClinton with dates and tours planned in the states and abroad. To keep up with us got to mcclintonmusic.com and find us on Twitter and Facebook.
 
Where can we find more information about Peter Riot and McClinton?  Where can we purchase “Final Closure”
Google me! Seriously I’m not hard to find and I’d love to hear from all of you. Contact me on social media or at peter.riot@yahoo.com
Anything else you would like to add? 
In closing I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  To keep up with my exploits and shenanigans,  tune in to Peter Riot’s Smack Talk every week on ngfyradio.com.  See you under the lights!
Links:
http://mcclintonmusic.com/

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