If A Clever Con’s live performance is half as entertaining as their answers to the PEV XXQ’s… then they’re the best friggin’ band in the world. The lime and black clad squad answered our “spare time” question with the following: 

“Mike: Playing Magic The Gathering, watching a lot of documentaries and playing Hacky Sack. 

TJ: Working on cars and fighting fires! 

Ryan: I like to watch Mike play with his sack. 

Mike: What?! 

Ryan: I said crack... I like smoking crack. Yeah, I’m a big crack head. I also like watching old Hanson videos. 

TJ: [Expletive], Ryan!”

Aside form being hilarious, the boys of the Jersey-based A Clever Con are pretty talented, making the Warped Tour roster within year one of their musical existence. They’ve just released “The Robot EP” and as TJ says – you should expect “GREATNESS!!!... It is not the normal mainstream, whine, complain, and bitch about your girlfriend music played by GUYS wearing GIRLS pants with long hair wearing eye-shadow... It is OUR type of music and there is no way to describe it. It’s not metal, it’s not alternative, it’s not indie, and it’s not pop.”

Ryan continues, “We’re really proud of what we accomplished on ‘The Robot EP’.  We really cover a lot of ground with the CD show that we can do anything. I really think the CD has some epic moments. I find myself pulling a Kanye West – chillin’ at home listening to my music in awe of how awesome it is. Wait, was that redundant?”

A Clever Con is certainly onto something different here – taking in influence from just about every genre on the scene to make sounds that you’re not hearing on the radio today. Check out their schedule and catch the live show… or go find them down by the river. Download “The Robot EP” and read on for the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: A Clever Con

 
PensEyeView.com (PEV): Tell us how you first got started in the music business. Has playing music always been something you’ve always wanted to do?

Mike: We (A Clever Con) were all born performers.  Personally, I’ve always been involved in music and it has been my rampart throughout my whole life. Music was always a calling for me and as a kid watching MTV videos; I always wanted to be a part of a band. I don’t really look at it as a business all though it is in many forms, but to me it has always been my love.

Ryan: On the contrary, having studied in college and working at various record labels, I’ve been conditioned to understand the business aspect of recorded and live music. Though I’ve been to the dark side, I’ve never ever lost my passion for it. I’m somehow able to change my hats at will. Doing so helps me manage things professional with the band and then completely open up at band practice and rock out. Music was huge for me growing up. I found the therapeutic connection that most cliché angst-ridden teens find with modern music.  I had always been a performance in musicals and play, but once I started writing music and poetry, I knew my future would have to be a creative one.

 

PEV: What kind of music were the band members into growing up? Do you remember the first band/artist you listened to that you really connected with?
 

Mike: I was into Pop and R&B when I was a wee little boy. I was big into Boyz II Men. They were the cat’s meow!  I shortly moved into the wave of rock music and became a heavy listener of grunge music (esp. Silverchair and STP). I can say that I really connect with Dispatch. I got into them about 7 years ago. Although they are broken up I still respect their music in so many ways.  In my eyes, they were the definition of a true “Indie Band”, having accomplished so much without help from a label. They brought over 100 thousand people to a free farewell show in Boston, MA. They were the only band playing.

TJ: Growing up I was a confused little boy listening to a little bit of everything. The first concert I ever went to was a Billy Joel concert with my mom, aunt and sister. However, the second concert I went to was a Hanson concert and yes, that was all my decision; I was not dragged to it. I used to be a big Hanson fan but that was only a phase for a year or two... Then I moved on to Metallica when they came out with the song "I Disappear". Since then have listened to mostly rock, alt, indie, and some pop/punk.

Ryan: Yeah, I hear ya on that. Taylor Hanson was so hot.

Mike: Taylor Hanson is a guy.

Ryan: [Laughs] You guys are yankin' me. Hey, let's put one over on Ryan.

TJ: No, he's actually a guy, Ryan.

Ryan: What? That's insane. That's impossible. [Pause] Oh God. Oh my God. I've got all these magazines. Oh God…

Mike: Um… next questions please.

PEV: How did the band as we know it today form? What was the first practice together like? Instant connection?

TJ: Mike and Ryan had a bass player and drummer when they started A Clever Con. But they quit after their first show. Hey, why was that again?

Ryan: Because I took my shirt off at the show.

TJ: Yeah…. after that happened in 2006, Certo’s band broke up and he jumped on board in 2007. Then I found ACC via a Craigslist Ad in 2008.

Mike: The first of many first practices were instant connections. Dating back, from when Ryan and I jammed acoustically in his backyard in 2006 for the first time, all the way to 2008 when all four of us jammed as a full band at a hole-in-the-wall studio. The main ingredient for our connection was the fact that all four of us went in there with one idea in mind: to have an open mind, not confine us to a specific genre and to have some ‘smashtati’c fun.

TJ: First practice for me was kind of scary. I remember walking up to the practice studio and seeing Ryan and his muscles thinking he was this big meathead, but shortly after meeting him realized he was just a curly haired happy-go-lucky guy. On a more serious note I was more scared thinking, "I hope I’m good enough, and I hope they like me and want to keep me"! I feel that the first practice went pretty well and that there was somewhat of an instant connection between the four of us we immediately started jamming and I could tell that this was something that was going to be long term! 

Ryan: Funny you say that, Smash. I remember seeing a huge 6’5 guy who looked like a he could be a NFL tight end walk into the studio with cymbal case in hand and thinking, “I didn’t know Lennie from Of Mice and Men played drums,”, haha!  On a serious note, I think a big reason why we work together so well is become from different background of rock music. Each member contributes his own style and taste to the music that the other would never even think of.
 

PEV: Tell us about your creative process… What kind of environment do you have to be in to make music?

Mike: Its different for all of us. The creative process always begins when we are not ready for it. Most ideas hit me like a ton a bricks. I could be anywhere. I just hope I can get to a guitar or paper fast enough before I forget it.



Ryan: Songwriting for me comes from anything like me noodleing around on the guitar to me having a poem written that I think might do well as a song. Traditionally, Mike and I will start the basis of the songs together on our acoustic guitar and bring it to the studio. Other times, someone will have a whole song already written and demoed for us to learn. As of last we’re doing the opposite and just jam out in the rehearsal studio and finding where it takes us. Then Mike and I bring it home for housekeeping and write lyrics, extra parts and work on structure.

TJ: I personally just need some drumsticks and some stuff to hit...and some cool motivating music helps too just to get me hyped up!!

 
PEV: The band has become known for their black shirts and lime green ties. How did this come about and was it something you thought would catch on right away with fans? Do fans often show up wearing the ties?

TJ: The black shirt/green tie thing started on a whim when we decided to wear black shirts and ties on stage. I took it upon myself to order a lime green tie being that it is my favorite color, wore it to a show then the rest of the guys, liked them, bought them and the rest is history.

As for the fans they do not wear the green ties yet…. HOWEVER most of the time fans come dressed in any sort of lime green apparel they can find. We’re talking anything from pants to bracelets to shoelaces to homemade ACC shirts. We have even seen green hair extensions!!!
 

PEV: What can fans expect from a live A Clever Con show?

TJ: Pure smack in the face awesomeness usually followed up by a pure awesome after party!!!

Mike: Our songs have heart—One of those things that you really just can't formulate. I’d like to say we have personality too and it all really translates well live.  I don't think there's anyone in the band who isn't a character in his own way. Oh, and fans get to see the aforementioned back shirts and green ties.



Ryan: and you without any shoes on. Right Mike?

Mike: Yep!

 

PEV: Tell us about your first live performance as a band. How have you changed since that first show to where you are now?

Mike: Our first live performance in the current line up was at the North Star Bar in Philly. TJ wasn’t 21 yet so he had to leave right after we played, haha! We were so nervous about people actually digging what we were about. As it turns out we, impressed a few people.

TJ: My first live performance in ACC was extremely nerve wrecking. It was the first time I had played live in front of a big crowd in over 2 years due. Although we had practiced for the show and as a band we were definitely ready, I was still scared $#!tless and decided it would be a good idea to bring a back up pair of underwear! Since then we have become much tighter as a band we have bonded and can read each other a lot better. Our style has also changed slightly; we are a tad bit heavier then what we used to be.

Mike: Yeah, we have evolved rapidly since our first show. We are more professional and active now. Lets just say we did our homework.

PEV: What can fans expect from your recent release, "The Robot EP"?

TJ: GREATNESS!!!

Ryan: We’re really proud of what we accomplished on “The Robot EP”.  We really cover a lot of ground with the CD show that we can do anything. I really think the CD has some epic moment. I find myself pulling a Kanye West-  chillin’ at home listening to my music in awe of how awesome it is. Wait, was that redundant?

 

PEV: How is "The Robot EP" different from other albums out today?

Mike: There is no such thing as different. To me, everything is recycled over and over again. The only raw detail we add is the fact that we incorporate multiple facets of music in our material. There is no limit to our style. If you’re looking for a selective sound on this CD, then you’re looking in the wrong place. We will forever be genre-less.

TJ: It is not the normal mainstream, whine, complain, and bitch about your girlfriend music played by GUYS wearing GIRLS pants with long hair wearing eye-shadow... It is OUR type of music and there is no way to describe it. It’s not metal, it’s not alternative, it’s not indie, and it’s not pop. It’s A Clever Con.

Ryan: I think you just gave your response to the next question, hah! Well done, Smash!

 
PEV: Tell us the story behind the name A Clever Con?

Mike: In a world of clever quips and popular crowds we stood alone amongst society’s youth. To me, the world is just one big clever con, because none if it is real. It’s a farce used only to stand out in a crowd of a thousand. Thus becoming a mirror of our youth.

TJ: You just blew my mind man…

Mike: Thanks, Smash.

Ryan: Yeah, that’s the thing with A Clever Con. It means different things to each of us.  Just like our songs, we know what we think about it - we leave it open for interpretation. What do you think?

When Mike and I formed the band with the old bassist and drummer we just kept spitting out band name ideas on the way to and from practice. The phrase came out of nowhere from our old drummer’s mouth, like a shooting star, Sarah Palin’s vice presidential nomination or that thing I found on my junk last week. It was most pleasing audibly, so we adopted it. We didn’t know why we liked it, but we did. As time passed, we grew into the name as we grew into the current lineup band and defined it “A Clever Con” with every song we wrote and every show we played. It was like a blessing as disguise, because it fits us so well now. 

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the band that most fans would not know?

Mike: I secretly watch Brokeback Mountain once a week. But don’t worry; it’s not my favorite movie.

TJ: I wear banana hammocks, daily. 

Ryan: I pay homage to my favorite playwright Henrik Ibsen by working as a master Tarantella dancer for hire and sporadically say cryptic things that make people question whether or not if I’m pregnant.

Mike: As far as Certo goes, if he told you, he’d have to kill you…
 

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a career for you? Was there ever an “a-ha moment”?

Mike: It’s every musician’s dream to have music be his or her career. But, lets face it, its not like it once was in the business. A lot of us came to terms early with that dream’s possibility so we got real jobs.

TJ: I can only dream of having music as a career and even at that point I wouldn’t think of it as a career I would call it a daily hobby that I get paid for because I do not see it as a job I see it as a love. I don’t do it cause I have to, I do it cause I love to!

 

Ryan: When I was younger, I realized that if I wasn’t the one on stage performing the music that I’d have to work with the ones making the music to some capacity. That’s why I went to school to learn about the music business and sound engineering and producer other bands on the side.

 
PEV: As a musician, you live a lot of your life on the road. How is life on the road for you? Best and worst parts? Any fun stories?

Ryan: We haven’t hit the road to tour, YET, but we’re well versed in the NY, NJ and PA rock circuit.

TJ: It’s still a lot of fun... I think one of the most memorable moments for me was opening for the Sublime tribute band "Badfish" to a sold out crowd of over 2,000 at Starland Ballroom. There are no words to describe the feeling of playing in front of 2000+ people its just amazing! One of the worst moments was playing a local club called The Breakfast Club, there was maybe 10-15 people there at the most, the stage was falling apart, the sound sucked, my drums kept falling over cause the stage was so unstable, and it just sucked!

Ryan: Aww, yeah and my amp head broke that night! Awesome show.

 

PEV: Do you find yourselves as a band often going back to one theme in your songwriting over another?

Mike: We try and always do different things with our music. It’s important to stay away from a comfort zone. We work well in those conditions.

TJ: Yeah, we try to keep it interesting and keep switching it up
 

Ryan: Really? I always go back to my obsession of John & Kate Plus 8 when I write songs. Isn’t that what you guys do to?

 

Mike: I hate you so much right now.

 

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your musical career? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown?

Mike: Everyone is very supportive. We couldn’t ask for better friends and family. They have always been there since day one and it shows when we play our hometown, every one comes out and supports. We always have a good time.

TJ: Every one of my friends and family have been nothing but awesome to me and super supportive of my love for making music and being in a band. I couldn’t ask for anything more from them. They all come out to shows and show love and support!

 

Ryan: We have the greatest friends and families a band could ask for. Thing is, they truly understand how their support helps us. If anyone out there is reading this, I can speak for all of us when I say, THANK YOU!!

But, it’s not just ‘cause they’re our friends, they truly get our music and are true fans. Trust me, if my dad thought we sucked, he’d tell me. He used to tell me that alllllll the time. Once the The Robot EP came out, I remember he walked up to me, shook my hand and told me how great it was and that I need to do music for a living.

We have a gigantic “Thank You” page in the liner notes of The Robot EP. We really try to remember everyone who comes out to our shows and everyone who’s supported us in any way, shape, or form.

 

PEV: What can we find each of the band members doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

Mike: Playing Magic The Gathering, watching a lot of documentaries and playing Hacky Sack. 

TJ: Working on cars and fighting fires!

Ryan: I like to watch Mike play with his sack.

Mike: What?!

Ryan: I said crack... I like smoking crack. Yeah, I’m a big crack head. I also like watching old Hanson videos.

TJ: [Expletive], Ryan!

 
PEV: Is there still one artist or group that would be your dream collaboration? Why?

Mike: Rx Bandits, they need no explanation.

TJ: Rx Bandits, Paramore, Incubus, GlassJaw - Anyone of those would be awesome, mainly because those are some of the bands that are inspirations to our music.

Ryan: Like OMG! I would loooove to play with…

Mike: Ryan, if you say Hanson one more time, I swear I’m going to…

Ryan: RX BANDITS! Rx Bandits... Chill out man, really. Oh, and Tinted Windows.

TJ: Who’s Tinted Windows?

Ryan: Taylor Hanson’s new band!

Mike: That’s it!

Ryan: AHHHHHH!!

 

PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now? 

TJ: Yes. Ready guys? 

[Mike, Ryan & TJ In Rich Three-Part Harmony]: BURNING JERSEY!!

Ryan: Look ‘em up.

 

PEV: If music was not your goal for a career, what would you most likely be doing?

Mike: Making drums out of tree trunks!!

TJ: Umm either working on cars for a living or something else and living an extremely boring life.

Ryan: Yeah I second that with TJ. I’d probably be in Vegas every year for the Beep Pong tournament. It’s the only sport I’m good at.
 

PEV: So, what is next for A Clever Con?

TJ: More writing, more shows, more studio recording and perhaps a full-length album!!

Ryan: We’re saving up to buy a van. Not to go on tour with… Just to live in, down by the river.

Mike: I’m going to quote a very wise man on this, “Try and take over the world" - The Brain.

For more information on A Clever Con, check out www.aclevercon.com. To purchase music, click here.  Check out some merch and music: aclevercon.bigcartel.com and stay connected with them at www.facebook.com/aclevercon  and twitter.com/acelvercon