Finding Clyde

Joe Rivard—Lead Vocals, guitar
Tony Rivard—Bass, Vocals, harmonica
Jack Neymeiyer—Guitar, Organ, Vocals
Marc Scott—drums and percussion

Still a fresh entity in a state where rock music once thrived and defined a nation, Finding Clyde has found a unique way to mix invigorating story lines with listenable music, thus crossing all genera boundaries albeit remaining true to itself. As organic as the first time you heard a radio station, the group’s self-titled debut CD (available on iTunes now and set to drop Sept. 14 on Independent Bullfrog Records) is one for the record books.

“Time Water” is already jumping radio waves across the country, where in Michigan, the band has hit local and statewide stations all around spinning the cut. WIOG in Saginaw to WYSS Sault Ste. Marie and over to Marquette, down to Illinois and out to Ohio, “Time Waster” has wasted no time charting already grabbing 21 radio stations, climbing. In New Music Weekly, the band landed in the #9 on the Top 40 Main Chart , along side names like John Mayer, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, and Nickelback just to name a few.

Started just over a year ago producing an EP, Finding Clyde was playing coffee shops, battle of the bands and lofts to only work its art. That ended in Mid-March 2010 when Chad Cunningham, President of Bullfrog Records signed the band and brought them to main-stages across the state and helped them produce the debut full-length Finding Clyde. They now have a summer tour lineup that includes stints with Buckcherry, Drowning Pool, 3 Doors Down, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper, George Throughgood, Tesla, Great White, Need To Breath, Bret Michaels, Boys Like Girls and Saving Abel, just to name a few.

Inspired by artists ranging from Need To Breath, Pete Yorn, George Harrison, Billy Corgan, STP, Queen, Billy Preston and The Foo Fighters, the music cuts across like an accessible old friend, leaving the listener yearning for another spin. “We don’t like to be pigeonholed into one sound or stylistically like any band,” said vocalist and primary songwriter Joe Rivard. Recorded at Pearl Sound Studio in Canton, MI, “We went down to Detroit and busted out this album in a month,” continued the vocalist. Each member played together through their high school Marching Band and even jazz band, where the musicians honed their skills. Rivard and his brother, bassist Tony were joined by cousin Marc and neighbor Jack to round out the line-up.

“More people just need to hear the record,” states Chad Cunningham Bullfrog Records President (the Independent Music Network is featuring “Time Waster” on their syndicated radio show for the entire month of August). “I like their attitudes, the way they gel, who they are as people, and when I heard them play I couldn’t believe how tight they sounded live.”

For more information on Finding Clyde go to www.findingclyde.com, www.Myspace.com/findingclyde and on Facebook.

Catching Up With Chris --- Christine VanHoy!

“Butterfly Girl” is another hit song from hit maker Christine VanHoy. And like a butterfly, Chris is always on the move. We caught up with this busy singer/songwriter to find out her views on the music business and about Chris herself --- the woman behind the hits.

CHRIS: You know, I used to think it was harder, but I've changed my tune on that over the last number of months. It's not really harder, it's just different. From what I have learned, it is predominantly women who buy music, and while we, as women, love hearing songs by and about other women - strong, independent, fierce, but sensitive and feminine women - we sure like those cowboys. Men we can dream about fixing, changing, taming and loving. So, not harder, just different.

Q: Do you have some "Words of Wisdom" for a woman wanting to get in the industry?

CHRIS: I'm not sure how wise this is, it's more just common sense, but for women especially, you need to be who you are. It's hard not to try and copy what's been successful for other women (wouldn't we all like to be Carrie Underwood or Faith Hill!) - but if that's not who you are naturally, don't do it. I wish I had started doing this a LOT of years ago, and didn't have an age barrier to face now that I am doing it. However, my years have allowed me to write songs that are based on my experiences, so I can really sing what I know. I believe that's what reaches out and grabs people, and helps them relate to my songs. So, be yourself. Write and sing from the heart.

Q: When you go out of town to record or perform, do you take sentimental things with you?

CHRIS: My husband. He's my rock and my biggest fan, and has always supported and believed in my musical journey, from the first time he heard me sing. One of my new songs that will be coming out on my new album (due out in December I hope!!!), is dedicated to him. It's called "You = Home".

One other thing that I always take with me, and is always with me no matter what, is my love of singing. My songs or other people's songs. I just love to sing. And if a song touches my heart, every time I sing it, even if it's in the car, shower, I sing like I am sending a message to hundreds of people. I'm sure people who drive by me in cars think I am nuts, because I really do sing with gusto when I'm in the car. :0)

So, always sing with passion and life, whether you're by yourself or in front of a crowd.

Q: What is the one word that describes you?

CHRIS: My husband will tell you that I am one of the wordiest people he's ever met. My whole family is that way. Our philosophy is, why use one word when you can use twenty! That's not the best "gift" to have in songwriting however - so beware of the need to use lots of words. That said, (in 54 words) trying to pick one word to describe myself would take me weeks to do - to narrow down the at least 20 words that pop into my head when I see that question. However, the VERY first one that popped into my head, before all the others, was LOVE. It's such a great word and embodies all the wonderful things in my life, like family and friends - the family of my heart, music-singing-performing, pets, the ocean, the mountains, reading, marveling at sunrises and sunsets, rainbows, butterflies, all the green colors of spring, and on and on . . .

So, LOVE - it is what makes the world go 'round and if we let it, will someday be what makes the world come together.

Go to www.christinevanhoy.com for more information on this incredible artist, Christine VanHoy.