Finding Clyde

Essexville, Michigan probably isn’t on your list of inspirational rock meccas. Most small towns in the middle of the Midwest (or in the middle of anywhere actually) fall beneath everyone’s radar except those folks who live there.
But more often than not, that’s where rock music comes from – the lives and dreams of those growing up in those small towns all across the world. Finding Clyde, from the aforementioned town of Essexville, is one of those rising rock voices that is rippling through the sonic landscape. The hard rocking yet still melodic band has shared the stage with the likes of Slash, Stone Temple Pilots and 3 Doors Down and is currently touring to promote their latest album Sacrifice It All.
Finding Clyde’s formula is rock at its most basic – overdriven chords pounding out the rhythm backed by a solid bass and drum duo while strong lead vocals carry melodies that you’ll find in your head for hours after hearing the songs. Add in a smart and sparse lead guitar work that fits and accentuates the mood of each tune and you’ve got some very good music. - Guitarnoise.com

The Skinny: If you like simple, no nonsense hard rock then you'll definitely want to check out Finding Clyde. The Essexville, Michigan quartet deliver simple, chord-driven rock melodies along with an innovative composition which are topped off by lead singer Joe Rivard's melodic vocals. The band has recently delivered its album Sacrifice It All, a record jam-packed with power like the lead single "Let Me Be" which has climbed several local rock charts from Spokane, to Texas, to Chicago and throughout the band's home state of Michigan.

Sacrifice It All was recorded, mixed, and produced by Chuck Alkazian who has previously worked with Trust Company, Pop Evil, Saving Abel and Bobaflex at Pearl Sound Studios in Detroit. The group's powerful sound has received very positive feedback from music critics with the power ballad "Answer Me" drawing comparisons to Stone Temple Pilots' classic "Plush" for its passion and vocals reminiscent of Scott Weiland. As a sample of Finding Clyde and their new record Sacrifice It All, here is a free download of the band's song "Get Higher". - http://puregrainaudio.com

It’s been a while since we’ve featured such a promising alternative act bound to go huge in the very near future, but Michigan-based rock outfit Finding Clyde is impressing more and more fans and collecting more and more followers every day. It isn’t just the band’s name that reminds us of PEV alum Saving Abel – both pack a powerful rock sound, and both are loyal to their musical roots while adding their own potent touch. It wasn’t long after we spoke with Saving Abel that they went global (not saying PEV had much to do with it, but still…), and we wouldn’t be surprised at all if a similar future unfolded for Finding Clyde.

Joe Rivard, Tony Rivard, Jack Neymeiyer and Marc Scott of Finding Clyde are already collaborating with some pretty big names, including PEV alums Three Doors Down and Sister Hazel, leading to their latest record, “Sacrifice It All”. Lead singer Joe Rivard says “We’re definitely excited about this album. I think we captured the energy we like to bring to our live show. All of us had a hand in this album and I feel like we’ve starting to create the sound we’ve been looking for.” Definitely check out “Sacrifice It All” and look into the Finding Clyde’s schedule – they’ll be touring again soon. There’s much more to get into, so keep reading for all the answers to the XXQ’s.

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

Joe: I think one thing that’s been fun being in Finding Clyde is the ability to showcase a variety of sound while maintaining a “Rock n’ Roll” base.

PEV: Hailing from Essexville, Michigan, what kind of music where the members of the band into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

Joe: With the four of us having different influences growing up I think it helped with the “rock variety” on the album. I’ve been a fan of bands like Stone Temple Pilots and the Foo Fighters, so it’s been fun blending that with the rest of the guys’ influences to create our own sound. First concert: Floor tickets to Incubus, Detroit, Michigan.

Jack: Growing up, I was pretty big into Queen. The Smashing Pumpkins were also one of my favorites. My first concert was KISS and Aerosmith. Ted Nugent was the opener.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene when you first started out as a band? What was your first show like together as a band?

Joe: When first starting off we took any show we could get, we just wanted to play. There were a lot of coffee shops and small club shows, those small intimate venues always have cool vibe. I can’t remember our first show in great detail, but I do remember it being cool to be sharing the stage with my brother (Tony Rivard) and cousin (Marc Scott).

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Finding Clyde show?

Joe:Well I love to head bang and go nuts when I’m not at the mic singing. I’m sure you’ll see some famous “Jack” faces/poses throughout the show as well.

Jack: They will hear big guitars, big drums, really killer vocals.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

Joe:Is my zipper up?

Jack: I'm in tune right?

PEV: What do you think of mainstream music today – as in what’s being played on the radio?

Joe:I think it’s been great to have bands that I grew up listening to are making such a mark again today, like: Bush, the Foo and the Chili Peppers.

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your music? Where do get your best ideas for songs?

Joe:I don’t think there’s one underlining inspiration. Music has a life of it’s own, we’re just here for the ride.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out do you ever look back at your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

Joe: I do look back every once and a while, just to appreciate the journey so far. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since my first bands talent show appearance. We played “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the members of Finding Clyde?

Joe:We do our own stunts.

Jack: I have fully functioning gills. I don't really, but I'm sure that would surprise a lot of people.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a goal for you?

Joe: I knew music was going to be in my life to the end when seeing a crowd of people singing a song I wrote for the first time. That was pretty cool.

PEV: Tell us about your latest release, “Sacrifice It All”. What can fans expect from this album?

Joe: We’re definitely excited about this album. I think we captured the energy we like to bring to our live show. All of us had a hand in this album and I feel like we’ve starting to create the sound we’ve been looking for.

PEV: What is the feeling you get after a song is complete and you can sit back and listen to it being played the way you envisioned?

- Pens Eye View - Richie Frieman

It’s been a while since we’ve featured such a promising alternative act bound to go huge in the very near future, but Michigan-based rock outfit Finding Clyde is impressing more and more fans and collecting more and more followers every day. It isn’t just the band’s name that reminds us of PEV alum Saving Abel – both pack a powerful rock sound, and both are loyal to their musical roots while adding their own potent touch. It wasn’t long after we spoke with Saving Abel that they went global (not saying PEV had much to do with it, but still…), and we wouldn’t be surprised at all if a similar future unfolded for Finding Clyde.

Joe Rivard, Tony Rivard, Jack Neymeiyer and Marc Scott of Finding Clyde are already collaborating with some pretty big names, including PEV alums Three Doors Down and Sister Hazel, leading to their latest record, “Sacrifice It All”. Lead singer Joe Rivard says “We’re definitely excited about this album. I think we captured the energy we like to bring to our live show. All of us had a hand in this album and I feel like we’ve starting to create the sound we’ve been looking for.” Definitely check out “Sacrifice It All” and look into the Finding Clyde’s schedule – they’ll be touring again soon. There’s much more to get into, so keep reading for all the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Finding Clyde

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

Joe: I think one thing that’s been fun being in Finding Clyde is the ability to showcase a variety of sound while maintaining a “Rock n’ Roll” base.

PEV: Hailing from Essexville, Michigan, what kind of music where the members of the band into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

Joe: With the four of us having different influences growing up I think it helped with the “rock variety” on the album. I’ve been a fan of bands like Stone Temple Pilots and the Foo Fighters, so it’s been fun blending that with the rest of the guys’ influences to create our own sound. First concert: Floor tickets to Incubus, Detroit, Michigan.

Jack: Growing up, I was pretty big into Queen. The Smashing Pumpkins were also one of my favorites. My first concert was KISS and Aerosmith. Ted Nugent was the opener.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene when you first started out as a band? What was your first show like together as a band?

Joe: When first starting off we took any show we could get, we just wanted to play. There were a lot of coffee shops and small club shows, those small intimate venues always have cool vibe. I can’t remember our first show in great detail, but I do remember it being cool to be sharing the stage with my brother (Tony Rivard) and cousin (Marc Scott).

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Finding Clyde show?

Joe:Well I love to head bang and go nuts when I’m not at the mic singing. I’m sure you’ll see some famous “Jack” faces/poses throughout the show as well.

Jack: They will hear big guitars, big drums, really killer vocals.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

Joe:Is my zipper up?

Jack: I'm in tune right?

PEV: What do you think of mainstream music today – as in what’s being played on the radio?

Joe:I think it’s been great to have bands that I grew up listening to are making such a mark again today, like: Bush, the Foo and the Chili Peppers.

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your music? Where do get your best ideas for songs?

Joe:I don’t think there’s one underlining inspiration. Music has a life of it’s own, we’re just here for the ride.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out do you ever look back at your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

Joe: I do look back every once and a while, just to appreciate the journey so far. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since my first bands talent show appearance. We played “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the members of Finding Clyde?

Joe:We do our own stunts.

Jack: I have fully functioning gills. I don't really, but I'm sure that would surprise a lot of people.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a goal for you?

Joe: I knew music was going to be in my life to the end when seeing a crowd of people singing a song I wrote for the first time. That was pretty cool.

PEV: Tell us about your latest release, “Sacrifice It All”. What can fans expect from this album?

Joe: We’re definitely excited about this album. I think we captured the energy we like to bring to our live show. All of us had a hand in this album and I feel like we’ve starting to create the sound we’ve been looking for.

PEV: What is the feeling you get after a song is complete and you can sit back and listen to it being played the w - Richie Frieman

Discography: “Sacrifice It All “(8.23.11); “Let Me Be” Single Pre-release (5.10.11)


Story and Interview by Rick “The Screamer” Lindner
Hailing from the land of the Great Lakes, Michigan’s very own Finding Clyde delivers hard rock music loving fans a cool and refreshing mix of ear-pleasing rhythm melodies, attention grabbing, yet ear soothing vocals, and mature lyrics most often only heard from time tested and much more established artists. One listen to the band’s lead-off single “Let Me Be” currently spinning on rock radio and you know this band means business! But why stop there when there is so much more to enjoy from this band?
Finding Clyde’s supporting debut full-length release “Sacrifice it All”, available now via Bullfrog Records, is an effort that is definitely worth checking out in its entirety. While the band stays true to the active rock sound throughout the rest of the debut effort as found in the single, it is obvious that the band has enough additional creativity and prowess in its music gas tank to drive on endlessly without needing to refuel! While some other releases may grab your attention immediately and quickly fade away, “Sacrifice it All” is one of those unique efforts that gets better with each listen.
The quartet consisting of Joey Rivard (vocals / guitar), Tony Rivard (bass), Marc Scott (drums), and Jack Neymeiyer (guitar / keys) know how to rock it out. It doesn’t matter if you hear a song of theirs blasting at an arena event, pounding away on the radio, cranking on your stereo from their CD, or via your iPod it all sounds the same – great!
Interview with Joey Rivard and Jack Neymeiyer:
Rick/AR: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on behalf of Alternative Revolt Magazine. It is an honor to have the opportunity to chat with a great up-and-coming band.
Joey/FC: Thanks for having us, Rick.
Jack/FC: We love talking about music.
Rick/AR: The reason we are talking today is because of your rocking debut “Sacrifice It All” that was released on 8.23.11. A great blend of active hard rock with hints of the stripped down 90’s and a little early 2000’s rock radio vibe as well.
Joey/FC: Thanks! We’re definitely proud of this album. With the four of us having different influences growing up I think it helped with the “rock variety” on the album. I’ve been a fan of bands like Stone Temple Pilots and the Foo Fighters, so it’s been fun blending that with the rest of the guys’ influences to create our own sound.
Jack/FC: I’m a huge fan of Queen and Smashing Pumpkins.
Rick/AR: You worked with some high profile individuals on this effort including Chris Hendersen (3 Doors Down) and Ryan Newell (Sister Hazel). First, what was the experience like working with them? Secondly, what influence or advice did they bring to the table?
Joey/FC: Working with Henderson, and Newell was interesting. They both brought different styles to the table. The thing I learned from both of them, from a songwriter standpoint, is don’t force a song. If you’re not getting in the grove with a new jam move on and come back to it later. Also, when down in Nashville working with Chris, I was also able to work with Bobby Capps from 38 Special. The man loved his iced tea.
Jack/FC: They also told us to find a good lawyer.
Rick/AR: You’re single “Let Me Be” has gained traction on rock radio and attention within the rock community nationwide. In fact, some attention has come from the likes of a Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) picking it up for feature play on his XM/Sirrus Radio station Sixx Sense. That has got to be gratifying?
Joey/FC: We’ve been pumped, “Let Me Be”, gained so much traction. With making top 40 on the Active Rock Charts and Nikki playing us on satellite it’s been a fun ride so far.
Jack/FC: We aren’t even sure as to how he started playing it.
Rick/AR: Nikki Sixx made the comment during the introduction of one of the song’s spins on his station that it “Sounds like something Godsmack wishes they could write”. I’m sure that statement gave you some instant “street cred” if you will, but at the same time maybe it was one of those things you were like “Why did he have to go there”?
Joey/FC: Nah. We understand Nikki likes to have a little fun. But, it’s still pretty cool to be compared to Godsmack in any regard.
Rick/AR: You’ve got a few others in the stable that might take you even further including the rocking title track “Sacrifice It All”, the hard hitting “Get Higher”, as well as the amazing passion-filled ballad “Feels The Same”. Have you given any thoughts on putting one or all of those songs out as singles/videos?
Joey/FC: Well, one of those will be our next single. We don’t really know which one to pick yet. We are waiting to see what the fans think, and then go from there.
Jack/FC: So get on Facebook and tell us which one should be next!
Rick/AR: You’ve had some interesting tour spots this summer including runs with your home state boyz Pop Evil, as well as Egypt Central a - Alternative Revolt Magazine by Rick “The Screamer” Lindner

Finding Clyde released this year their second album Sacrifice It all, follow-up to their self-titled record.

Hailing from Essexville, the band -- Joe Rivard‘s vocals, Jack Neymeiyer‘s guitars, Tony Rivard on bass and Marc Scott on drums -- the band already toured with well-known bands such as Buckcherry, Slash, 3 Doors Down, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper, Tesla, Great White, Need To Breath, Bret Michaels, Saving Abel, Thriving Ivory, Pop Evil, Stone Temple Pilots , Sick Puppies and many more.

Sacrifice It All is a truly harmonious album that you can’t stop listening to. Remarkable is the best word to describe this collection of catchy convincing tracks.

Musically, it is an excellent mixture of high quality modern rock and grunge between Stone Temple Pilots, Black Stone Cherry and Foo Fighters. The album is loaded with full of melodic heavy pieces alongside sublime ballads.

The rhythm section driven provides an intensive and energized support for an original , catchy and subtly irresistible voice at the same time <- I love that.

The opener track Get Higher is clearly a potential hit single. It features an explosive duo bass/70s-influenced riffs coupled by a punchy drum and provides the perfect groove to infectious vocals. Song Sacrifice It All would also be an excellent upcoming hit.

Thoughts of You is my first favorite. It is a powerful ballad that gives you chills and brings you a little tear because it is beautiful. Without a doubt, it will become a classic . The track reminds me of these legendary 80s ballads that everybody regret. Feels The Same is another rock ballad featuring a sweet acoustic guitar intro.

I also suggest you Let Me Be the lead single as well as I hate That I love you that features a pounding drum beat.

They have much talent and deserve more exposition. You would not sacrifice your time because it is worth a listen. To all those who tell that the rock on radio sounds like generic, Finding Clyde prove otherwise. They have a bright future ahead as well as their place in the rock festivals. Hopefully they will not be forgotten.

Spread the word. I also recommend to catch live somewhere near you.

- Evigshed - Sylvie Lesas

A benefit for juvenile diabetes research marks the perfect time for Essexville’s favorite rock-n-roll sons to return.

Finding Clyde had an incredibly busy fall touring the Southeast, along with the band Pop Evil, releasing a new CD called “Sacrifice It All” a few months back, and chalking up airplay nationwide with the track “Let Me Be” where they peaked at No. 39 on the Active Rock Chart for Media Base.

They’ll park the tour van at Bay City’s State Theatre on Saturday, along with opening acts Rotation and Ghost Of August to help raise money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

“It’s cool to come back to Bay City,” said vocalist/guitarist Joe Rivard. “We haven’t played around here that much this year other than the summer festivals. It will be fun to do an all-ages show where everybody can come and it will be (sort) of a homecoming.

“We always like being able to help people out, (especially) locally. I think everybody knows somebody with juvenile or Type 1 diabetes. It’s a very common disease that they haven’t figured out yet.”

Rivard, along with his bassist/brother Tony Rivard, guitarist Jack Neymeiyer, and drummer Marc Scott have enjoyed yet another successful year and look forward to sharing it with their home crowd.

“The tour was awesome; we spent about 75,000 miles living in a van,” laughed Joe Rivard. “We got to know each other better than we already did! We learned some new smells and new behavioral habits. I think it was about 20 different cities in three weeks. We only had a few days off and those were just travel to get to the next city.

“It will be fun to show what we learned from the tour and we have a lot of energy. I think the audience is going to enjoy the new energy for sure.”

For radio program director Stan Parman, putting together a show for a cause close to his heart along with three of the hottest, up-and-coming rock acts in Michigan was a win-win proposition.

“It was kind of a collaboration,” Parman shared over the phone last week. “(Band Manager) Chad (Cunningham) provided the talent, Mike (Bacigalupo) provided the venue, and it’s all to benefit the JDRF. My involvement came through the fact that my youngest son Zane, who is now 9, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 7 years old.”

As the program director for both WHEELZ 104.5 and WKQZ the Rock Station Z93.3, Parman organized the event. Two other stations, WIOG and WHNN are also plugging the concert.

“Three bands donating their time and talent (and) the State Theatre seats 550 people,” he said. “Our goal is to sell the thing out. If we are lucky enough to do that, that’ll be a nice chunk of change we’ll be able to sign over to the JDRF.”

While back in mid-Michigan, Finding Clyde will open for the classic rock group Great White on Friday at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in nearby Mt. Pleasant. They also got to hear their single on radio stations while on tour in Texas and also found out Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue is spinning “Let Me Be” on his Sirius/XM satellite radio channel Sixx Sense.
- The Bay City Times

Finding Clyde CD Review “Sacrifice It All” by Bam Bam
While it’s not very often…wait…it’s more like NEVER do I find myself at a band’s merch booth to purchase a CD, mainly because I usually get my music for free from the labels (hey, it’s one of the perks of peddling my trash here for you readers); I have to say, I literally ran to get my copy of Sacrifice It All after seeing the band perform as the openers to the Pop Evil/Egypt Central fall tour. Suffice it to say, the band pumps out one hell of a live set and brings the heat by turning the whole charade into a down & dirty, straight-up Rock-N-Roll Show! Musically, they’re as solid a band as the Foo Fighters, which ironically, they perform very similar to as well. This was a little unusual for me because normally, I’m very used to hearing a band’s music before actually catching them live, but with this unusual situation came a cool lesson for me. If a band can impress me live first, and then I listen to their CD a day or two afterward and it still rocks me just as hard, well, I’d say we’ve got something here!
Hailing from Essexville, Michigan, singer/guitarist Joe Rivard and his bass playing brother Tony along with guitarist Jack Neymeiyer and drummer Marc Scott are well-prepared to take over the Active Rock Radio airwaves with some of the most solid rock ditties that would make even Dave Grohl himself smile with pride (check out “Get Higher” and the title track). There’s also some very potent power ballads that harken back one of my favorite “should’ve made it” bands in the universe; The Exies (hear “Dying Day”). The current single, “Let Me Be”, is a very clever number that should gain them some attention, but when given the chance, go check the boys out onstage! They play like it’s the last time they’ll ever hold a guitar and it’s quite infectious to say the least.
Sacrifice It All is a fantastic album worth every bit of your attention! You can purchase at your favorite online retailer or better yet, head over to http://www.FindingClyde.com to get it there and see where the band is playing in your area. Very, Very Highly Recommended with high hopes that they’ll be breaking the charts any day now.
- Bam Bam