Clio Cadence: The 18-year-old multi-instrumentalist began playing in bands since the tender age of 12.
Interview conducted on April 27, 2020
By Dan Locke
Up and coming singer-songwriter CLIO CADENCE has revealed an empowering new video for the track “Drive.” A song about building the courage to leave a toxic relationship, “Drive” embodies the teenager’s wise-beyond-her-years lyrics and musical maturity.
CLIO CADENCE INTERVIEW
How was it to work with Michael Orlando on your debut LP?
I had a blast working with Michael on my music. I’d bring him songs I had written and he would help make them come to life. It was awesome getting to lay down my ideas in his studio.
Let’s talk about Drive. Why did you decide to use that song for the first video from you upcoming LP?
My recent single “Drive” is about walking away from a toxic relationship to free yourself. I hope anyone out there struggling can hear this song and know that it will be ok to stand up for yourself.
What is Metalachi is phenomenon?
Metalachi is a crazy awesome band that mixes classic rock music with Mariachi. I had the pleasure of meeting them when they came through Dallas on tour! I interviewed them for a “behind the scenes” look at the music life on my YouTube channel, “Clio Cadence”.
How is your Mom your BFF?
My mom has always been there for me. I literally don’t know what I’d do without her. She is my rock. We do everything together, we party together, and I tell her everything. There are so many snakes in this world and I’m so glad I have her to trust fully.
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in Dallas, Texas with my parents, my three little doggies, and my little sister. I’m incredibly lucky to have such a loving, supporting family. They believe in my dreams and will do anything to help me achieve them. I love them so very much, as well as my hometown friends that will always hold a place in my heart, no matter where I am.
How did you discover music?
When I was a kid, my dad used to play metal songs on his guitar and I thought he was the coolest Rockstar ever. He learned a few of my favorite Hannah Montana songs at the time so I could sing along. I’ve been singing and songwriting ever since!
How were your starting bands?
I started professionally writing and performing music in a Celtic band I was in called “Innisfall”. We sang in Gaelic, the Irish language, and I played fiddle. We had a weekly gig at an Irish pub for years, and had the opportunity to tour in Ireland, an experience I’d never forget. Our last gigs were on St. Patrick’s Day, where we had four TWO HOUR gigs! What a day for a Celtic band. I started getting more interested in rock music, listening to some of my favorite bands such as “Asking Alexandria “and “Falling in Reverse”. Before I broke off as a solo project, I was the lead singer of my Dallas based band “Love Past Blue”. We had so much fun together, touring California, playing sold-out hometown shows, and even playing Vans Warped Tour. The boys in my band were a big part of my songwriting journey going into rock and roll. When bigger opportunities came up for all of my players, we decided to split, unfortunately deleting all traces from the internet. Luckily, I’m still great friends with my bass player Joe Galate (now in a band called the Darbies) and I get to see him every time I go to LA.
Why did you decide to go solo?
I love writing with bandmates, but I had so many of my own songwriting ideas I wanted to get out.
How did you get your band name?
I’ve gone by “Clio Cadence” for such a long time now, I don’t think many people even know my real last name, lol. I had a good friend who was in the military, and he told me every time they would sing cadences together, he would think of me and my music, thus forming the name Clio Cadence.
What was your first gig like?
I was 8 years old when I had my first gig. I’ve always loved dressing up in crazy stage attire, putting on makeup and doing my hair. Don’t forget the high heels!! I felt so free on stage. It is such an addicting feeling and I feel like I now live to perform.
How was playing in Ireland?
Ireland was a blast, one of my favorite experiences there was performing at Leo’s Tavern, a Pub owned by the legendary musicians of Clannad and Enya. In our free time there, we sat in high school classes and immersed ourselves in the Irish culture.
How is NAMM?
I’ve been to the NAMM convention for the past 3 years and it is honestly like a family reunion. You get to see a bunch of old friends, as well as meet new musicians and jam out on the newest music gear and instruments.
How was it to tour with Dead Girls Academy?
I’ve always told myself I wanted to go on a tour after I graduated high school, and I feel like it was a dream come true. Literally right after I graduated, I started packing my bags to perform on a month-long US and Canada tour. I met so many amazing people and got to share my music with people from so many different states. SO much fun.
You were planning to go to SXSW. Now that it is canceled, what are you plans? Did you put any money down on SXSW? Are you going to get a refund?
I was an official artist at SXSW so I luckily did not have to pay to play. The big thing l lost was all the posters I had printed that said my set time. I know a lot of artists and venders lost a lot more than I did and it makes me so sad to see that the Coronavirus has the music culture being canceled for the time being.
You have moved from TX to LA. How is LA treating you?
LA is my favorite place in the world. I feel like my spirit belongs there. Since I still work out of Dallas and my family lives there, I am back and forth a lot. I spend about 1-2 weeks every month in LA and the rest back in Dallas working. It’s a lot of travel and flights but so worth it.
How does the coronavirus affect your booking you dates?
Right now, I think a lot of touring musicians are scared to book dates in case they are cancelled. Right now, I am on hold with live shows until I know more about the laws of gatherings at this time of frenzy.
What is you’re feeling about streaming music?
I love both Apple Music and Spotify. These music streaming platforms share your music to people all over the world and I think it is the best thing since sliced bread.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years I’d love to perform in Japan, write more music, collaborate with my favorite artists, own a few houses, find peace, and work on self-love more than ever.
Anything in closing?
You can do anything you put your mind to! Push away the negativity. Vibrate high, love yourself, keep creating, and have FUN!
Love you all,
Clio Cadence
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