The Cliks Lucas Silveira is here to introduce his band's stellar new members (Brian Viglione of Dresden Dolls and Tobi Parks), hypes their upcoming December shows and invites you to join him on MTV's Subterranean this Sunday. Read–and rock–on!
You have a new band with an exciting new line-up. Tell us about the new recruits. How are fans reacting to the news?
Yes, it is indeed exciting, especially seeing as I will share the stage now with the amazing Brian Viglione on drums and Tobi Parks on bass. I met Brian on the first True Colors tour when he played with the Dresden Dolls and was blown away not only by his mad skills on the kit but also by his stage presence. And with Tobi, we had actually met in New York when we played the old Knitting Factory and her band was the opener. What ended up happening was The Cliks had a show in Washington DC and we were just looking for a sub player at the time so a mutual friend told me she had someone if I’d like to meet her, I agreed and when we met I was like “Hey, I’ve met you before!” Before you know it, the three of us are in our first rehearsal and man, it was like that magic you have when it just all fits into place. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time. It was just right and I knew it.
As for fan reaction, this will be the first time I officially announce the new line up but for the people who were at the Washington, DC show at Phasefest I can tell you that it was nothing but positive. I actually walked away from that show feeling it had been one of the best performances in my career.
You’ve been stalking Brian Viglione for a few years now, what’s it like to finally have him at your side and tell us about Tobi Parks?
Stalking, yes. Brooding over, casting spells, yes. To have Brian on is beyond amazing. The thing about Brian is that he’s the kind of person that when he’s in a project, he’s in it 110%. He not only gives his all on stage, he does it off stage as well. He has this positive energy that’s extremely difficult to shake. I’ve never been around the guy when he’s not always looking at the up side of things and that’s the kind of attitude I need around me. It makes me feel in so many ways that I don’t need to worry about anything.
The best thing about Brian is that I feel like he’s going to take the level of our performance through the roof. He’s not just a drummer back there beating on the drums, he’s a showman and when he gets going, I have a feeling I’m going to start getting jealous of the audience who can watch him while my back is turned to him. I think there will be a lot of turning around in my performances now. Ha ha.
With Tobi, it was a complete surprise. Tobi is like the most mellow, chill person I have ever met. It’s this solid energy, grounded, calm. You ask a questions and you get one word answers that mean more than one word, because it seems that if there is nothing more to say, why bother. That sort of thing, which I love because I talk too much. Then we get on stage and I was like “What the fuck!?” Tobi went crazy, thrashing around the drum kit, making cymbal stands fall over. Brian’s looking at me as he stands up to catch the stand with this HUGE grin on his face because we were both stunned. I think Tobi stores up all the energy she needs and saves it for the stage where she let’s it all go and as a musician, there is nothing better than to see someone leave it all on the stage.
Can we expect new music or maybe a live recording with your new players?
Absolutely. I think the plan is to get a live EP of some new songs out in the Spring. I already have quite a few new songs under my hat.
Any national tour plans for early next year?
The plan is to go everywhere we didn’t go between the release of the album and now, due to the other members leaving. It might have put a stop to the touring momentarily but now it’s time to catch up. We have a lot on the go and as soon as it’s concrete the fans will be told.
You’re also about to tour with Hunter Valentine?
Yes, indeed we are.
Have you played together before?
Funny question. We’ve played together on stage and off stage. Ha ha.
Were you familiar with Kiyomi and the gang before you guys were signed to the same US label?
Oh yes. Me and Kiyomi go WAY back. I’ve known the gals for a long time. They are all from Toronto and we were all on the same scene so to speak. I’ve partied a lot with them and let me tell you, once you get a few drinks in Laura, well, it’s all fun and games until she’s walking around in high heels and her underwear. Thank god those 3 have Adrienne around to keep them in check. She’s like the tolerant parent with the crazy kids.
Any surprises in store for the shows? Group jam on stage?
Well if there were, I wouldn’t tell you because then it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it. You never know.
Any guest vocalists or musicians joining you on stage? (We all remember Cyndi Lauper’s pop-up appearances!)
Again, if it happens it happens. No plans but I always love having Cyndi at our shows and if she wants to come up again, well The Cliks are like that band that Cyndi can make herself at home with. We all have ties to her. Tobi as well, as she played with her. So we’re all just a big family.
Anything you want to say to fans anticipating the tour?
Come, come, come. Tell your friends to come. You won’t be sorry. We will be giving you the best shows the Cliks have ever performed. This is the energy I’ve always wanted on stage and when you come, there will be no looking back. We’re gonna kill it.
Finally, you're hosting MTV's "Subeterranean" show this Sunday night/Monday morning. Whatcha got planned for us?
Well,I had an amazing time shooting Subterranean at a shop called Brooklyn Tattoo by an artist artist named Willie Paredes. Tune in to see what I got done, me and my cocky self in action, and The Cliks video for "Dirty King." Now what else could you ask for at 2 a.m. on a school night?
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