Steve Clayton Press

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Guns out at Sundown

Guns Out At Sundown is a band based out of Western Maryland, finding its beginnings in 2007 with the name LenorAstray. Original line-up included: Jamie Peterson-bass/lead vox, Mike Dennis-guitar, Nathaniel Raley-guitar, and Trav Hensley- drums. Shortly after, we introduced long-time, childhood friend Christopher Tepper to drums, and moved Trav to lead vocals. After many discussions, and a drive for more, the band changed its genre to create a heavier sound. In 2008, Nick Miller joined the band to fill the position of guitarist, but left the band after recording our first professional demo. In 2009, we added Ryan Crosco to the roster. The band recorded its full-length album entitled, “The Comfort In Chaos”with Johnny Burke at Chin Music Studios in Cleveland, Ohio (www.reverbnation.com/vibestudios) in November of that year, but due to a few personal issues, the band took hiatus, planning to return stronger than ever once our lives were back on track. In early 2011, Ryan Crosco decided to leave the band, with Nick Miller rejoining and filling the slot. Now, with a new name, and our final puzzle piece, Andrew Hill on bass, we’re back. Look for the album to release independently soon, along with a music video with FBS Films, and brand new merch.

www.gunsoutatsundown.com

Faith n Fury

Faith n Fury was formed in December 2007. Two extremes fused together to create an explosion of musical energy, delivered to you through the airwaves. In 2008 FNF released their debut EP “Close to the edge” this concoction of epic hooks, driving basslines and eclectic drumming makes you wonder how a three piece could achieve such a giant sound. The band has been firing off live shows across the UK, making their presence known. Notably supported Zico Chain in June 2009 and The Doll that Kicks in 2010, In 2010 FNF released of their follow up EP “Start at the end” (which is available on itunes and Amazon) building up there reputation and following with continuous shows off the back of the release. Now in 2011 with a new single recorded and ready for release accompanied by an awesome music video, a strong fan base and a headlining show at the camden underworld KEEP YOU EYES PEELED!!

www.reverbnation.com/faithnfury

www.faithnfury.co.uk

Urban Bleu

Front-Man Aaron Robbie Fowler takes the lead with his soulful vocals, guitar, and harmonica. Django Lachlan’s skill and power behind his bass guitar are unmatched, along with his harmonizing vocals. Jeff LaCohn completes Urban Bleu’s musical magic with his rhythmic drumming and harmonizing vocals. Aaron Robbie Fowler and Django Lachlan have jammed together for eight years, Jeff LaCohn is a recent and welcome addition. With a wide range of technique and a broad musical knowledge, the power trio consistently produces fresh, dance-able music. Audiences love their blues roots,fused with rock, jazz, soul, and even a bit of country, with a more progressive sound unique to Urban Bleu.They write and play their music to cater to a wide range of listeners, their performances are always heartfelt and powerful. Their gigs have taken them to several cities within their home state, Utah. They have also traveled and performed in Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. Urban Bleu’s goal is to open their doors to the world through technology and playing live shows initially in the West and Southwest, United States. Urban Bleu is ambitiously embarking on a unique and global distribution of the best their music has to offer. Urban Bleu’s plan is to take the airwaves by storm!

http://www.urbanbleu.webs.com

www.myspace.com/urbanbleu

Billy Sidwell

Born and raised in a small town in southern illinois , Billy Sidwell has spent his entire life exposed to music. After seeing country singer Randy Travis perform at just 5 years old Billy knew that he wanted to be up on that stage. During his teenage years Billy played electric/bass guitar in several different rock bands and to this day he is still heavily influenced by all genres of music ranging from Bluegrass to Metal . After the breakup of his rock band in 2001 he took a long break from writing/playing music then in 2004 billy met & married the love of his life and together they share 4 beautiful children . In 2009 Billy made his return to the music world when he wrote a song called ‘ Battlescars ‘ the song was a true story written about his own childhood growing up from a broken home he then shared his lyrics on facebook with a few friends and soon realized that so many people out there could relate to his words . through word of mouth and self promotion he has obtained nearly 4,000 loyal fans that call themselves ” The B.S Army ” and he has did all of this with no radio airplay or backing from a record label. Billy Recently went into the studio and recorded a 3 song acoustic demo cd called ‘ Battlescars ‘ which is a written reflection of his childhood .What makes Billy Sidwell stand out the most are his lyrics. As you hear them you feel the experience and emotions behind them. These words invoke images that are so clear, so vivid, you feel as though you are right there experiencing them with him.

The Rhythm Dawgs

Ken and Dana of The Rhythm Dawgs have been endorsed with us since 2010. The Rhythm Dawgs are a band made up of four guys from completely different corners of the musical universe.  Take a blues influenced bass player, team him up with a country-rock drummer.  Add a formally trained lead guitarist, and throw in another guitar player who grew up on a steady diet of AC/DC and Grand Funk.  Who could have known that what would come out would be a crowd-pleasing entertainment package that mixes electric blues, classic rock, a little country, and some primetime TV for good measure. The Rhythm Dawgs have been honing their craft on Texas stages since 1999.  With 3 CDs and hundreds of live performaces under their belts, the band knows how to put on a show…not just stand around and churn out songs.  The audience in drawn into the performance. With a sound that is equal parts Texas Blues and British Rock, the Dawgs take the best of the past and make it their own.  Whether it’s a rock-n-roll classis from the 70′s, a gritty blues tune, or one of their originals…you know it’s The Rhythm Dawgs. If you’re looking for a slick, upscale, polished production…then this isn’t the band for you.  But if you’re in the market for a band made up of four ordinary guys who just happen to be some extraordinary musicians, then call the Dawgs.

http://www.RhythmDawgs.com
http://www.twitter.com/rhythmdawgs
http://www.facebook.com/therhythmdawgs
http://www.myspace.com/therhythmdawgs

Cask Thomson

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Cask Thomson is a maverick in the inspirational rock world. He
defines any easy pigeonhole. By turns, he picks an electric guitar to accompany his ballad,
sings a witty song about modern life, plays an eccentric bluesy guitar solo, belts an angry tune
and then reaches deep for a soulful expression of values in a troubled world. He tops it all with
an array of meaningful words and melodies— all skilfully blended into a seamless flow. One fan
said Its music that makes you think makes you wonder and then strikes your heart and eyes.

A mainstay on the inspiration rock circuit these past few years, Cask has toured as a session
guitarist with many Sydney artists. His debut album reached number 8 in the iTunes charts in
Mexico in 2009. Thomson is currently working on his follow up album and has told that it will
be very different and will contain many soft and heavy elements.

www.caskthomson.com
twitter.com/cask_thomson
facebook.com/caskthomson
myspace.com/caskthomson

Kenny Welch

Soulful music, strong entertainer, with a following that exceeds all expectations for a country music performer from Cincinnati, Ohio. Kenny Welch is a performer taking his music to the next level. Kenny Welch began singing at a very young age for his family and friends.  Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1973, he was raised in a small town south east of Cincinnati called Bethel.  Kenny never saw himself as a performer or singer until nearly seven years ago, when he began to set his sights on a music career in Country Music. Kenny Welch has been recognized by the local news media in Cincinnati and surrounding areas  The media continues to follow his progress and monitor his career. Kenny is very devoted to his music, friends, and children and is looking forward to a long and prosperous career in the music industry.

Check Kenny out on Facebook! He has been endorsed with us since 2010.

Kyle Gass and John Konesky of Tenacious D at the Clayton NAMM Booth 2011

This year we were so happy to have the amazing Kyle Gass of Tenacious D come sign at our booth for a 2nd year in a row! Tenacious D has a very loyal fan base, and the lines were wrapping very long all over the place to get to meet Kyle and John this year! Very amazing! This year he brought along the VERY talented John Konesky also of Tenacious D. Kyle and John are both Clayton Endorsed. They were there to promote their youtube channel called Guitarings, which shows you how to play many of the popular Tenacious D songs. Below is a clip of them showing how to play the Tenacious D song “Tribute”: Below are some pictures of them signing for all of their fans at our NAMM booth!

Pick of the Week – Patrick Vega

We have another endorsed artist this week! This time it is for Patrick Vega! Patrick’s pick featured this week is printed on our Acetal material with a lovely colorful design.  Patrick has ordered tons of different designs in the past from us, so he is quite the guitar pick designer. Our custom imprint department talks to Patrick quite often and they all really love him.  Patrick showed the love back by doing a video all about Clayton picks! Which is totally awesome! Check it out below.

A little background on Patraick is that he is a player that is capable of great technique. In general though, he follows the unexpected, adventurous route rather than the (expected) technical/theory route. Alternate tunings, tasty leads and heavy but ambitious rhythm guitar parts that are accessible yet eclectic.

Patricks’s playing and songwriting displays a blend of vintage grace & modern rock/metal attitude. The music is influenced by acts such as Nine Inch Nails, Alice In Chains, Joe Satriani, The Cure, Rage Against The Machine, KoRn, Puddle Of Mudd, Seether, Tool, Classic Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, PJ Harvey, Tricky, Ozzy Osbourne, Vega’s former guitar teacher Brett Garsed and various movie soundtracks.

All I can say is Way Cool! Check out his website at: http://www.patrickvega.com

Pick of the Week – Rock Sugar

This week we have a pick from the band Rock Sugar! You have to check out their website at: http://www.rocksugarband.com/. They have an amazing intro on their website. Here is a little description about their live show:

“THE ROCK SUGAR LIVE SHOW IS UNLIKE ANY YOU’VE EVER SEEN. ROCK SUGAR SLAMS 34 OF THE BIGGEST CROWD PLEASING SONGS IN HISTORY AS THEY’VE NEVER BEEN HEARD BEFORE, INTO ONE TIGHT 13 SONG SET. SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!– “
This lovely pearl celluloid pick is printed with a purple and blank blended logo. It was made for the band guitarist and vocalist Chuck Duran. Also, make sure to check out their facebook page, where they have over 22,000 likes! Wow!