Hey Clayton Fans! Every year, we issue a new catalog of our products, including new items that we have just added! Our 2013 catalog is now available to download and browse through at http://www.steveclayton.com/mag/index.html. We are very excited, because this year each catalog page features a photo spread of a high profile musical artist or band that uses Clayton picks. This way, you can get an idea of what type of Clayton picks are used by guitarists in the big-time music biz! Also, keep an eye out for a couple new guitar picks that we will be adding for sale on our site as 2013 gets rolling Since Clayton has endorsement deals with musicians from a wide variety of musical genres, knowing what type of picks these artists use may also help you to figure out what picks will work best for you.

As many of you already know, Bret Michaels is one of our featured endorsed artists. Bret Michaels started his career as the lead singer of the metal band Poisen. He also starred in the hit shows, Rock of Love with Bret Michaels , its sequels, and was the winning contestant on NBC’s reality show Celebrity Apprentice 3. He now tours the country with The Bret Michaels Band, and we were lucky enough to have him appear in our home of the Rogue Valley in Oregon! Needless to say, the Clayton team made it a priority to go to his concert and meet him in person. All of us had a fabulous time watching Bret, and his band members Dirty Ray and Pete Evick who we also supply guitar picks for. They put on a rockin’ show and we had the opportunity to meet him and take a photo after the concert was over. A big thanks to Bret, Ray, and Pete and other members of the band and tour group. We love working with you!!

Bret has charismatic stage presence that delights the audience

Backup vocalist and guitarist Pete Evick sings his heart out

Members of the Clayton team, along with friends and family, pose for a group shot with The Bret Michaels Band

This week, we are proud to feature Priest as the musician who ordered this awesome design for Pick of the Week! “Priest is the former guitarist for Shadows Lie, Sick, and Sikbellamuerte and is the  creator and founder of the rock band The Deadlyz. Do you know Priest? Chances are you have heard about him, or sensed him in the music you listen to. As versatile as a circus performer, he is a true entertainer in his own indistinguishable way. Priest has been everywhere from Anchorage, Alaska to Orlando, Florida with many memorable stops in between. Having the opportunity to perform with such notable musicians such as Erben Perez (Bassist for Latin music sensation Marc Anthonys) and Ernie C (founding member of Body Count), Priest has proven himself a dedicated musician, whether it be writing/performing original material with his own musical creation, or session musician-for-hire gigs. While living in Hawaii at age six, a $3.00 Ukulele would change Priest’s world forever. By age seven, he not only mastered playing, he also got to experience the stage life, thanks to his first mentor: Hawaiian sensation Uncle Willie K encouraged Priest to perform in front of crowds, not only in small venues, but also on the sidewalks of the Fishermans Warf on Front Street in the section of Maui known as Lahaina. After Hawaii, Priest returned to his hometown of Anchorage, Alaska where he began to form bonds and bands with fellow musicians. Taking those acts to the next level by entering (and winning) Local Battle of the Bands, and Guitar Riff Contests, Priest was privileged enough to take his Band Se7en to the Seattle Music Experience Projects main Stage in Seattle, Washington. Upon his arrival in New York City, Priest sought out the many musical facets the city has to offer. Among those was the opportunity to work with hard rock band Shadows Lie, who, at the time, was being produced by uber producers Todd Terry (the godfather of house music) and Bill Klatt (Rolling Stones, Cher, Jay-Z, Days of the New). With a new guidance of performance and professionalism, both on stage and studio-wise, Priest still utilizes those lessons today. Priest notes his influences as (but not limited to) the following: Prince, John 5, Robin Fink, BumbleFoot, Carlos Santana, Zakk Wylde, Queen, Pink, H.I.M , Keith Sweat, Rob Zombie, Nine Inch Nails, Sevendust, etc. Available for hire as a session musician, and touring guitarist, visually and creatively, you can check out more on priest at www.youtube.com/priestworld, http://www.myspace.com/priestsworld, and www.zazzle.com/priestworld.” Priest’s picks, with a the clever purple cartoon graphic, were made on our marbleized white pearl material (they also feature his signature on the back side of the picks. Create and order your own custom guitar picks today at claytoncustom.com!

Bob has been playing piano since he was 7 years old, and guitar since he was 14. Today at age 26, he’s Akasha’s lead guitar player. Akasha has been around for a little over 5 years. They are the top rock act in Central America. With over 40,000 registered fans, thousands of records sold, and many awards and recognitions- next step is South America. Their videos are always featured on MTV, TELEHIT, and other smaller regional TV Channels. Their singles always reach #1 spot in the top radio stations of the region for about 8-9 weeks each. And concerts are usually sold out.  Currently, Akasha has released their new single and new album. Their new album was recorded in Ocean Way Studios Hollywood, produced by 11 time grammy award winner Benny Faccone. Bob has been endorsed with Clayton since 2011 and using our products for over three years!

www.akasharock.com

www.Facebook.com/AkashaCR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L1b7iaNXJ8

Joseph Has been in the music field for over 30 years. As a session Guitarist and Bassist , Joseph has played, recorded and taught
some of the biggest names in the business. After being involved with Broadway,Playing with some of the jazz greats and teaching other guitarist and bassist throughout the globe. Joseph decided he no longer wanted to be behind the scenes. He is currently finishing up his first guitar method (“The Guitar Sensei”) Both in hard copy and video series. And Has started his first solo group ” Epiphany”. The method is to be released next winter and the ‘Epiphany tour” Begins  August 5, 2011. Joseph Has been Compared to players like Allan Holdsworth,Scott Henderson, Pat Metheny and Eddie Van Halen. When told this Joseph says Humbley, “Those Players have been my teachers both phsyically and /or  though recordings.”To Say my playing Compares to theirs is an Honor”. “Thank You!!!!”….With that said, keep your eyes peeled, and your Ears open, from 2011 on, for Joseph Pierre -Artist…….

Check him out on Facebook! Recently endorsed with us!

From soft and mellow to fiery and passionate, the music of David Gallegos is an all acoustic, instrumental latin new age / nuevo flamenco style. David, having picked up the guitar at the age of 13, has been playing well over 27 years now. Originally playing rock and metal for the greater portion of his career, David eventually began listening to and writing music with a softer, more emotional touch. In 2003, he decided to branch off from the progressive metal writing with his band, Power of Omens, and begin work on his first full-length latin new age CD. At that time, already a 12 year veteran to the music industry, David had 2 internationally released CDs, a contribution to a Queensryche tribute CD, and as a guest artist on one of Sony Recording Tejano Artists, Eddie Gonzales’ CD under his belt. He took his experience and decided to write, record, design, and release his first solo CD completely on his own. After a year of hard work, the CD, ‘Mis Recuerdos’ was finally self-released in the Fall / Winter of 2004. Now with a completed CD, and the desire to begin showcasing his music, David became a member of BMI in 2005, and decided to move from his home in San Antonio to Dallas, where he felt he would have better opportunities playing out and getting recognition for his music. Since the beginning of 2006, his band has aggressively begun to play out. From wine bars and bistros to restaurants and festivals. As regulars at various venues through out the DFW area, his band also became a sought after act for festivals as well, such as the Morton Meyerson Symphony Hall’s Hispanic Festival in Dallas’ beautiful art district 3 years in a row and Ft. Worth’s Musicarte Festival in Sundance Square. After four long years since the release of his first CD, David finally released his follow up CD, Mi Rosa Blanca in the early part of 2009. Inspired by love and passion, this CD combines traditional flamenco rhythms with serene new age melodies to create an ambient soundscape with a Latin flare. With this new CD in pocket, there is so much in store for David and his band… so keep a look out for him, and always check his websites for upcoming events and happenings.

Check out more about David and his music by clicking here. David has been endorsed with us since 2010.

Thom has been endorsed with Clayton since 2010. Here is a little about the band Wishpool from their website:

“Wishpool is a band based out of Syracuse, New York. The band has been around in one form or another for about 4 years, but it’s current configuration began in late 2007. It is this group which has recharged the Wishpool name with a new creative spirit and a passion for meaning within the music. Syracuse is a blue coller town which has struggled to retain that value and the band’s style reflects this. There is nothing fancy or frilly about the songs or the band’s sound. It is straightforward and to the point with driving rythyms and meaningful, impassioned vocals.”

For more and to listen to their music visit their awesome website  at www.wishpoolband.com

Zach Fronce of Omaha, Nebraska is lead guitarist for popular rock group Judd Hoos.  Zach began playing guitar at 16 and by 17 was playing in his first band.  3 years and a few bands later Zach has brought himself to the national stage at just 20 years of age. Zach is currently touring with the Hoos and has very quickly made a name for himself with high energy stage performances and brilliant guitar work. The high energy rock band Judd Hoos will travel in excess of 40,000 miles in 2009 to 114 shows in 9 states. In the past two years, the band has performed in 12 states, released a debut CD, opened for national acts Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Big Head Todd, and even managed to squeeze in a show at the Bellegio in Las Vegas. Home base for Judd Hoos is South Dakota, but the band members are separated by hundreds of miles between shows. Shane Funk (drums) lives in Spearfish, SD; Chris Hornick (bass) lives in Rapid City, SD; Andy Young (guitar) lives in Chadron, NE; Zach Fronce (guitar) lives in Omaha, NE; and Bob Zwart (vocals) along with the tech crew live in the Sioux Falls, SD area. Geographic challenges aside, Judd Hoos manages to practice, record and perform with an ambition that borders on obsession. The band carries a massive, state of the art sound system and lighting rig and employees a four man technical crew charged with making each show a true concert experience. Judd Hoos currently travels with a sponsored truck from GMC of Chadron. Work has started on the band’s second album and has been a testament to the awesome capability of Pro Tools recording technology at use on the road! Two of the newest tracks from the upcoming CD have recently become part of the live show and one of the cuts titled ‘Stand Up’ has Black Hills radio stations interested in adding the single to rotation. “The songs I’ve heard from the upcoming Judd Hoos CD are strong, with as much radio airplay potential as any major label band that has come across my transient in a while.” Says Murdoc Jones, program director for 95.1 KSQY in Rapid City, SD. For the 2010 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Judd Hoos will headline eight straight nights at the Loud American Roadhouse in Sturgis. This venue puts the band in front of thousands of new fans and has been a big part of the success Judd Hoos has enjoyed over the past five years.

Endorsed with Clayton since 2010

Born and raised in Western New York, Justin Pietrowski spent his entire life being exposed to the classics of the rockin blues. Pietrowski’s theories, inspiration and sound come from the best of musicians from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Robin Trower, Robert Cray, The Allman Brothers Band, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa and many more. It’s safe to say that Justin’s IPod is full of the classics. So it’s been a hell of a ride for Pietrowski. Originally starting his professional career in Northern Japan, he spent a lot of stage time with music greats in Japan. Pietrowski had the privilege of having Japan-great guitarist, Hiroshi Sasaki as a personal mentor and great friend. Sasaki and Pietrowski have been seen on many different stages all over northern Japan. Pietrowski also had a very close friendship with Japan professional, Masato Yonaiyama. Yonaiyama and Pietrowski sat on various stages together as well as shared a great friendship together. Masato Yonaiyama, nearly 60 years old has played the country of Japan professionally for over 40 years. Off Stage he has spent time sitting in on venues in Australia, Japan, and the US. During a short experience in Australia, Pietrowski met up with Triple-J recording artist Gareth Dawkins and had several recordings and guest appearances with him. Gareth has several nationally ranked songs in Australia. It was an honor for Pietrowski to be able to unleash such great music with Dawkins. (www.myspace.com/garethjdawkins). To listen in on what Gareth and Justin were able to create, check out the track: “Today Was Yesterday”. The song, written and composed by Pietrowski had Dawkins sit in on the vocals. The song reached into the top 500 songs in the Play Crossroads guitar contest. In May 2010, Pietrowski entered his music into the Play Crossroads guitar contest which privied him the chance at playing the Crossroads Guitar Festival thrown by Eric Clapton in Chicago. Although not selected as winner, Pietrowski in only one month in the contest climbed all the way up to #165 overall in the contest of over 1000 bands. Guitar for Pietrowski is the outlet. It puts him in a world of his own where there are no bosses or bureaucracy– just him and a guitar. It’s the way for him to talk, scream, cry, bitch and complain all at this piece of wood and then let it do the talking for him. Now based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Pietrowski has joined forces to create the power blues trio, JP3 which is destined for greatness. Justin refers to his band, Ron and Dave, as his winnings in the Virginia State Lottery. They are his lucky scratch off ticket. The JP3 is now a premier level power trio that is taking the Hampton Roads area by storm. When you walk in and JP3 is on stage, plan on staying the evening because the next song is always just as good and better as the one you walked in on. The soul and sync of JP3 is amazing and it’s bound for a great show every time they take stage. Each musician in the band holds their own and incorporates such a great style that really makes every song a great version to remember.

Endorsed with Clayton since early 2011, and has used our picks for many years! Click here for Justin’s Website!

Following the success of their last album, Surrender, Radio Friendly has been hard at work in the studio to bring their fans more of what they love. That is straight forward, good time rock and roll, filled with catchy hooks and spirit filled lyrics. The latest 6 song Ep will take you back to the musical era of the 80′s, with sonic influences from The Ramones to today’s edgy Alternative-Pop. Having shared the stage with bands like DecembeRadio, Kutless, Building429, Big Daddy Weave, Stellar Kart, Matthew West, Barlow Girl, Rock n Roll Worship Circus, The 77′s, and many more, the band continues to spread the rock n roll gospel all over the world . Brad Barth and The Glitter Twins have masterfully produced songs like Everyday, Surrender, Radio, Glorify God, and My Tribute for Radio Friendly. Their latest addition, Saved by Grace, has a wide array of material. From guitar driven songs like Holiness, Everything Will Be Alright, and a rockin’ cover of Hillsong United’s One Way, to the beautiful ballad Where Will You Be, this album will leave you wanting more. The group heads back into the studio this winter, after a short tour and television and radio appearances, to complete and round out the Ep with four more rockers. The band plans to re-release the project as a full length album in the summer of 2011. Radio Friendly has been endorsed with Clayton since 2010, you can visit their website to listen to their music and for information here:

www.radiofriendlyonline.com