Looking for a premium pick that will stand the test of time? ZZ-Zinc picks are a new Clayton item that was added to our product line this year! These picks are crafted out of genuine Zinc alloy metal. They are made for producing tones that are clear and high, along with punchy bass and unprecedented volume, due to their heavy mass/metal composition. These picks are popular amongst electric, acoustic and bass guitarists alike. To help maintain grip on the picks and prevent slipping since they are metal, we have added a matte finish and a reversed embedded epoxy logo. These are heavy-duty picks that are designed to last throughout years of guitar playing! They are available in both a 1.0mm and 2.0mm gauge. To order your own ZZ-Zinc premium picks, visit http://www.steveclayton.com/premium.php today!
This week’s Pick of the Week was ordered by Clayton customer Tudor Adrian Negru. Tudor is a “previous guitar player in Romanian heavy-metal bands Refractara, Ronin and currently lead-guitar in a newly established band called Anomaly (http://www.facebook.com/anomalybandcluj). With the main influences of the band straying more into the hard-core/metal areas but with a taint of nu-metal and hard-rock, Anomaly tries to bring something unique to the musical scene in Cluj-Napoca and Romania. The band is currently working on writing material for their first demo album which should be finished by July 2012 and have already had several live performances along with some of the most well established and appreciated bands in the scene.
In order to bring that huge metal grind to the overall sound of the band, using heavier string gauges really does make a difference. Still, a common challenge that every guitar player in this genre faces is how to keep the tone tight and defined while also making it easier on yourself when playing heavy gauges.”
Tudor explains how he found Clayton picks: “Having being recommended Clayton USA and being handed a custom Clayton pick some time ago by one of the most established metal guitar players in the field, Balauru’ of Trooper, the search for that missing and much-needed element ended. It wasn’t long until I turned to have my own custom order with Steve Clayton USA. I find it that the Acetal 1.9 mm gauge suits my needs perfectly. The matte finish really keeps the pick where and how you need it to be while the material-gauge combination means that I can finally get that attack, control and tone definition that I was very much searching for even in the middle of a crazy live gig.”
“The custom layout features the above mentioned 1.9 mm Acetal standard shape but with the “Ronin” logo which stands for “one with no lord nor master” inspired by Japanese culture. The custom design was provided by established artist Paul Pantazescu (www.paulpantazescu.com) and in conjunction with Clayton craftsmanship it screams attitude, professionalism and strength.” To order your own custom guitar picks like Tudor’s, visit www.claytoncustom.com today!
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!
Poisonwood is a Melodic Death Metal band from Arkansas. Formed in October 2009, the band has already played extensively in their home state and throughout the south, gathering a loyal and devoted following en route. In 2010, Poisonwood released a 7 song EP, titled “Dark Days,” which showcases their full on, brutal and melodic sound. Made up of Justin Velte (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Dan Niven (Drums), Tyler Scalise (Vocals), Matthew Velte (Guitar), Andy Honer (Bass), Kyle Reed (Keyboards), the band cites influences such as In Flames, Mors Principium Est, All That Remains, Amon Amarth and Pain of Salvation. In July of 2011 the band released their highly anticipated sophomore album “Pseudo Utopia,” and embarked on a summer tour throughout the southern and mid-western U.S. “Justin and Matthew Velte just have that natural harmony between them… the Velte brothers are only a label and a few endorsements away from being the new Alexi Laiho.” -Bubbs Harris (Hails and Horns Magazine ” I must insist that you seek out Pseudo Utopia… This album captures everything that I love about heavy metal perfectly.” -Lexington Music Press 2011 sees Poisonwood poised to further expand their audience, as the band signed with esteemed Artist Development and Managment company The Inner Light Agency. As Bruce Swink of iLA says: “Things have been moving fast for Poisonwood and by teaming with iLA we’re going to kick everything into high gear and spread the word far and wide.”
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.
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!
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.
This week we have a Rounded Triangle Yellow Delrin pick for the band Young & Desperate. They are a female fronted Dutch band. They recently won a big national Dutch band contest Make More Music. This band is known for their amazing live performances. Their first national single is recorded with Michel van Schie (Anouk, Van Velzen, Evers Slaat Door, and many, many more). Their MySpace (http://myspace.com/youngdesperate) provide a great way to keep in touch with the band. Also make sure to check out their website for additional information on the band. www.young-desperate.nl. They have a really neat video, check it out below!
This week we have a full color sun graphic on our Acetal Rounded Triangle picks. Very cool! This was created by JamiSun, who is a Charleston guitarist/singer/songwriter. He is pretty much booked with gigs everyday in his area, which is very impressive. His styles range from John Mayer to Pantera. He has a great website at: http://www.JamiSun.com/
So make sure to check it out. Also if you live in the Charleston area, check out his schedule so you can go listen to his amazing music!
This week we are featuing an amazing pick done on our white pearl celluloid picks. This is a multi-color imprint with an overbleed print. It is hard to see in the picture, but we use transparent colors on our pearl picks, so you can still see the pearl pattern behind the ink. It makes the image look almost like stained glass. This pick is for one of our newly endorsed bands, Bon Journey. Bon Journey is a Bon Jovi, and Journey Tribute band. They are awesome. They even won best of Pittsburgh! To find out more information about Bon Journey visit their website at: http://www.thebonjourneyshow.com Don’t forget to check out a video of them below:
These picks are crafted out of genuine Zinc alloy metal. They are made for producing tones that are clear and high, along with punchy bass and unprecedented volume, due to their heavy mass/metal composition. These picks are popular amongst electric, acoustic and bass guitarists alike. To help maintain grip on the picks and prevent slipping since they are metal, we have added a matte finish and a reversed embedded epoxy logo. These are heavy-duty picks that are designed to last throughout years of guitar playing! They are available in both a 1.0mm and 2.0mm gauge. To order your own ZZ-Zinc premium picks, visit http://www.steveclayton.com/premium.php today!
