Clone Quartet - Part 3

Of course getting the right exposure means dealing with press. Although not completely opposed to the glad-handing that is part and parcel of being in a band, Henry nonetheless voices some concern that he may be misrepresented, or that he’ll say something that damages the perception of his outfit.

“We’re confident we’ve made a great album. I hope that doesn’t come across as arrogant, but I think it’s too easy to appear negative or to sell yourself short. We’ve made the music and now I want people to hear it, to get that message across, and the media is one way of doing that. Now is the time to see what we’re capable of.”

The very fact of having reached that first album milestone seems to have invigorated Clone Quartet, instilling a newfound confidence, forcing its members to reappraise what they want from the band and what they are prepared to give to achieve it. Nonetheless all those years on the sidelines, observing the machinations of the music industry mean that Henry remains a stubborn realist.

“Going on tour is fun but it’s hard work and you’re lucky if you can break even financially. But if that’s what it takes that’s what we’ll do to get our music heard. Clone Quartet will always be, the only variable is the level at which it’s happening. So far we’ve been playing to a niche crowd but wherever this needs to go, we’re prepared to take it there.”

Whether Clone Quartet can smash through that glass ceiling remains to be seen. One thing Henry can confirm is that they deserve to.

“We don’t sound like any other band. Our mixture of punk-rock, confidence and grand ideas can’t be found elsewhere. The perfectionism makes sure that those elements come together to create something really good. Other bands wouldn’t even attempt to pull together such varied ideas. We played a recent gig in London and the other band were like ‘wow, that was really unexpected, every time you were onto something you changed or did something better’. People either get it or they don’t. People should like us, but if they don’t then we don’t give a fuck. If you can’t get your head around Clone Quartet then go and listen to something more obvious.”

Success or failure, whichever future unfurls for Clone Quartet is in one sense irrelevant, for nothing can deflect Andy Henry from making the music he makes, it is hardwired into his very being.

“It’s hard to explain, but music is a compulsion. I got a four-track when I was sixteen and became completely obsessed with it. I still have a box with loads of tapes I made back then. Since then music has completely taken hold. I obsess about melody, before I fall asleep these melodies will just pop into my head. I remember I used to think I had to harness each and every one, terrified they would go to waste. Now I’m not quite so preoccupied. But yes, it’s a kind of madness.”

Yes, just the kind of madness we like, long may the lunacy continue.

www.clonequartet.com

‘Well-Oiled Machine’ is available now through Tigertrap / Smalltown America

This feature originally appeared in Issue #38

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Issue #52 - Very Bro-some

Featuring Panama Kings, ASIWYFA, an investigation into DIY touring, details of what over 25 of the finest NI bands are up to in 2009 and much more.