Host with the Most: Guy with Guitar Dan Cloutier
January 16, 2011 No Comments
The bottom of Dan’s emails always say “Let’s build a community”. And it’s not just talk. He hosts a weekly open mic at the converted-firehouse art center Amazing Things in Framingham, MA – which is where I first met him. He’s got great charisma and welcoming charm. If you’ve ever been to a cold and unfriendly open mic (or feared going for this reason), then you’d appreciate the stark contrast of Dan’s welcoming style. Whether it’s a player getting on stage for the first time, or a established professional songwriter stopping in for fun, you’d never know the difference. In an evening lead by Dan, all are equal.
And if having a day job, being married and running a weekly series wasn’t enough – he’s got his own album records, his own shows and promotions, his own practice and writing. He also launched Birch Beet records with local singer-songwriter Kim Jennings in 2009. And a blog called “I Support Local Music in Massachusetts”. Are you tired yet?
The mission of Birch Beer records is stated as, “It is our vision is to find the best local talent and help them get the audience they deserve, through distribution, marketing, and promotion. We also just happen to really like Birch Beer. It has that clean wintergreen flavor.”
Personality, good taste and a strong commitment to working for the betterment of the entire musical community – that’s why Dan qualifies to be a “guy we like”.
Dan Cloutier
www.dancloutiermusic.com
www.birchbeerrecords.com
www.we-support-local-music.com
Home-base: Greater Boston Area
Where do you find your writing inspiration:
I find my greatest inspiration from everyday experiences that all us humans go through. There is such a depth of joy and sorry in the everyday. I also draw creativity from listening to and being in community with other great songwriters. I love being pushed to create, and I love pushing others back.
Do you write lyrics or music riffs first?
Each song of mine has a different start. Some are guitar first, while others are lyrics first. I think it’s important to be able to work in the artistic medium in many different ways.
Dan and a great guitar face at Amazing Things.
First gig you ever played:
I was in ninth grade in high school and I played an open mike at the local Masonic Hall. Played two originals, a Radio Head tune, and a Smashing Pumpkins tune. This is a vivid memory. I was petrified.
Favorite song/most inspirational song as a kid:
As a teenager, there were three songs that directly led me in new directions. The first was “Cherub Rock” by the Smashing Pumpkins. It fuled my teenage angst rock star for two years. The second was “Misunderstood” by Wilco. This song and album (“Being There”) was the first step outside the Alternative Rock scene and into more folk and americana. The last and most important song was “Conversation with a Ghost” by Ellis Paul. I was a Junior in high school, and this song made me want to play folk music.
First song you learned to play:
The first song I could play was a song that I wrote called “Haven’t a Clue.” It was an awful song…
Artist you’d most like to be on stage with:
Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash (Even though he’s dead) are the obvious answers, but I think I would enjoy being on stage the most with Sufjan Stevens. He’s one of my absolute favorites, and I wouldn’t feel the same pressure as the first three. I might actually be able to enjoy myself. Maybe…
Things you are juggling:
I’m juggling family, work, running Birch Beer Records, gigging, booking, promoting local music at www.we-support-local-music.com. I can’t imagine how busy life would be if I had kids…
Biggest challenge about being an independent musician:
The biggest challenge of being an independent musician is trying to run a business without a business degree, or a business mind. It has taken me years to learn simple business practices that others just inherantly have.
Best thing about being an independent musician:
Complete artistic freedom, and that is a beautiful thing.
Gear you use:
I love my Guild D25 from 1977. It’s usually all the gear I need. I also have a Deering Sierra Banjo, and a Gibson Les Paul Custom.
Dream gear?:
I would love a beautiful piano in my home, and a high caliber keyboard to take out on the road.
