Artist Spotlight: Topeka Clementine
Topeka Clementine is an indie pop band from Oceanside, San Diego. Described as “enby antics”, Topeka Clementine is a fun, loving, and hardworking group of musicians that could be considered an underground hidden gem. Lets take a look at what they have to say about being in a band, the recording process for certain songs, and what’s in store for them in the future.
Photo taken by @naomiicampbelll on IG
MEMBERS NAMES EACH PERSON PLAYS
Topeka Clementine consists of Lana, Nash, Kai, Anthony, Will, Malachi, and Kyre.
“Lana and Nash are vocalists. Kai writes and produces the recorded material, Anthony plays guitar, Will plays sax, Malachi plays drums, and Kyre plays bass. We've got a constantly rotating cast of characters that we regularly employ.”
WHAT RELEASE OF YOURS THAT IS CURRENTLY OUT NOW ARE YOU THE PROUDEST OF?
“To this day, it still feels like our very first demo tape is our proudest release. Just to have started something and made the jump feels like such a major commitment.”
HOW HAS BEING IN A BAND IMPACTED YOU AS A PERSON? WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT? WHAT IS STRESSFUL ABOUT IT?
“Being in a band has been a constant struggle to learn how to rely on others and ask for help when needed. MIDI doesn't have feelings. People (creative people especially) are all delicate, beautiful little flowers, and we all have needs, desires, and physical capacities that must be respected. Navigating all of that in an effort to bring something beautiful into the world is a vast challenge and a great joy. Beautiful moments are better when created and shared with others.”
Photo taken by @kiki.briell on IG
LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR MOST RECENT RELEASE, "DROPPED MY IPOD (COVERS). " WHAT WAS THE RECORDING PROCESS LIKE? HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT PICKING WHAT SONGS TO COVER?
“We thought it was going to be easier to do covers. Less work on the writing end and a great chance to connect with other people through their favorite songs. We should have realized that the writing process is actually the easiest part for us. It's the arrangements and the rest that are the most trying. With all of its obstacles, the whole process closely mirrored the full cycle of creation we go through on any other project.”
WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT IN THE FUTURE FROM YOU GUYS?
“We're releasing a collection of alt. takes of "Overalls" for its one-year anniversary and a smattering of studio singles through May and June, all as a grand build-up for our debut album, which will come out in August of this year!”