Tristan Clopet is an American singer-songwriter who has recently released his debut LP ‘Name It What You Want’ and is currently on tour in the United States promoting the album.
We asked him to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for us, let us get to know him a little better and hopefully help expand his fan base a little further from home.
What made you decide you wanted to be a musician?
I was no good at acting.
Do you write all your own songs?
Except for the ones I don’t write. I enjoy playing covers but choosing a cover is difficult because naturally, you want to play all the songs you love but then it’s a bad idea to try and replicate those songs because they’ll never sound as good as they need to in your mind. So the trick is to find a great song that was done poorly, and make it better.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Many places but mostly from other artists. It’s a very special realm that I try not to visit too much because there is such a thing as being over-inspired.
It’s ideal to have a nice balance between your reality and outside art that inspires you. That way, your inspiration is translated into your language efficiently.
Who have been your musical influences?
Most recently; The Bear Romantic, Lykke Li and Bjork.
Up to this point in your career, what has been the major highlight?
This tour. We all really get along great and the music is the best its ever been. Its a nice place to be; each day getting better and better. Lucky.
What can you tell us about your debut LP ‘Name It What You Want?
I’ve never worked on something so hard in my life.
Where did this title come from?
My dad and I were sitting at a TGI Fridays getting take out on Monday night and the deadline was approaching to choose a title. We’d come up with some ones we liked but nothing we loved.
And he turned to me and said, ‘Chum, (he’s British) You can name it what you want, it’s still a great album.” So I stopped him and thanked him for giving me the title to the album.
How would you describe your sound?
Indie Rock sprinkled with intellectual pop and a dash of scream-o metal.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love reading and playing video games. I have a bulldog named Lilly who’s a dear friend. I also find long distance running euphoric. Weird, I know.
What’s next for Tristan Clopet?
Lots of touring to promote the new album. I’m also thinking of taking up origami.
Do you have any plans to tour outside of the United States?
Yes! We’re going to my birthplace (Toronto) this tour. Also we’re visiting England in September. Exciting times here.
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!