In cased you missed the memo on Twitter and Facebook, the preschool-kindergarten 'L.A.' grunge scene is back in full effect. If you listen very closely you can hear the faint shouts of joy from moms and dads with a fondness for the Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and STP playlists on their iPods.
And cue the return of the band 'Happy Clam' to the kiddie music scene. After a lengthy 17 year absence the members of Happy Clam...or the 'Godfathers of Grunge' as they are regarded by some...are back to rock it out for the kiddies.
Happy Clam is: Kevin Ride, Matt Dopleman and Ronnie G., and theirs is a musical style that is a total throwback to the whole flannel, ripped jeans and Dr. Martens era...the Happy Clam is all about that true alt rock vibe but with a slight twist.
Their return to the music scene is with a single that speaks to importance of foods in the produce department....with aptly titled single 'Vegetables',
Really somewhere one Kurt Cobain is smiling.
I had a chance to speak to the members of Happy Clam about their music, vegetables and Elmo...
Where did the name 'Happy Clam' come from?
Matt Dopleman (guitarist): We used to be “Wicked Clam” Now we are Happy Clam—cause we are happy—just like our littlest fans.
How did the 'grunge meets kids music' idea come about?
Kevin Ride (lead singer) : I was working at a toy store…I cant legally say the name, but it rhymes with shmoys are shmuss…and I would hear the crap kids are being forced to listen to day in and day out. The Clam has always been heavy. I figured we would give the kids the gift of music with balls.
How did the three of you come together?
Matt: Kevin and I worked for a tele-marketing company in the early 90s. We spent a lot of time sitting next to each other selling paper clips and staplers. One night we were hanging at the Coconut Teaszer after work. We got in a fight with the guys from TUFF. When the dust settled, we realized that Ron Gooch (one of the baddest drummers in town) had flattened 3 of their guys. We decided to jam…and it was pretty awesome.
The band went on a hiatus for a 'few' years...what made you decide to record again?
Kevin: It was time, obviously.
Matt: Yeah, we came together again just as mysteriously as we did in 1990.
Growing up who were your favourite child performers?
Kevin and Matt: The Capt and Tenille.
Kevin: They were Canadian weren’t they? We love Canadians!
When not doing the children's music thing...what music do you love listening to on your iPods?
Kevin: Soundgarden
Matt: Pearl Jam
Kevin: Nirvana
Matt: Alice in Chains
Kevin: and the Black Eyed Peas
What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear...
Elmo: – Matt: Red
The Wiggles: – Kevin: Australian
Barney: – Kevin and Matt: Lame
Alvin & The Chipmunks: – Kevin: The movie kinda sucked. Is that more than one word?
Mister Rogers: -- Kevin: Classic
Yo Gabba Gabba: – Matt: Awesome!!!
Best piece of parenting advice you ever got?
Matt: Breathe
What is the most important thing you have learned about fatherhood that you can pass on to other dads?
Matt: Breathe. Ha Ha.
What do your kids think about your music?
Matt: They love it!!
Kevin: Yeah, they are in the Vegetables video!
And since you sing about vegetables....what's your favourite veggie?
Kevin and Matt: Ummm??
Veggie you hate the most?
Kevin and Matt: Tomatoes.
You can follow Happy Clam on Twitter @happyclamdigger and on Facebook
And for the record...Happy Clam...they would be an excellent band choice to perform on Yo Gabba Gabba's, 'Super Music Friends Show'. Are you listening DJ Lance Rock?
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