The Artist…
Tristan Clopet and The Juice
The Music…
Download…
Tristan Clopet CD and TSHIRT Contest
want to win a CD and TSHIRT from Tristan??? it’s easy! just tweet the tweet that’s in bold below on your Twitter account, and you’ll be entered to win!
RT To WIN A CD! from @TristanClopet at @myawesomesong http://totallyawesomesong.com/interviews/tristan-clopet/
we’re picking 3 winners randomly, so good luck!
Tristan Clopet Interview
The TAS Kids:
Thank you for doing this first off! All of us girls are big music nerds, but not a one of us can write songs or play instruments, haha. When did you start writing and playing, and does it all come completely naturally to you, or do you ever have to work at it?
Tristan:
No worries, I’m quuuuite the music geek myself. I started piano when I was five or six because my Mom made me (thank you Mom!) Often times, I’d spend my afternoons playing basketball instead of practicing because it didn’t come easily and I wanted to be in the NBA anyway. Years later, it still doesn’t come easy for some reason, but when I picked up the guitar at 13, it all kind of clicked. But it’s all about practice. Just like everything. I’m convinced humans can fly if we practice hard enough.
The TAS Kids:
Tell us about ‘The Juice’. How did they come together, and how do they influence your music? And, do the guys get you in trouble or keep you out if it? 
Tristan:
I remember sitting around the kitchen table, with our first gig only a few days away. We had some friends over and we were helping ourselves to a few adult bevies, trying to think of a decent name. Then “The Juice” came out of the woodwork. I think because there was a popular football player at the time called Juice Williams. Random, I know but hey, you asked!! The guys influence the music greatly. It’s important for the live show to be different from the album and they certainly make sure of that. As for trouble…I think we’re in pretty good standing but it depends on whom you ask.
The TAS Kids:
Along with favorite bands, a lot of musicians are also inspired by their local scene. Miami isn’t necessarily known for a big indie rock feel. Does the flavor of music in Miami contribute to your more funk influenced style? And since you’re originally from Canada, do those roots show in your music?
Tristan:
You mean besides the fact that I sing in Spanish?
Juuuust kidding, You know, honestly, I’ve found myself subconsciously incorporating a little bit of samba into the songs. Our percussionist, Rich Chwastiak, is really great with ethnic rhythms and it’s often a very cool blend that adds a little spice to the songs in a live setting. Plus he always smiles and dances on stage and looks like he just won the lottery every time he performs. Be warned, he’s been known to grab girls from the audience to salsa with during the performance.
The TAS Kids:
Hahaha! We’ll watch out for that if we get to catch you guys live. Speaking of Canadians… do you speak french? We’re trying to teach ourselves haha, but basically all we can do is tell you our favorite song, ask you where the store is, or ask you to go to prom in french.
Tristan:
Oui, j’irai au bal avec vous. I love French but I’m horrible at it. I’m learning from rosetta stone right now so I can at least pronounce my last name properly.
The TAS Kids:
Outside of making music, what else do you love to do, and what else are you passionate about?
Tristan:
After I’m done with music, I’m going to direct and act in films. Then I’m going to move to middle America and live on a farm with my currently non-existent wife and kids and not worry about anything except crop rotation.
The TAS Kids:
Lastly… who’s your celebrity crush?
Tristan:
Wow, thanks. I haven’t been a crush of anybody’s since, like fifth grade. I’m a fan of Blake Lively’s. I first saw her host SNL this year and fell hard. A girl with a talent is a big plus for me.
The TAS Kids:
That’s awesome, we totally have a straight girl crush on Blake… you have to check out her “Riverdance” clip on Jimmy Fallon… it’s our favorite haha! Thank you so much Tristan!
Tristan – Cousins by Vampire Weekend
Tristan has a ton of videos and covers on YouTube, but we thought his cover of Cousins by Vampire Weekend shows how talented of a musician he is, and how crazy strong his vocals are.