Clint Lowery of Sevendust on ‘God Bless the Renegades’ + More – Interview

2020-01-22

Clint Lowery of Sevendust – Story by Anne Erickson

Sevendust guitarist Clint Lowery chats with Anne Erickson about his new solo album, the status of new Sevendust music and more in this in-depth interview

Earlier this year, Sevendust guitarist Clint Lowery broke the news to Audio Ink that he was working on his debut solo album, and now, he’s ready to unleash it to the world. Lowery will release his debut solo album, “God Bless the Renegades,” on Jan. 31 via Rise Records.

Lowery checked in with Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio/Publications to talk about “God Bless the Renegades,” what to expect from the upcoming Sevendust record and more. Read the full interview below, and listen via the Audio Ink podcast.

How long have you wanted to do a solo record?

I’ve wanted to do a full solo record for a long time. I flirted around with it with some other releases that I did under the radar, but as far as using my name and it being with a label and everything, I’ve been wanting to do it a long time, but the Sevendust machine never really stops going. I found an opportunity and window to work it in, and it took a lot of setting up logistics, but I figured it out, and it’s been a long time in the making for me to release it.

What made now the right time to release the album?

I think, without getting corny about it, as far as feeling comfortable in my own skin, I feel like I’m in a good place. I’m stable enough in my sobriety and have lived enough on the other side of that old, chaotic life that I have an experience to share. I feel like musically, I’ve been writing a lot with different bands and have learned a lot about myself as a singer. I struggled about what kind of music I wanted to release, because it was liberating that I could release any kind of music I wanted, but doing whatever I wanted was nerve-wracking because there were so many different things I wanted to do. But, it felt like the right time. I figured it was a now or never situation. I’m not getting any younger, and I felt like this is where I still had something to say.

The album has a great title, “God Bless the Renegades.” Why did you choose that title?

“God Bless the Renegades” is my nod and gratitude towards those people who think outside the box and push against that sheep mentality where everybody is doing the same thing and agreeing and liking and following the same things. It’s for people who are thinking differently and aren’t scared of meeting that resistance. When someone has an original idea that’s new, it’s met with resistance, and I think it’s cool that people speak out and aren’t scared to say what they’re thinking. When someone does something original without any fear of push back, it changes things. This whole record is a thank you for those inspirations.

How is your solo album different from what you do with Sevendust?

It’s not completely. There are common threads, because I’m a writer in Sevendust there are similarities in sound, but it’s more of an alternative sound and things I couldn’t do in Sevendust. Some of the songs wouldn’t make sense in that catalog. Then there’s the difference between how LJ sings something and I sing something, so right away, a lot of the textures and presentation is completely different from a vocal standpoint. Musically, I don’t think it’s totally different, but vocally, I take a different approach than LJ.

You have a tour with Alter Bridge to support the album. What makes this trek a good fit for you?

There’s a long history with those guys. Over the past 15 years, we’ve done a lot of stuff with them over the years and are really good friends. We’re under the same umbrella and share the same management, and there are a lot of mutual ties. They’re great guys. I think, musically, it’s going to be a great support for them. Their fans are loyal, and hopefully I can win some of those people over. I think it will be a great way to start this out, being with my peers who are true musicians, and it will be fun to share the stage with them.

When will you be getting back to the Sevendust world?

Sevendust will be releasing a record in 2020 at some point- probably around the summer… The writing is done for Sevendust. That whole record is done. We came straight off tour and went straight into the studio. We figured we would get the record in the tank and have a full break instead of waiting and doing a full record and going straight on the road.

What can you tell me about the upcoming Sevendust album? 

If you’re familiar with our catalog, it’s a combination of “Animosity” and “Seasons.” I don’t think it’s the most aggressive thing we’re ever done. There are definitely parts of it that have that appeal and a heavier edge, but there’s a lot of that melodic nature and a lot of melody, and LJ is able to sing a lot more on it. So, if you like “Animosity” and “Seasons,” I think you’ll like this record a lot.

Listen to the Audio Ink podcast with Clint Lowery from Sevendust:

Anne Erickson
Posted by Anne Erickson | Features, Interviews, Metal, Music, Rock

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