Founded in 2013, Of Clocks And Clouds aka Joe Salgo and Ross Procaccio are born and raised in Brooklyn, a borough that has become an international brand. The pair pride themselves on standing apart from the shoegaze indie rock scene, which has erupted throughout their hometown, crafting a sound that pays homage to the days of L’amours, CBGB’s and Coney Island High. Inspired by acts like The Black Keys, Pink Floyd, Beck and Queens of the Stone Age, OCAC combine classic and modern rock with tinges of electronic and psychedelic influences.
In this interview, we have a virtual pow wow with Of Clocks and Clouds to discuss influences, their new project, and more.
Full Q&A, links, and streams below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
Ross From OCAC here. Both Joe and I come from different musical backgrounds and have been influenced from slightly different time periods. Joe grew up listening to classic rock stuff and 80’s classics like Dire Staits. I grew up listening to music from Zeppelin to Dave Brubeck to System of a Down and my high school guilty pleasures of Mudvayne and Sevendust.
Over the years the music out there has changed and evolved in many ways and that has caught our ears. As a band we have found our selves influenced by bands such as Tame Impala, TV on the Radio, the Black keys, and Battles, to name a few.
Influenced by what we grew up listening to and our current spotify playlists of today, we’ve found our selves meeting in the middle at a multi genre apex.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
Joe started OCAC as solo electronic project several years ago. After meeting and playing together, the music took on a different shape. After a few line up changes and a brief hiatus, we reformed as a duo and rebranded in 2013. We released what we call our “debut” album YOU in 2014.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Our music is inspired by many things, however the themes that keep arising are moments of emotional pain and stress in our lives. I can’t say we’ve really written much happy music. Our last album “YOU” is inspired by the struggles of trying to help someone you love and care for. Songs like “Carry” and “what you need” are perfect examples of that.
Our new album “Better off” is inspired by getting screwed over after working so hard to help them. Songs like “another life” and “She had to go” are our way of saying “fuck you, peace”
So long story short. Relationship problems.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
We approached “Better Off” in a different way than “YOU”. Many of the songs on “Better Off” were written and arranged from impromptu jams. We wanted a more organic sound to be the foundation of this record instead of the electronic elements which are the underscore of “YOU”
What was the last song you listened to?
” I am an angel” by not Not Blood Paint
They’re an awesome Brooklyn based band that will turn your brain inside out with their theatrical live shows.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
8 track. Keeping it real.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’ve always found myself using Spotify. The download capability in the premium version (although apple music just released that too) and the discover weekly has been pretty on point. The people of Sweden know whats up!
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
One big challenge that we face here in our home town of Brooklyn is that people don’t care as much to spend money or time to see live music anymore. “Can you put me on the guest list?” Come on people. It’s an $8 cover and you get to see three bands. It’s less than that artisnal coffee you got from that special place on your corner in Williamsburg before work.
The lack of passion and dedication to see live music, not just your friends band or a big show at MSG, has taken a toll on the local music scene in Brooklyn. Venues can’t keep up with the quick rent increases if no-one goes to see shows there. This has lead to another challenge. Most of the venues in Brooklyn are pretty much gone!
285 kent, Glasslands, Cameo Gallery, Trash Bar, Spike Hill, just to name a few. All places I’ve loved to play…gone.
The ONE venue closer to me, The Rock Shop, in park slope will be renovating their live venue space into a game room by the end of this year… WTF?
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
We’ve played shows all over Brooklyn and Manhattan but like I said before its getting harder to find places to play with all of the venue closures. Back in February we had a great time playing on a live stream show located by me in Bay Ridge called Bridge Side live. These guys converted their garage into a first class live streaming studio for local bands. We’ll be booking more shows coming up soon and a tour.
In the mean time you can watch us from the comfort of your favorite couch here:
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Ofclocksandclouds.com is where you can find all of our social media and music links.
Best way to purchase our music is through ofclocksandclouds.bandcamp.com
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Support your local musicians and artists. Love and thanks to all our fans- we couldn’t do it without you.
