from the Mooresville Weekly
By: CW Editor-Chris Montgomery
I spent two weeks with John and Cate Cloer inside my Volkswagon bus. It was actually their CD.
Each of the compositions, well-written and acoustically sound, brought a fresh approach to telling age-old stories. “Wanderlust” is a good example of their synergy. The Cloers make capturing familiar moods and feelings sound so easy.
“I’m so eaten up with wanderlust, I can’t put down any roots/ In one place too long, I itch to move on, dust off my walkin’ shoes/ Everyone wonders when we’ll settle down/ And find ourselves a sleepy, little town… I don’t need a lot of things, they only rust/ All I really need, is to chase the wanderlust.”
Our local music scene seems as effortless. I can’t remember another time when we were surrounded with such a variety of talent. As stated in previous columns, Sound Check’s mission is to pass these findings on to others near, far and all points in between.
Passion should be obvious in everything we do. We should revel from the mundane to the extraordinary. The Cloers display this kind of passion. The songs are never mundane and always extraordinary.
Sound Check wishes to emulate the same kind of drive and enthusiasm. We want to grow the fan bases of the bands we profile. Ultimately, we strive to be a conduit between the reader and musician.
Mooresville Weekly remains your source for homegrown tunes and the artists who create them. Always about the music, Sound Check welcomes your input. Please forward us the latest gigs, happenings and events. We are also interested in feature stories.
In the meantime, enjoy the vibe.
John and Cate Cloer initially formed a number of bands before realizing their strengths as a duo during the summer of 2009. The native Charlotteans eventually married and live in Denver.
As any marriage suggests, John and Cate write as a team, something they foresee as “never changing.” Browse the internet and you will discover their busy schedule. The Cloers perform across North Carolina, returning to venues as old friends. When not touring, they stay active with organizations like Broadcast Music Inc., Nashville Songwriters Association and Folk Alliance International.
If that’s not enough, the pair has produced an album due out in spring 2012.
The Cloers were recently awarded a grant by the Arts and Science Council. They have been named Charlotte Music Awards Best Singer-Songwriter and support other artists by serving on the North Carolina Songwriters Co-op Board of Directors.
It is evident The Cloers’ work ethic dictates the measure of their success.
There are many other favorite songs in addition to “The Wanderlust.” Several of these tunes have been featured on television and public radio, including “Make Me Cry,” “I Want To Say” and “The Best Ones.” Social media has helped strengthen John and Cate’s following.
Their website, www.thecloers.com, allows access to a monthly newsletter, streaming video, photos, discussion forums and company store. YouTube, ReverbNation, Facebook and Twitter also engage listeners at all levels.
Although the band’s line-up is limited, their talent is overwhelming. Cate holds court as lead singer, playing the concertina and keyboard. John accompanies his wife with backing vocals and the acoustic guitar. He hopes to add the banjo and upright bass to the mix as soon as possible.
The two have brainstormed starting a full band comprised of top-notch musicians for special occasions.
To see The Cloers’ next performance, mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 31. The group has been selected to play for First Night Charlotte. Go to www.firstnightcharlotte.com for more details.
Book them for your next event by writing Velvet Rope Records, P.O. Box 2280, Denver, N.C. 28037 or emailing contact@thecloers.com.
