Tom Clawson of Buck69 puts his life experiences into his music – from his days of hitch hiking cross- country in the 1970’s with only six dollars and change, to playing music in bars at night or working on shrimp boats in Galveston, TX. You meet the places and people in Tom’s life through his music. Thank goodness Tom’s oldest son, Alex, persuaded his dad to get back into music and telling his stories in song.
So in 2005, Buck69 was formed, with a line-up that is reminiscent of the bluesy southern rock style of the 70’s. Buck69 is made up of Tom Clawson – Vocals, Songwriter, Rhythm Guitar; Alex Clawson – Rhythm and Lead Guitar; Candice Coleman (who was on American Idol in 2003) – Vocals; Buzz Anderson – Lead Guitar & Vocals; B.J. Love – Keyboards; Dave Alan – Drums & Vocals; and Todd Ovall – Bass.
If you love the music of 70s icons ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, you will LOVE Buck69. They are like a smorgasbord of sound – every single player in the band brings something to the table. From cool vocal work and sizzling guitar solos to the heavy beats of the bass and drums, every instrument plays a part. Combined with Tom’s lyrics based on stories he’s heard, stories he’s been told and real life experiences from his unique perspective, Buck69 offers an eclectic blues-rock sound.
Recently, Tom took some time out of his busy life of playing music, managing a trucking company and running a small Human Resources software business, to answer some questions for KC Café.
KCC: When did you start writing?
TC: Really started writing full songs back in 1976
KCC: What/when was the first song you ever wrote?
TC: “She’s My Little Angel” 1975, about 3 months after I started playing guitar. What a sappy song
KCC: How would you describe your style?
TC: Blues, Country & Rock – 70’s style
KCC: Who are your favorite writers and how do they influence your style?
TC: Hank Williams Sr., Cat Stevens, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Simon & Garfunkel, Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, James Taylor & Jim Croce.
KCC: What is your writing process?
TC: I watch a lot of movies and when I hear a great line I write it down and then go back to my guitar and write a song around it. Example: Several years ago while watching the movie Nark. One of the cops used this great line: “She’s the best place I’ve ever been” talking about his wife that he had lost to cancer. Just an awesome line. So I wrote the song “The Best Place”
KCC: How often do you write?
TC: Every day, could be just a line or a whole song. I keep a notebook by my bed because I often wake in the middle of the night with an idea. I also keep a notebook in the visor of the car and at my desk at work.
KCC: What comes first, music or lyrics or do they happen simultaneously?
TC: No particular order, but usually a one line lyric.
KCC: What is your favorite cut on your new CD, “When She Whispers Your Name?”
TC: “Someone Like Me” I was really happy with the way the words and music came together.
KCC: What’s your favorite song of all time by someone else, and why?
TC: “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan. Just a very powerful song that touches everyone, no matter your age or gender. Katey Sagel from the FX show Son’s Of Anarchy does a great version of the song.