Bluegrass comedy act, The Cleverlys have made a name for themselves all over the world. With an incredible number of YouTube hits and fans in over 54 different countries, the band is about to release their first album and they’re working on a DVD series. TheCountrySite.com’s Marloes Lucy Duizer was lucky enough to talk to Digger Cleverly about the band’s influences, new CD and what the future holds for The Cleverlys. Enjoy!
L-R: Vernon Dean Cleverly, Miles Cleverly, Digger Cleverly, Harvey D Cleverly and Otto Cleverly.Photo courtesy of Wortman Works Media & Marketing
Who are The Cleverlys?
The Cleverlys is a well-rounded group of entertainers who bring not just a unique musical experience, but one of the most unique shows that you will see anywhere.
How did the combination of music and comedy start?
I have been doing music and comedy for 20 years. The idea was to marry the two into one act. I wanted to make it funny and, at the same time, have top-shelf musicianship. We want to reach the high-brow and the hokey, crossing all genre and age demographics
When did you realize that this combination, this band, was actually working?
We knew we were onto something when musicians, singers, producers, and people across the globe started reaching out to us.
Where do you get inspiration for your characters?
Our characters come from stereotypes and actual people that we have encountered throughout our life and travels.
You played CMA fest this summer. How did that come about? And what was it like to play LP Field?
Yes, we did! That had more to do with our management than us. Ha ha! We thank Jules Wortman, Joe Sullivan and the folks on the CMA board for working that out. It was a dream come true to be a part of that show and play at LP field for 60,000 people. All I can say is goose bumps on top of goose bumps!
How have the reactions from Bluegrass fans been?
The bluegrass community has totally embraced what we are doing and, in fact, they have been the driving force behind our growing fan base.
You have a shows planned December 17th at the Music and Memories Theatre in Lake City, AR. Will there be more?
For sure! 2011 was our first year touring. We went from coast to coast playing clubs and festivals. We were shocked to see how many Cleverheads traveled from several states away to see our show. We are excited to get back out there in 2012.
You call you fans Cleaverheads. What makes a Cleverhead?
Cleverheads get IT, ALL of IT! They can’t get enough of IT and come hell or high water, will do whatever it takes to come to a show and enjoy IT.
Your CD is about to come out? How has the recording been?
Yes, it will be released December 13th. We wanted to record it in true Cleverly fashion: live, no overdubs, or studio magic. It’s not overproduced, just raw playing. There are a lot of comedy nuggets in there, too. Some things you might not catch the first time you listen.
Does it include the covers you’re now famed for?
Yes, and a couple of originals laced together with comedy. We wanted it to be one of those albums that you listen to from beginning to end. Once you get started, you can’t shut it off.
What can we look forward to from The Cleverlys?
We are working on a DVD series. The first to be released soon. We are currently working on new tunes for the upcoming tour seasons and our next CD.
For more information on the Cleverlys go to:
Watch a video of Digger Cleverly in Nashville as well as a video of the band playing a cover of The Bangles’ Walk Like An Egyptian on Larry’s Country Diner on RFDTV below:
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About Marloes Lucy Duizer
Fantastic write-up !!!!!