santa monica singer songwriter

santa monica singer songwriter

John Clinebell resides in sunny Santa Monica, California, just blocks away from the famous Third Street Promenade. Ever since Clinebell moved to the west side to street perform, he's enjoyed entertaining the throngs of shoppers and tourists who come to the area on a weekly basis. ClinebellMusic.Com sat down with John to find out more about his life in the beach community.

CM: So what are some of your favorite local hangouts?

JC: I'm a big sports fan, so Barney's or Yankee Doodle on the Promenade are great for taking in a Chicago Bears or Phoenix Suns game. They've got enough TVs at both places so I don't feel like I've gotta stomp on someone just to see what happens when the game's on the line. Unless it's a Lakers game.

CM: Does it get crowded in Santa Monica during Lakers games?

JC: Yeah, it's more like an infestation in my eyes, but whatever.

CM: So what's the street performing scene in Santa Monica like?

JC: It's a great eclectic mix. Not only do you get a bunch of different people watching you play, but there's also a huge variety of different types of acts out there. You'll walk one block and see a magician, a fortune-telling cat, a James Taylor-ish folk singer, and a hip hop band in a two minute stoll.

CM: So what's the response to your music been so far?

JC: Great. I have a little more difficulty drawing an instant crowd because I'm not one of those "hear ye, hear ye" types, but the music usually slowly stops people in their tracks, and before I know it, there's a good 15-20 people checking out the songs.

CM: Sell many CDs?

JC: Yeah, I usually make a few sales each time I go out and play. Some days are better than others, of course. Often I'll make more in tips than CD sales. At this point, I'm not overly concerned about making money with it. Just trying to enjoy the people, the great weather, and sharing my gift right now.

CM: Maybe there'll be something worth leaving Santa Monica for in the near future?

JC: Well, that'd be great if I was signed and all of a sudden was going off on a cool eastern European tour, backpacking around with a rail pass. Or I guess they hook you up with better travel than that? Or even just going around America would be great. There are still a bunch of places on the East Coast I've never seen.

CM: Are you excited about your new disc that's going to be released this summer?

JC: Yeah, definitely. It's a big step in a cleaner direction. It's got more of an organic feel to it. And I think the songwriting is better as well, so that always helps. Hopefully the response to this one takes a step up from my first disc, and we'll just build on it from there. I believe all it takes is one song. That song could be on Stomping Grounds, for all I know...

CM: To wrap this up, do you have anything to say to those who are thinking of coming out to the Promenade to see you perform?

JC: Just come see me play already! It'll make you buy the CD. Or vice versa. I think both compliment each other. And you'll love the pier, the oddball assortment of performers, and the gelato shoppe on Santa Monica Blvd. I think it's called Angelato.

To find out more information on John Clinebell's music, or to find out when he's playing next on the Promenade, please visit ClinebellMusic.Com.