The Henry Clay People on the Jonas Brothers, Napoleon and electrocution

ILLUSTRATION by LUKE MCGARRY

Acute rock ‘n’ rollers the Henry Clay People are Joey (vocals and guitar), Andy (guitar and vocals), Noah (bass and vocals) and Eric (drums). They sometimes play weddings and can cover—very admirably—Neil Young, Pavement, Tom Petty, Wilco and the Talking Heads (and like a dozen others). Their songs will leave you reminiscing about what you did last night—or maybe just wish you had done. And they are the first subjects of our entirely ripped-off (from Vanity Fair, and Proust before them) Musicians’ Questionnaire.

What is your definition of success? (Noah): My mom seeing the band on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
To whom, musicians or otherwise, do you look for inspiration? (Joey): My grandparents. (Andy): Bigfoot. (N): Pete Wentz, the Jonas Brothers. (Eric): John Bonham, Keith Moon.
When do you feel most creative? (J): December. (A): On the toilet. (N): When I’m being pulled in different directions.
What is your biggest fear as a musician? (J): Electrocution and breaking strings. (A): Forgetting how to play (happens a lot). (N): Ending up like Badfinger. (E): A broken drumstick flying into my eye.
What is your biggest fear as a human? (J): Electrocution and sharks. (N): Zombies. (E): Stabbings.
Who is your favorite songwriter? (N): Probably Harry Nilsson. Paul McCartney’s up there. (J): Paul Westerberg. (A): Tom Petty.
What quality do you most admire in a band? (A): The ability to have fun. (N): Good eyeliner application. (J): The ability to connect directly with an audience. (E): A sound that feels natural for the musicians.
What quality do you most admire in a singer? (A): Non-douche-baggedness (usually has to have a guitar . . . some rare cases though). (N): The ability to get lyrics across to an audience, rather than singing ability. (J): Singers that can’t sing. (E): Knowing their abilities and limits as a singer and taking advantage of them.
What is your favorite way to relax? (A): Sitting on the toilet. (J): Sleeping. (N): Record shopping. (E): Eating.
What is your favorite way to spend time (when not relaxing)? (A): Playing in the band. (J): Eating. (N): Hiking in the San Gabriels. (E): Going to the desert.
What album will you never tire of? (N): Jawbreaker’s 24 Hour Revenge Therapy. (A): Sumday by Grandaddy. (J): London Calling by the Clash. (E): Spoon’s Gimme Fiction.
What album do you hope your future children will someday love? (N): Flipper, GenE. (J): Revolver would be a good start.
What do you feel defines your band? (A): Lack of bullshit. (J): Telecaster twang. Loud drums. Too many cover songs. Shoddy motor skills. (E): An attitude that rock ‘n’ roll should be fun.
What do you feel is your greatest weakness? (A): IBS (not anymore, though). (J): An overall sense of impending doom.
How do you define happiness? (A): A warm gun, mama. (J): The love of a dog.
What is your favorite chord? (J): C Major. (N): F or F#, depending on the position. (A): G-barred.
What qualities do you look for from your audience? (N): People who can accurately count to four. (A): Good hygiene. Good breath. (E): The ability to have a good time. (J): Physical attractiveness.
What is your favorite book? (N): The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. (J): Green Eggs & Ham. (A): Breakfast of Champions.
What is your favorite movie? (A): Jaws. (N): Shadows. (J): The Last Waltz.
How do you define sadness? (N): With an emoticon like this: :(
Who are your favorite historical figures? (J): Napoleon, FDR, Gram Parsons.
Who are your least favorite historical figures? (J): Bill O’Reilly, Hitler, Ayn Rand.
What natural power would you most like to have? (A): To “naturally” defy gravity.
What super power would you most like to have? (A): Fly. (J): Ability to fly. (E): See the future.
What is it you most dislike? (A): People dancing to “Sweet Home Alabama.”
What is your greatest indulgence? (A): Popping blackheads. (J): Craigslist. Alaskan king crab is a close second. (E): Eating lots of good food.
What is your favorite song lyric? (A): “Won’t you scratch my itch, sweet Annie Rich.” (J): “Look out mama. There’s a white boat coming up the river.” (N): Something poignant I heard Manhattan Murder Mystery sing the other night.

PORT OF LOS ANGELES LOBSTER FESTIVAL PORTS O’ CALL VILLAGE | 1100 NAGOYA WAY | SAN PEDRO 90731 | LOBSTERFEST.COM | FREE PARKING AT 22ND AND MINER ST | FREE SHUTTLES FROM PARKING LOT TO MAIN VILLAGE | FRI-SUN | $6-8 | HENRY CLAY PEOPLE PLAY SAT 2PM | ALSO AT ALEX’S BAR WITH THE HAPPY HOLLOWS AND PAPERPLANES THURS 8PM | CONTACT VENUE FOR COVER | ALEXSBAR.COM | AND ON AIR DURING INDIE 103.1’S “CHECK ONE . . . TWO” SUN SEPT 28 6PM | NEW RECORD “FOR CHEAP OR FOR FREE” OUT IN OCTOBER | THEHENRYCLAYPEOPLE.COM

Tags: jonas brothers, lobster fest, Long Beach, port of la, proust, San Pedro, the henry clay people