Clear For Takeoff is a pop-rock band from Maryland. Earlier this year the band released their sophomore album, Line of Fire, recorded by Rob Freeman who’s also worked with artists like Gym Class Heroes and Hit the Lights.
Recently they had the opportunity to be a part of a new musical comedy by Lee Doll Productions and JBH Video called Rise and Fall…In Love.
We got the chance to talk with vocalist and guitar player, Brendan Biondi, about their music and big plans with the musical!
Tell us about your music in a few words:
“We’re all musicians with different backgrounds so our songs tend to take on a life of their own. Overall, we see ourselves as a straight-up Rock & Roll band, infusing modern rock with some elements of alternative, pop, rockabilly, punk, and plenty of piano. We strive to make great songs rather than worry about fitting our music into one sound or category. Some of our main influences are Weezer, Foo Fighters and Green Day, as well as older classics like Queen, The Beatles and The Ramones. However, the bottom line is we write what we feel, and strive for honesty and passion.”
How did you get involved with the musical, Rise and Fall…In Love?
“The film director and his family happen to be big fans of our music and initially wanted to use some of our songs for the soundtrack. However, once he stumbled upon our YouTube page and watched a bunch of our videos, the director decided he wanted to utilize our acting abilities as well. Now we’re co-starring, performing, and even doing our own stunts in the movie!”
Can you tell us a little about the plot line of the musical? What are you most looking forward to about being a part of this?
“The movie is about a girl who leaves her band behind for a seemingly life-changing opportunity as a solo artist. She later finds out that the big-shot music producer who lured her away is not as genuine as he seems.
In it, we play a fictional band called “Talegunner,” but you’ll hear a lot of our original music within the film.
Being in this movie has given us the chance to take part in something we’ve never done before, as well as reach a whole new audience with our music.”
Do you have any big plans coming up this winter or early next year besides being featured in the musical comedy?
“We plan continue touring out of state and working on a new music video for our next single, ‘It Takes Two To Make An Accident.'”
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
“Some of our main influences are Weezer, Foo Fighters and Green Day, as well as older classics like Queen, The Beatles and The Ramones. However, the bottom line is we write what we feel, and strive for honesty and passion.”
You guys have performed with many big names like, Jesse McCartney, Sparks the Rescue, the Black Keys and many more, what was it like sharing the stage with such incredible artists?
“It’s always amazing to share the stage with successful artists who you look up to. From hanging out and having a drink with Ryan Cabrera to having Pat Wilson from Weezer compliment you on your set, the coolest thing about it is meeting them in person and realizing that they’re just normal people with the same dreams and aspirations.”
You all seem pretty active on your Facebook page, do you feel it’s important to be in contact with all your fans via the internet?
“Absolutely. Its so important to stay connected with our fans as much as we can…after all, we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Also, we really enjoy sharing our experiences directly with our fans on YouTube (@cftband).”
On your Facebook Page it says you confirmed a date for a holiday show, what all can you tell us about that?
“The show will be hosted in Baltimore with several prominent bands from the area, including a popular contestant from Season 3 of The Voice. All of the proceeds are going towards helping a local children’s hospital here in Baltimore.”
Since we’re from Honest Reviews Corner, what’s your “honest review” on swiss cheese?
“It’s holy undesirable.”