Clare and the Reasons will perform for the first time in D.C. at IOTA on Sunday, June 29 with Leah Morgan. They have performed internationally, with France being one of their favorite places to tour. For more information visit www.iotaclubandcafe.com.
<b>Introduce yourself or the band:
</b>Greetings, this is Clare Muldaur Manchon from Clare and the Reasons, a Brooklyn band.
<b>How did you get your start in music and how long have you been performing?
</b>I fell off my horse and landed on a guitar when I was 14 and started writing songs then. When I was 18, I stared getting serious and went to music school and have been performing for quite a few years now, the rest of the band too.
<b>How were your musicians chosen?
</b>It wasn't really choosing them, it was a natural coming together and knowing that we had a connection musically and otherwise and everyone had something special to add.
<b>What is it that you love about performing?
</b>The free drinks, and also playing music for people and getting the feeling that you're entertaining them, or taking them away from their own thoughts for a few minutes.
<b>What is your best memory when it comes to music?
</b>Running around the barn as a child listening to Bessie Smith on my walkman when I was 9. That was when I fell for music.
<b>Where is your favorite place to play, either publicly or personally?
</b>Probably France because the audiences are great, but also they serve you amazing meals after you play. For us, it's all about the food.
<b>Best compliment about a performance?
</b>"I like your hair, oh and your song was nice too."
<b>What is your favorite piece of music and why?
</b>This is an impossible question for me, but I guess I'll say "Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss"
<b>Who would you love to play with?
</b>Why? I would love to play with my band, Alan, Olivier, Maria, Marla, Beth, Chris, Bob and Greg! Because they're my favorite musicians and we're on a musical mission.
<b>Describe your sound:
</b>Orchestral Pop
<b>Biggest musical influences:
</b>Bessie Smith, Sam Cooke, Harry Nilsson, Beach Boys.
<b>Where have you toured?
</b>US, UK, France, Germany, Japan.
<b>Anything special about the upcoming show at Iota?
</b>Of course, it's our first time playing in the DC area, very exciting for us and we hear it's a formidable club.
<b>Future plans:
</b>Going on a full UK tour starting in August, then all around Europe doing shows with My Brightest Diamond, then doing a one month US tour in October and November. In December we'll be starting to record our next record.
<b>What would you recommend to someone starting out in the business?
</b>Run!!
<b>Any parting thoughts?
</b>We're excited about Obama!