(photo credit goes to Tiera D Photo)

Clay Otter have proven themselves worthy of playing with the greats in the Columbus scene quicker than most have. They impressed many at the Live at the Garden Festival at their first ever show, then days later proceeded to melt faces in the unenviable opening slot at a Valentine’s Day party. Getting people to groove like they’re drunk before they are actually drunk is no small feat.

Since they are playing Worst Kept Secret Fest VII, we figured you’d want to get to know them better. So they answered our handy little Q&A. Enjoy:

Q: What is the best beverage to enjoy at one of your shows? Likewise, what usually keeps you going onstage?

A: Rain water or Baja Blast.

Q: You have a task of getting a person to one of your shows, but they will not hear your music before you go onstage. What do you say?

A: You can punch Thane if you don’t like what you hear. You can also punch Thane if you like it.

Q: What’s most encouraging about the current state of the music industry?

A: Bands / Artists can use the internet to instead of a label to gain popularity and have a self grown following. A song you release on YouTube can now be loved dearly by a small child in the Philippines for free.

Q: What’s been some favorite releases of the band so far this year?

A: Speedy Ortiz – Foil Deer, Metz – Metz II, Majora’s Mask 3D

Q: Who from Columbus definitely needs to be heard more in the outside of Ohio (other than you, of course!)?

A: Gelatinus Cube for sure! Great songwriting and they always put on the best performance. DOMES also deserves a lot more attention as well.

Q: Name the best live band you’ve seen: what made it memorable?

A: Dethklok. A guy pissed on a girl in front of him. Her boyfriend proceeded to beat the shit out of him.

Q: What is the most memorable venue you’ve played and why?

A: Tree Bar, because Elijah got nailed by a drunk driver on the way back from the show.

Q: Who inspires you? Doesn’t have to be a musician.

A: The guy on YouTube who plays covers on a piece of paper with drums he’s drawn (watch below). Also, smokincigs23.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL-9d4-MN_Y[/youtube]

Q: What’s your favorite method of discovering new music?

A: Spotify discovery is actually pretty handy! Other than that suggestions from friends seems to be the most effective way to find music we’d like to listen to.

Q: Since we’ve already discussed your live show, tell us what it is about your upcoming records that you are most excited about.

A: We’re releasing a new 6 song EP in July! We’re stoked to be able to show everyone all of the different musical areas of our brains we’ve been able to scratch.

Q: Star Wars Episode 7 – Yay or nay?

A: Also a unanimous yes on EPVII: The Force Awakens.