The Cliks: An Interview with the True Colors Tour Band

Canadain rockers The Cliks, Lucas Silveira (vocalist/guitarist), Jen Benton (bass), Morgan Doctor (drums), and Nina Martinez (guitar), are once again touring around the country making faggotry safe for flamers as part of the True Colors tour. It has been a triumphant year for this Toronto band, not only are the palling around with the likes of Deborah Cox and Cyndi Lauper, but they also had a major label debut album, Snakehouse, released on April 24, 2007 by Warner Music in Canada and Tommy Boy Records in the United States. The bands catchy style of emotional and guitar driven melodies have surpassed the queer community, and become nearly mainstream popular in the fickle heart of breeders too.

The entire band are out members of the LGBT community. Silveira is a transman, Benton and Martinez are lesbians, and Doctor identifies as queer. Their sexual identities, and their talents as musicians, made them a favorite pick during the summer of 2007's first multi-artist True Colors Tour. Associated Content yakked it up with frontperson Lucas Silveira, about the second installment of this groundbreaking and freedoming affirming tour.
AC: Have you seen a change in your fanbase since last year's tour?

Lucas: It has made our fanbase grow. Last year when we were thrust into it, our album had only been out for a month, and the next thing we are on tour nationwide. People who had never heard of us, got to hear our sound. We really connected with a broader audience.

AC: So being apart of this tour again was a big deal...
Lucas: It is extremely important. This tour is like having the cake and eating it too - and doing it all for an amazing cause. I identify as transgendered, so being part of a tour that benefits the HRC is a huge deal for me. To show people that these are things that we care about and things we are passionate about...it feels like we are doing something on our own and for our community. I am so happy to be included.

AC: What big name on the roster for the tour were you the most excited to meet?
Lucas: That is a hard one...But honestly, it was Cyndi. When I was a kid, I would listen to her music. I listen to it now! She is a truly incredible performer. I have a sweet story about her...We were in catering on the first or second day, just getting a snack. I was sitting with Maragaret Choi, who is funny, and warm but a bit overwhelming 'cause she hits on me...and then this mysterious person in a hat and sunglasses came into a room. She walked up to me and said "Hi..I'm Cyndi." I almost had a heart attack. She was just so dynamic and ethereal at the same time.

AC: That kind of interaction is priceless...
Lucas: Another moment I had was with Debbie Harry...rock goddess Debbie Harry. She served me chocolate chip cookies. "Hi, I am Debbie Harry, would you care for a cookie

AC: She baked you cookies?
No she just decided to bring some...My girlfriend was with me and she kind of dropped over. Debbie Harry offered us a cookie!

AC: How does being a trans person affect your music? Or does it not at all?
Lucas: I think the answer is that it doesn't directly affect my music anymore. The fact that I have transitioned, and come to terms with who I am, it has given me the freedom any performer needs...But on a daily basis, I don't really carry it on the forefront of my artistic brain.Now, I am who I am.

AC: As a trans performer, are you treated differently by the music industry?
Lucas: I have had no bad experiences. Well, one bad experience...And unfortunetly it was with queer press in France. Otherwise, we have been so lucky. Nothing but support!

AC: Do people claim your success is due to your trans status?
I had a couple of articles that didn't really go there completely, but hinted around that 'maybe" the only reason we got signed was cause we are a novelty story and it would die out. But let's give the people at record companies more credit then that. Nobody is throwing away money on a novelty act.

AC: I am sure that makes you work twice as hard...
Lucas: You bet it does. I always try to show people that CLIK has the goods and is bringing it home!At the end of the day, we won't get anywhere unless our music is good. People do not listen to crappy music - regardless of who the performer is...

AC: And the CLIKS style is not typical "gay" music...
We don't fit the sterotype, no. Everyone gets thrust into a role if you are an LGBT artist. If you ar male you are dance, if you are female you are standing on stage with a guitar. We wanted to be true to ourselves.

AC: How lucky are you to be a Canadian? Gay marriage? No problem!
Lucas: [ Laughs] Don't get me wrong, it is a fantastic country...But there are some sections of it that are ass backwards. That comes with every country. In the States, and we have been touring here for two years, we have had nothing but good experiences. I feel very much at home in the U.S.

See the CLIKS on the TRUE COLORS tour: Tickets onsale at www.truecolorstour.com.