Something Clever

Formed in April 2011, Something Clever was founded by long-time friends Michael Brennan (lead vocals), Kelly Flusk (lead guitar), Chris St. Hilaire (rhythm guitar), Allen Vogt (bass guitar), and Dylan Roles (drums).{{cite web |title=Something Clever Bio |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818200538/http://somethingcleverband.webs.com/ |website=somethingclever.com |publisher=Kelly Flusk |access-date=18 August 2013}}

After building up a local fan base by performing at local venues and sharing demos of new original music on ReverbNation, the band spent much of early 2012 writing and recording new songs for their first commercial release.{{cite web |title=About Something Clever |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030020638/http://www.reverbnation.com/somethingclever |website=ReverbNation |publisher=Something Clever}}

On April 5, 2012, the band posted to Facebook announcing they were looking for a new bass player after their current bass player was moving out of the area and switching schools.{{cite web |title=NEED A NEW BASS PLAYER |url=https://www.facebook.com/SomethingClever00/posts/pfbid02iptBUfCDabKUy3LuPaixxNGv9f3QvH4xQPexfnK8ccmntS4vyWqMJPaHnNbGompJl |website=Facebook |publisher=Kelly Flusk |access-date=5 April 2012}}

The band released their debut single "Black and Blue" on June 14, 2012.{{cite web |title=Debut single "Black and Blue" out now!! |url=https://www.facebook.com/SomethingClever00/posts/pfbid031ffAiZBam1SiD6gato4oHfw5ektTd1QvRo9KGtuw5zcGgbCYDWrD9V1jk1gtjaFEl |website=facebook.com |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=14 June 2014}}

Their debut EP titled "Walk Away" was released on July 7, 2012, and was produced produced and engineered by Michael Pepe. The EP would also be the only release featuring original lead singer Michael Brennan before his departure of the band in 2013.{{cite web |title=Walk Away -EP (Debut EP by Something Clever |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/walk-away-mw0002970031#trackListing |website=Allmusic |publisher=Brandon Hinson |access-date=27 July 2012}}{{cite web |title=Something Clever Debut EP Walk Away |url=https://www.cadiesart.com/client/SomethingClever |website=cadiesart |publisher=Staff |access-date=7 July 2012}} That same year, the band won the Ernie Ball and Rockstar Energy Drink Battle of the Bands in Simpsonville, South Carolina, taking first place in all voting categories. This victory opened doors to share stages with national acts such as Adelitas Way, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Saving Abel, and Sum 41.{{cite web |title=Band Bio: Something Clever |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116123059/http://www.somethingcleverband.com/home.cfm |website=somethingcleverband.com |publisher=Kelly Flusk |access-date=16 November 2012}}

Additionally, Something Clever was commissioned to create music for WSOC-TV’s high school football segment, which aired during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.{{cite web |title=The Bash: Something Clever Bio |url=https://www.thebash.com/acoustic-band/somethingclever |website=The Bash |publisher=The Bash Staff |access-date=16 April 2025}}

On May 7, 2013 the band announced via their social media pages that their lead singer Michael Brennan departed the band and that they will be holding auditions for a new vocalist the next week. The band announced Adam Nelson as their new singer on July 13, 2013 and announced Colt Crevar as their new bassist.{{cite web |title=Jupiter Tide Singer Adam Nelson Joins Something Clever As New Frontman |url=https://www.facebook.com/SomethingClever00/posts/608002719231392 |website=facebook.com/somethingclever00 |access-date=13 July 2013}}

In April 2013, guitarist Chris St. Hilaire announced he would be leaving the band with his last show being May 16, 2014 in Wilmington opening for Puddle of Mudd at Ziggy's By the Sea. Shortly after, Brett Maker was announced as Something Clever's new rhythm guitarist.{{cite web |title=Chris steps down as rhythm guitarist |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012053827/http://www.somethingcleverband.com/news/blog/chris-steps-down-as-rhythm-guitarist |publisher=Something Clever Band |access-date=12 October 2014}}

Their first single with Nelson as their lead singer titled "Freaks Like You" was released on December 3, 2013.{{cite web |title=Something Clever - Freaks Like You (New Single) |url=https://soundcloud.com/somethingcleverband/something-clever-freaks-like |website=Soundcloud |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=3 December 2013}}

During the first half of 2014 the band spent much of their time writing and recording for their then-untitled second EP, providing support for national acts who were performing concerts within the Charlotte, North Carolina venues. On June 1, 2014, the band announced the release of "Best Laid Plans" which would serve as their first single from their still-untitled second EP.{{cite web |title=Best Laid Plans (2014) - Something Clever - Single |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/1qn9Cpm3Al9rYjHMFWU76A |website=Spotify |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=1 June 2014}}

In support of their new music, the band provided opening support for Tantric, A Course of Action and Beyond the Fade for their June 8, 2014 concert at Amos Southend nightclub in Charlotte. That show marked the first time "Best Laid Plans" was performed live.{{cite web |title=Tantric, A Course of Action, Beyond the Fade, Something Clever - Amos Southend - June 8, 2014 |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/show/13165610 |website=ReverbNation |publisher=Tantric |access-date=16 April 2025}}

The band spent the rest of 2014 providing tour support for Skinn Jakkitt, Kellen Heller, The Dead Rabbitts, A Light Divided, and Zach Myers and finish tracking new songs for their upcoming EP.{{cite web |title=A Light Divided / Something Clever 2014 |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/show/13953461 |website=Bandsintown |publisher=A Light Divided |access-date=7 October 2014}}

On January 11, 2015, the band announced their upcoming EP will be titled Season of Darkness and unveiled the album cover art.{{cite web |title=SEASON OF DARKNESS.... COMING SOON |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=891850004179994&set=a.205273322837669 |website=Facebook.com |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=11 January 2015}}

Season of Darkness was released on March 17, 2015. The EP explored darker lyrical themes and heavier instrumentation, reflecting the band's evolution toward a more polished alt-metal sound. Immediately after the EP's release, the band announced it was the first series in a two-part release, with the second release titled Season of Light was slated for release in late 2015 or early 2016.{{cite web |title=Something Clever - Season of Darkness -EP (2015) |url=https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/album/Season_of_Darkness/295778 |website=Spirit of Metal |publisher=Spirit of Metal Staff |access-date=17 March 2015}}{{cite web |title=Season of Light (album) on Apple Music |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911070944/https://music.apple.com/us/album/season-of-light/1205312082 |website=Internet Archive |publisher=Brandon Hinson / Something Clever |access-date=10 March 2017}}

In March 2017, the band released their debut album, a full-length LP titled Season of Light which serves as a counterpart to their 2015 EP, Season of Darkness. The album spawned two singles, "Snake Oil" and "Living Not Existing".{{cite web |title=Something Clever "Season of Light" Album Release Show at The Fillmore Underground in Charlotte, NC |url=https://fuelthescene.com/2017/03/26/something-clever-season-of-light-album-release-show-at-the-fillmore-underground-in-charlotte-nc/ |website=fuelthescene.com |publisher=Staff |access-date=26 March 2017}}

Something Clever announced on May 31, 2018, they have signed a record deal with Bunker Hill Records, and that they will be releasing a new single and new album by the end of the year.{{cite web |title=Something Clever inks record deal with new start-up Bunker Hill Records |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815003902/https://somethingcleverband.com/ |website=somethingcleverband.com |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=15 August 2018}}

On March 18, 2018, it was announced bassist Colt Crevar would be exiting the band to peruse other opportunities. He was replaced by new bassist, Lawrence (Lo) West on May 14, 2018.{{cite web |title=Colt Crevar Announces Departure From Something Clever |url=https://www.facebook.com/SomethingClever00/posts/pfbid02N9D9NMRwScZDvoECSUjba4kSd9qMmK9GwyKNTZYpCVsfu7ZFdftcbSWHboMnnCk6l |website=Facebook.com |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=18 March 2018}}{{cite web |title=Meet new bassist, Lawrence (Lo) West! |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1901703943194590&set=a.205273322837669 |website=Facebook.com |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=14 May 2018}}

Something Clever released a stand-alone single titled "The Hill" on July 13, 2018.{{cite web |title=THE HILL by SOMETHING CLEVER - July 13, 2018 |url=https://recentmusic.com/artist/0a0EIVVyDWdJuMrq1VNrfk/ |website=recentmusic.com |publisher=Bunker Hill Records / Something Clever |access-date=22 April 2025}}

In early 2019, Something Clever announced the release of two interconnected EPs: Moments: Red and Moments: Blue.{{cite web |title=Something Clever Rise To New Heights With Moments:Red |url=https://shutter16mag2011.wordpress.com/2019/02/01/something-clever-rise-to-new-heights-with-momentsred/ |website=Shutter 16 Magazine |publisher=Shutter16 |access-date=1 February 2019}}

Moments: Red was released on February 1, 2019, and marked the first installment of the series. The EP features their 2018 single "The Hill" and spawned two more singles, "Rise" and "Angels and Demons". The band celebrated the release with an EP release party in Charlotte, North Carolina at The Fillmore: Underground.{{cite web |title=Moments: Blue, Something Clever, Finishes Out Moments EPs (EP) |url=https://fuelthescene.com/2019/03/08/moments-blue-something-clever-finishes-out-moments-eps-ep/ |website=Fuel The Scene |publisher=Hannah Lee |access-date=8 March 2019}}

A month later on March 1, 2019, the band released Moments: Blue on March 1, 2019, completing the two-part series. This EP included the singles "Get with It" featuring label mate Renee Phoenix and "Freaks Like You 2.0" which is a sequel to their 2013 single. Moments: Blue showcased the band's blend of metalcore and emo influences.{{cite web |title=Moments: Blue -EP (2019) |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/2TWfwl6ZO0ngg5kYzE4XjO |website=Spotify |publisher=Bunker Hill Records / Spotify |access-date=22 April 2025}}

The band spent the rest of 2019 performing a string of headlining tour dates at local venues such as Amos Southend, The Fillmore Underground, The Ramkat, The Blind Tiger, Shiner's, and the Cone Denim Entertainment Center located in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro respectively.{{cite web |title=Queen City Music Fans Show Their Love For the Locals |url=https://shutter16mag2011.wordpress.com/2019/01/15/listen-local-series-kicks-off-in-high-gear-at-the-underground/ |website=Shutter 16 |publisher=Staff Member |access-date=22 April 2025}}

On New Year's Day in 2020 the band announced the new year would bring a new era to Something Clever, with the next announcement coming in late February that they would be providing support and opening for Puddle of Mudd at their two North Carolina concerts in March 2020 and that former bassist Colt Crevar would be rejoining the band as their bass player.{{cite web |title=Something Clever Threatens to Steal the Show |url=https://www.independentmusicguide.com/Blog/something-clever-threatens-to-steal-the-show |website=Independent Music Guide |publisher=Stephanie Smith |access-date=10 March 2020}}{{cite web |title=How Your Band Can Open for Puddle of Mudd on 2020 Tour |url=https://loudwire.com/puddle-of-mudd-battle-of-the-bands-2020-tour-opener/ |website=Loudwire |publisher=Joe DiVita |access-date=7 March 2020}}

On April 10, 2020, the band announced their new single “Let It Kill Me” would be released the next week on April 17. The single was promoted heavily by Bunker Hill Records and featured an official music video directed by Tom J. Flynn who had previously worked with Lamb of God.{{cite web |title=New Chapter.....New single due out April 17th |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531122323/https://somethingcleverband.com/ |website=www.somethingcleverband.com |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=31 May 2020}}

The band followed up with a new single titled "11 Days" that was released August 21, 2020. By the first week of September the single had gained over 120,000 streams on Spotify, becoming their most streamed single to date. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic touring was still unavailable, resulting in limited promotion.{{cite web |title=Something Clever: 11 Days |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/5JiYwz4cnRaegXu9H2SAc3 |website=Spotify Web Player |publisher=Something Clever / Bunker Hill Records |access-date=22 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=Something Clever - 11 Days - Behind The Scenes - Music Video Shoot |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fEqjnb_Bso |website=YouTube |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=26 August 2020}}

Since 2021 Something Clever has remained inactive and have entered an indefinite hiatus as they have not posted any updates on their social media accounts, their official website and YouTube channel. The band members have all have also either joined new bands and taken on other new projects unrelated to Something Clever.

Something Clever's music is characterized by heavily downtuned guitar riffs, a mix of melodic and harsh vocals, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of personal struggle and resilience. Their sound draws heavily from alternative metal, metalcore, and hard rock, with influences from bands like Nine Inch Nails, I Prevail, Bring Me the Horizon, and Linkin Park. Critics and fans have noted their ability to balance aggressive instrumentation with accessible melodies, making their music appealing to a wide range of rock and metal listeners.{{cite web |title=About the artist: Something Clever |url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/0a0EIVVyDWdJuMrq1VNrfk |website=spotify.com |publisher=Something Clever Band |access-date=22 April 2025}}

Something Clever's music has been featured across multiple media platforms. The band's 2014 song "Best Laid Plans" was used as the entrance song for the WWE NXT tag team ''"The Metro Boys."{{cite web |title=The Equalizer (Soundtrack) Season 5: Episode 4 - Sacrifice |url=https://www.tunefind.com/artist/something-clever |website=ReverbNation.com |publisher=Brandon Hinson |access-date=22 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=WWE NXT "Best Laid Plans" (Intro Cut) by Extreme Music (The Metro Brothers 1st Theme Song) by Something Clever |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0D4BUTke0U |website=youtube |publisher=FanSmackdownV2 |access-date=22 April 2025}}

Their track "Rise" was used in promotional material for Dragon Ball Super on Crunchyroll, amassing over four million views. The song was also included in a commercial for the Nickelodeon series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Equalizer, Black Ink Crew, Becoming, Forged in Fire and the PlayStation game Armored Warfare: Global Assault.{{cite web |title=Something Clever Short Bio |url=https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1749128-something-clever |website=Bandsintown |publisher=Brandon Hinson |access-date=22 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=Artist Profile: Something Clever |url=https://recentmusic.com/artist/0a0EIVVyDWdJuMrq1VNrfk/ |website=Recent Music |publisher=Bunker Hill Records |access-date=22 April 2025}}

• Season of Light (2017){{cite web |title=Something Clever - Season of Light (2017) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/33779088-Something-Clever-Season-Of-Light |website=discogs.com |publisher=Brandon Hinson |access-date=22 April 2025}}

• Walk Away (2012){{cite web |title=Something Clever - Walk Away -EP (2012) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/33779484-Something-Clever-Walk-Away?redirected=true |website=Discogs |publisher=Something Clever Band |access-date=23 April 2025}}
• Season of Darkness (2015){{cite web |title=Season of Darkness -EP (2015) on iTunes |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309001428/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/season-of-darkness-ep/id966529310 |website=iTunes |publisher=iTunes |access-date=9 March 2016}}
• Moments: Red (2019)
• Moments: Blue (2019)

• "Imperfection" (2011)
• "Black and Blue" (2012)
• "Freaks Like You" (2013){{cite web |title=Freaks Like You - Single (Lyrics, Credits, Review) |url=https://somethingcleverband.bandcamp.com/track/freaks-like-you |website=Bandcamp |publisher=Staff |access-date=3 December 2013}}
• "Best Laid Plans" (2014)
• "Season of Light" (2016)
• "Rise" (2017)
• "Snake Oil" (2017){{cite web |title=Something Clever Discography |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205171645/https://music.apple.com/us/artist/something-clever/469243845 |website=Internet Archive |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=5 December 2022}}
• "The Hill" (2018)
• "Get With It" (2019){{cite web |title=Something Clever -Get With It (feat. Renee Phoneix) |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/7gNDHA48Gb8mrzy0kt4Jhb |website=Spotify Web Player |publisher=Bunker Hill Records |access-date=16 April 2025}}
• "Let It Kill Me" (2020){{cite web |title=Let It Kill Me by Something Clever |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/34ue7IdCjk4s01jvZ6IOT5 |website=Spotify |publisher=Bunker Hill Records |access-date=10 April 2020}}
• "11 Days" (2020)

• Adam Nelson – lead vocals (2013–2021){{cite web |title=SOMETHING CLEVER PROFILE - B.A.C.-STAGE - Bands Across the Country |url=http://www.backstagelosangeles.net/id60.html |website=backstagelosangeles.net |publisher=BackStage: Los Angeles |access-date=22 April 2025}}
• Kelly Flusk – lead guitar (2013–2021){{cite web |title=Kelly Flusk - Lead Guitarist |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/musician/kellyflusk |website=ReverbNation |publisher=Bunker Hill Records |access-date=22 April 2025}}
• Colt Crevar - bass guitar (2013–2018; 2020–2021){{cite web |title=Something Clever "Season of Light" Studio Sessions Teaser #4: Colt Crevar |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RY0QFJISNA |website=youtube.com |publisher=Fuel The Scene Magazine |access-date=29 December 2016}}
• Brett Baker - rhythm guitar (2014–2021){{cite web |title=Something Clever - Let It Kill Me - Band Credits |url=https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/something-clever |website=Rate Your Music |publisher=Staff |access-date=22 April 2025}}
• Justin Tyme – drums (2015–2021){{cite web |title=Something Clever - The Hill - Justin Tyme - Drum Playthrough |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMdxY6WE0mE |website=YouTube.com |publisher=Something Clever |access-date=1 January 2019}}

• Lawrence "Lo" West – bass guitar (2018–2020)
• Dylan Roles – drums (2011–2015)
• Michael Brennan – lead vocals (2011–2013)
• Chris St. Hilaire – rhythm guitar (2011–2014)
• Allen Vogt – bass guitar (2011–2012)

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.facebook.com/SomethingClever00 Something Clever on Facebook]
• [https://www.instagram.com/somethingcleverband Something Clever on Instagram]
• [https://www.youtube.com/@SomethingCleverBand Something Clever on YouTube]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Something Clever}}

Category:American alternative metal musical groups

Category:Heavy metal musical groups from North Carolina

Category:Musical groups established in 2011