Local band to watch: Clear Confusion made for the stage
Even at an early age, it's clear the guys in Clear Confusion were made for the stage. They're professional. They're driven. And they riff and work the crowd like seasoned rock stars. Earning a slot on the Taste of Chicago's Bud Light Stage at noon Saturday, July 9, is great exposure for a band not lacking in opportunities. You can also catch them at this weekend's Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands Friday in Highland Park, as well as their second appearance at the Homegrown Arts and Music Festival in August.
Take a look at what Clear Confusion is up to this summer before you catch them on the big stage at the Taste.
<b>Members:</b> Fredo Fosco, Max King, Griffin Tome and Colin Riordan, all from Downers Grove
<b>Tell us a little about the history of the band:</b> We started in two different bands, Slender (Max and Griffin) and One Mighty Colin (Fredo and Colin) through Rock Academy of DuPage. We've known each other for about four years and formed Clear Confusion two years ago.
<b>Where did your name come from?</b> We were throwing names out over the period of a couple of days and Griffin's mom, Casey, suggested Clear Confusion. We all liked it and it became the official band name.
<b>What genre of music do you consider your work to be?</b> Our music is alternative/punk/pop. Our influences are Twenty One Pilots, Fall Out Boy, Walk the Moon, Front Bottoms, Hippo Campus, Oceans Ate Alaska, Glen Hansard, Vinyl Theatre - bands on the Fueled By Ramen Label.
<b>Are there particular themes or messages you address in your music?</b> Self-expression and relationships.
<b>What is your past experience with the Taste of Chicago?</b> We have never played the Taste before and are really excited to get the chance to participate in a great Chicago tradition.
<b>Have you shared the stage with any of the other fest bands before?</b> We have not had the opportunity to play with the other bands in the festival. We enjoy playing with a great local band, North of Eight and Homeschool Dropouts
<b>What other musical fests have you been part of?</b> In 2015, we won the Illinois State Battle of the Bands competition and played at the Illinois State Fair, the Taste of Westmont, and battles in Lisle, Glen Ellyn/Wheaton and Oak Park. We also played the Homegrown Arts and Music Festival. We played at the Summer and End of Summer Parties for Urban Legend Brewing Company, and we opened for Drake Bell (from Drake and Josh) at the Tivoli Theatre. We play regularly at Mullen's in Lisle as well.
<b>Are you rolling out anything new for the Taste?</b> We just recorded our second EP of original music and are waiting for the final mixes/master files so we can release the songs. We hope to release the music in conjunction with the festival
<b>Do you have any upcoming news or projects you'd like to share?</b> Aside from releasing new music this summer, we will also be opening up before a White Sox game on June 30 at US Cellular Field.
<b>Where can people hear your music or see some videos?</b> On our website at clearconfusionband.com, on Spotify, Google Play, SoundCloud and other online music venues. We are also on YouTube.
<i> The Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands is at 7 p.m. Friday, June 17, at 600 Central Ave., Highland Park. The Homegrown Arts and Music Festival is Saturday, Aug. 6, at BaseCamp Pub & Eatery, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. homegrownartsandmusicfestival.com.</i>