Editor’s note: If there’s one thing that everyone in this world can get behind besides awesome music, it’s free shit. On rare occasions, artists like Cloudkicker (aka: Ben Sharp) can offer up both. While most musicians are knocking down doors for their next endorsement deal, Cloudkicker have been quietly contributing to the metal community for nearly two years, without ever having played a show. How is it possible, you ask!?  Why would anyone do that!?  WHAT!?  Free Shit!?  Read on my friends…

Aside from the fact that self-recording doesn’t cost you money (so to speak), are there any other motivations behind releasing & distributing your music for free?

Nah, it just seems like a logical thing to do. Why would I make music just to keep it on my computer?

That being said… do you have any specific thoughts on the state of the music industry?

I don’t really pay attention to it. Despite all the complaining from people about how terrible music is “these days”, I’m still able to consistently find rad things to listen to.

It’s no surprise that you’ve listed Meshuggah as somewhat of an influence. What are some other bands/artists that inspire you as a musician (specifically outside of the metal genre)?

I would say that most of my influences come from outside metal. Clarity by Jimmy Eat World is a huge one for me, Low Level Owl by The Appleseed Cast, anything that Jeremy Enigk has ever done, Radiohead here and there, The Books, Sufjan Stevens, Tycho, Death Cab for Cutie, Glassjaw, uhh… this is going to end up with me listing every band I’ve ever heard but those are some of the main ones that I can consistently come back to and find something new to appreciate. Obviously though there is that metal influence–yesterday I listened to every Botch song I have and it was sweet.

Describe your process… do you sit down to record with the songs already competed, or is it more of an organic approach while tracking?

I write the songs as I record them, so all I need is a catalyst in the form of an opening riff or idea to play with and it goes from there. Usually that happens one of two ways; either I doodle around on guitar and happen to play something that sounds cool, or I’m in the shower and I think of a nifty drum beat and program it while wearing a towel after I get out. So I guess it’s the latter.

Would you describe yourself as a perfectionist when it comes to writing and/or recording?

Well I try not to make things that sound shitty, and I have been known to record a riff a few dozen times until I’m satisfied. Other than that I have a whole bunch of riffs and half-songs sitting on my hard drive that I decided weren’t good enough to make the cut. In that sense I would say I’m sort of a perfectionist, but I just consider it not wanting to make anything that I think is uninteresting or uninspired.

What are your thoughts on Cloudkicker’s recent boost in publicity and popularity?

It’s funny that when I stopped caring about who listened to music I made, people started listening to music I made. I’m really flattered and appreciative that people seem to connect so personally with the music for some reason.

Is Cloudkicker a goal-oriented project for you, or do you just take it day by day?

I think the goal is “how long can I keep making stuff that isn’t the same exact thing as the last thing I made but also isn’t a piece of shit?” So it’s a day-to-day goal.

What’s next for Cloudkicker?

World tour with non-union musicians being paid barely-livable wages so I can cash in while not being inconvenienced.

Cloudkicker released their latest EP “]]][[[” this past February. If you haven’t checked out Cloudkicker as of yet, do yourself a favor… point. click. rock.

Have A Listen:

Cloudkicker – #:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.