By Nicholas Jason Lopez
When Clubhouse frontman Max Reichert was suddenly diagnosed with bone cancer, the band’s future plans may had been all but certain, but it didn’t stop the music whatsoever.
After a scary one-year hiatus, the feel-good indie-pop outfit emerged with their 2021 EP ‘Are We Going Too Slow?’ put out via AWAL Recordings, notable for its singles “Flipside,” “Home Videos,” “Weekend,” “Heartbroke” and “No Way!”
Since then, the trio – which also includes Reichert’s twin brother and guitarist Ari and drummer Zak Blumer – have kept on strong with that “never-say-die” mantra and in the process, have garnered millions of streams, landed on many playlists and sold-out shows playing with HAIM, Bastille, The Wombats and Young The Giant.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with the group about their thoughts on the music industry, band name origin and more, which you can check out below.
Music Bugle – How did you decide on the name “Clubhouse”?
Max Reichert – In high school, we hung out a lot in this little building in Ari and Zak’s backyard. When we were thinking of a name, “Clubhouse” just felt like the right fit!
Music Bugle – What’s something that you wish happened less in today’s music industry?
Ari Blumer – It would be nice to see less hidden credits on releases. If someone collaborated on it, their contribution should be known.
Music Bugle – What was the moment that made you want to become a musician?
Max Reichert – I remember listening to artists like AC/DC, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson with my parents as a little kid in car rides and those early experiences definitely sparked my interest in music.
Music Bugle – What has been your hardest challenge lately? How have you overcome it?
Zak Blumer – One of our biggest challenges was being stuck in full-time jobs and spread across the country. Max was in LA and the rest of us were in Columbus, but once we were able to make the move out here to LA and dedicate all our time to music, it became amazing.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote or movie that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Max Reichert – “Carpe, carpe. Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary,” from Robin Williams in “Dead Poets Society.”
