Another Lost Year
by Tina Hall
July 2013
Another Lost Year
Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina the band Another Lost Year has already gained quite a following. Comprised of Clinton Cunanan, Adam Hall, David Whitaker, Lee Norris, and Jason Lovelace, ALY offer up alternative metal in a way seldom seen in today’s music scene. They have opened for the likes of Hinder, Seven Dust, Skid Row, Candlebox, Pop Evil, and Nonpoint just to name a few. Their latest single “The War on the Inside” was produced by Justin Rimer (12 Stones, Breaking Point) and offers fans a glimpse at what the newest album “Writing on the Wall” has to offer. Fans can catch them in the WI area July 11th at Club Tavern and Jefferson, WI at the Rox Sports Bar on July 17th.
Maximum Ink: What was it like growing up in North Carolina? What were you like as a child?
Clinton Cunanan: NC is humid, and I loathe humidity. As a child, I was always a good kid, I grew up on a horse farm, my weekends were not all fun and games, I played baseball, that was the only thing that could get me out of the manual labor. Basically the same now, mouthy, said what was on my mind, you know normal kid crap.
MI: Do you ever miss there when you are on the road?
CC: We have been all over the country, and every time we come back, it feels like home. It is hard not to miss NC, we have it all, the beach, the mountains, sports, nightlife, Another Lost Year, great food, Another Lost Year, and this is our year in Football as well, so you know.
MI: What do you love most about touring?
CC: I thrive on social interaction, I am always on the go, touring keeps up with that. Its the greatest time of my life.
MI: Do you have any interesting stories from the road that you might be at liberty to share with our readers?
CC: We are all business, we have had unbelievable nights, seen the some of the weirdest things, fights, proposals, divorces, I couldn’t single one out really.
MI: When did you first know you wanted to be a musician?
CC: I dont think I ever really set out to do this, I wanted to be an architect, then I did the army thing, and this just kind of happened, I have been doing music for about 17 years, off and on, I can’t see myself really doing much else.
MI: Who are some of your influences?
CC: Tons, Breaking Benjamin, Staind, Old Girlfriends, Geraldo Riveria, and King Arthur. Random I know.
MI: What do you love most about being a musician?
CC: I love the writing more than anything, anything that is tangible, something that I can make my own.
MI: What is it like to work with the rest of the guys in the band?
CC: Absolutely horrible, they are no fun, miserable guys. Kidding, these guys have become my best friends, we are a family, extremely dysfunctional, but a family.
MI: What can listeners expect from Another Lost Year?
CC: Truth.
MI: Where did you get the idea for that name? Does it have a story behind it?
CC: Starts with the letter A, your brain retains it in a series of 3’s, and it says it all. Now the real story is, I was changing the batteries on my clock, slipped off the toilet and bumped my head, I came up with the flux capacitor, and I wrote Another Lost Year on a napkin.
MI: What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
CC: Answering the last question.
MI: Are there any little known things about yourself that your fans might be surprised to learn?
CC: I hold a couple of Guinness World Records. Mostly for chip eating, but you know being a gangster is tough.
MI: What advice would you offer the musicians of tomorrow?
CC: Be prepared to hear NO, alot, and then hear it again. And again, music needs a revolution, if we don’t see it, you keep working for it. Be true to yourself, and you can never have enough tattoos. Chase your dreams, and
never settle.
MI: How does this album differ most from the debut?
CC: Our Full Length was produced by Justin Rimer, we produced the last, we learned lot, and it shows.
MI: What can your fans look forward to in the months ahead?
CC: Wrapping up festival season, and we will be getting some new jams out soon. Some big dates coming up, some big things. Stick with us!
MI: Are you looking forward to the upcoming shows here in WI?
CC: Absolutely, WI is always great to us, and a ton of fun!
MI: Anything you’d like to say in closing?
CC: Unicorns are skinny rhinoceroses. And if I ever run for president, vote for me. Go see a live show, and tell someone you love them today. Rock lives in us all, it’s a movement, not an ending. Together we can change how it all is.
Another Lost Year
CD: Better Days Record Label: Thermal Entertainment
• Purchase Better Days on Amazon
• Download Better Days on Amazon