After a 5-year hiatus, Lucas Silveira of the Toronto alternative rock band, The Cliks is returning to music with a new album called “Black Tie Elevator”. After some changes within the group, Silveira is the last standing member of The Cliks.
Their first two major album releases from the band included Snakehouse (2006) and Dirty King (2009). The albums brought the band international visibility and recognition, touring with pop music icon Cyndi Lauper on two consecutive True Colors tours.
During that time, the Portuguese and Canadian singer was living as a man but appearing to most as a woman. He was the first “out” transgender male to be signed to a major label, which drew controversy and publicity.
Shortly after the release of the Dirty King album, Silveira decided to completely transition from female to male.
“I was feeling not happy with life, and when the band quit, I realized I wasn’t happy in this situation,” says Silveira. “I decided to do it without telling anybody, not even my parents.”
It was then that he realized that he wouldn’t release another record again unless he could be whom he felt he was inside and out.
Today, Silveira is looking ahead to the Spring 2013 release of the new album, “Black Tie Elevator”. There is an obvious difference in tone and feel of this album compared to The Cliks’ previous releases.
“The old Cliks records are more rock and indie-rock base,” says Silveira. “This new album is more soul, similar to Motown sound. On this record, I feel the truest to who I am and how I’m exploring my sound.”
He started working on the new album in March 2012 with producer and best friend Hill Kourkoutis, who also helped produce Silveira’s solo album, “Mockingbird”.
Some standout songs that reflect the new tone include “Savanna” and “Dark Passenger”. Like majority of the album, Kourkoutis was one of the masterminds behind producing the new tone. Silveira admits that Kourkoutis saw him changing as an artist and through that transition has developed a great comfort level with her. The album is a true reflection of self for the singer.
On May 5, The Cliks will be performing at DC9 located in Washington, D.C. This time around fans can expect more singing than guitar playing on this tour.
“It will be me and three other players. I really want to focus on my vocals,” says Silveira. “The show will be more a classic, soul, and Motown sound, instead of a full on rock show.”
Silveira doesn’t plan on just stopping there. He wants to concentrate on both his musical and artistic side. In fact, Silveira is the artist behind The Cliks’ new album cover.
“I’m going to be working a lot on my art a little bit more,” says Silveira. “I forgot how much I loved it. We’ll see how much time I have, but it’s definitely a goal.”
For more information on The Cliks upcoming show in Washington, D.C. visit http://www.dcnine.com/event/the-cliks/.
