Clementine: Punk Rock Grit And Garage Band Glory

Clementine’s story is a familiar beginning—just a group of friends figuring things out in their hometown: Fort Collins. “[Our first gig] was in Sam’s garage. Some neighbors came over and watched us. They ended up paying us each like 20 bucks,” Clementine band members said. It was small, casual and maybe even a little messy, but it sparked something real.

Fast forward to now, consisting of members Samuel Claiborne (guitar), Larin Graff (vocals), Caleb Crowe (drums), Elizabeth Radman (bass) and Keiran Wisell (guitar), Clementine has come a long way. Their sound is upbeat, alternative punk rock with a bite. Think Green Day but with their own twist. Every song feels packed with energy, a burst of adrenaline that’s impossible to ignore. They’ve put in the time to craft that sound, and it shows. Clementine mentioned how cool it’s been to watch the band grow. “It’s been cool to go from that [garage show] to playing our first real venue in November of 2022,” Clementine band members said. 

If you’ve ever seen them live, you know Clementine brings serious intensity to the stage. They’re not just playing music—they’re living it, and the crowd feels it too. When performing at Kilby Court, one fan described their energy as “incredible.” It’s hard not to agree. Watching them play, it’s obvious they’re all in.

The band’s creative process is one of their favorite parts of being together. Clementine shared how much they love when everything just clicks. “When we’re practicing and writing, it’s so much fun when it all meshes. The songs just come together,” they said. That collaboration gives their music a unique edge. It doesn’t feel forced or overly polished. It’s raw, real and undeniably theirs.

Booking a gig at Kilby Court was a milestone they didn’t take lightly. A fan, dubbed “gagewarner6” on Instagram, had been commenting on their posts for months, urging them to come to Salt Lake City. Eventually, the band reached out to Ideal Horizon, another group already playing Kilby, and asked if they could open for them. Clementine laughed at how simple it was. “They were like, ‘Yeah,’ and that was it,” they said. 

Kilby Court is the kind of place that fits Clementine perfectly. It’s intimate and genuine, a venue where the connection between the band and the audience is as important as the music. The small space, with its capacity of about 200, feels almost electric when a band like Clementine is playing.

Clementine’s performances are more than just shows—they’re experiences. They’ve taken their alt-punk-inspired roots and turned them into something fresh and unmistakably their own. From the energy they bring to the stage to the way their music sticks with you long after the show, Clementine has something special.

Their journey has been about growth, persistence and staying true to what makes them unique. And while they’ve come a long way, this feels like just the beginning. They’re ready to keep going, keep creating and keep playing for anyone willing to listen. The SLC music scene will welcome Clementine back with open arms when they decide to come back for another show. For me, it can’t come soon enough. 

Stay updated on what’s going on with Clementine by following their Instagram @clementinefc.band !! You can find their music on Spotify here.