Cloverhearts plays celtic punk and as they do it, I got their new LP from SBÄM records last week, now they have answered my questions for an interview. Please try to listen to this group, you won´t be disappointed. July-2026

Please tell me a little about the story of Cloverhearts, how you met and why you did start to play and how long it was ago?
-The band started after meeting at a celtic punk gig in New York, and we wanted to combine my skate punk songwriting with Celtic instruments. We've been going since around 2019, and it's grown into something much bigger than we ever expected.

Please tell me a little about every member,?
Giacomo "Cocky" Branchesi - Italy - Drums and Vocals
Casey Drillette - USA - Bagpipes and Tin Whistles
Danny Merlani - Italy - Guitar and Vocals
Sam Cooper - Australian - Vocals and Songwriter
Francesco Boschini - Italy - Bass and Vocals
Steven Neufeld - USA - Guitar and Vocals

The name Cloverhearts? How did you come up with that? You weren't afraid that some other band would be called so already?
-I wanted something that immediately hinted at Celtic punk but also reflected the fact that I've always written songs about heartbreak and relationships. We checked around, crossed our fingers, and thankfully it worked out.

You come from Australia, how is it to live there nowadays, racists and politics overall? Many rules about smoking, internet for young and so on?
-Australia has the same political arguments and social issues as anywhere else, but most people are just trying to get on with life. I spend very little time there now since the band has started touring globally.

When you do your lyrics, what are they about, anytime political or is politics nothing to have in music? Is it worth doing music without being political? Much beer in your lyrics?
-Most of our songs are about loved ones, friendships, heartbreak, travelling and having a laugh, but if there's something important to say, we'll say it. Politics belongs in music absolutely, especially punk music, but I'm no means an expert and that stuff should like that should really be left to the well-informed and the experts. I'm just a musician with an opinion that war is bad and unnecessary, and history should never repeat itself. And yes - beer turns up more often than is probably healthy.

How would you describe your own music in three words for those who haven't heard you?
-Catchy. Loud. Heartfelt.

Is there any groups you have been compared to? Is it bad or good to be compared?
-We get compared to bands like Dropkick Murphys, Rancid and Flogging Molly, which is flattering. Comparisons are inevitable, but hopefully after a few songs people hear us as ourselves.

You do a good mix of folk and punk I think? What is your feelings about punk, is it a lifestyle, a word or a music style?
-Punk is all three, but most importantly it's about doing things your own way. The music comes first, everything else follows. I never claim to be "punk" I just write songs that sounds like how others define that genre of music.

Which is the best format to put out records on?
-Vinyl. It feels like an event when someone puts a record on.

Can you feel that you have done a record if you would release it only digitally?
-Absolutely, but having something you can actually hold still feels special.

When you listen to music, what is your favorite way to listen to music?
-Spotify is great on the road, but at home it's hard to beat vinyl.

Do you buy much records yourself?
-Not so much. I barely have time to sleep let-alone buy things. 

Is there any good record shops left in your hometown?
-I'm not sure where my hometown is anymore, so let's just shoutout CORETEX in Berlin! 

Any good bands from your town and in Australia nowadays overall?
-I was raised on Frenzal Rhomb, Bodyjar, Seraphs Coal and The Living End - If you don't know them, go give them a spin!

Any good Swedish bands you like?
-Millencolin, Millencolin and Millencolin. 

Germaniac is the name of the new record, how come? Any deeper meaning?
-It's basically our love letter to Germany, which has become like a second home thanks to touring. It's full of stories inspired by our time there, with plenty of humour mixed in.

Are you selling any merch on your gigs, do people buy it? What sells best?
-Always. Shirts disappear fastest, but vinyl has been doing really well too.

Which is your own favourite song among your own songs? And which song is the people's choice? Do you play any covers too?
-Hungover in Hamburg, Gesundheit!, Told Ya So and You've Got A Friend are all my favorites - people usually love Told Ya So, Junky and Country Roads (cover) when we play live.

When you do songs, is it one in the group who does them or how do you compose a song?
-I write everything, and the guys (and gal) kinda sprinkle in their magic. 

Please rank your five favourite records? Five best concerts you have been to? And the five most important things in life?
-A three in one question - wow! I'll do one of each because it's too difficult to answer. 
Favorite record: Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
Favorite concert: The Toy Dolls or Sum 41
Important thing in life: Sleep

Do you care about reviews? Which is the most peculiar you ever had?
-I don't care about reviews. Art is subjective, and people are always going to love or hate what you do. I just do my thing and if people like, cool. If not, also cool. 

If you could choose five bands from history to have a concert together with your band?
-NOFX, Elliot Smith, Rancid, Flogging Molly and The Clash.

Is music a good way to get out frustration and become a nicer person outside the music?
-Definitely!

Have you done anything more than Germaniac, if you have, how can I get them?
-Yep - there are previous albums, EPs and singles available on all the usual streaming platforms, Bandcamp and physical formats.

Do you do any other covers live?
-Sometimes we chuck in Ring of Fire. Not so much anymore.

Is it boring with interviews? Is it much interviews? What do you prefer?
-I always prefer face to face interviews! I always prefer face to face everything :)

Future plans for the band?
-Keep touring, keep writing better songs and keep getting ourselves into trouble in as many countries as possible. After we wrap up our Europe Tour in November 2026 well be heading to Japan, Ireland and Canada - can't wait. 

Future plans for yourself?
-Sleep hopefully. 

Wisdomword?
-Don't make someone a priority if they only make you an option. 

Something more to add?
-Thanks for the questions, and thanks to everyone who's supported the band so far. Hopefully we'll see you at a show soon - send Jameson shots to the stage!

Framtidsplaner för dig själv?

-Sov förhoppningsfullt. 

Visdomsord?

-Gör inte någon till en prioritet om de bara gör dig till ett alternativ. 

Något mer att tillägga?

-Tack för frågorna, och tack till alla som stöttat bandet hittills. Förhoppningsvis ses vi snart på en spelning– skicka Jameson-shots till scenen!