Clearance

Clearance is an independent rock band from Chicago. Drawing equal inspiration from the Flying Nun school of art-damaged pop (The Clean, The Verlaines), golden-age indie rock (The Feelies, Pavement), and the post-punk basement heroics of their contemporaries (Parquet Courts, Omni, The Stevens), the Chicago-based band's career is littered with witty and wiry gems. Formed by songwriter and guitarist Mike Bellis and drummer Arthur Velez after meeting at the University of Michigan, the pair self-released a string of 7-inches and cassette tapes in 2013 and 2014. Guitarist Kevin Fairbairn and bassist Greg Obis cemented the group as a live act and, soon after, as a constant presence on the national DIY touring circuit. Debut album "Rapid Rewards" was released in 2015 via indies Tall Pat and Unsatisfied. Seven-inch single "Are You Aware" followed in 2016. The band's second full-length, "At Your Leisure," arrived in 2018 via Topshelf Records, following heavy touring throughout the U.S., Canada, and Brazil.


"[At Your Leisure] is the product of the band's strengths. It's the culmination of long tours, breakneck writing sessions, and the evolving friendship between band members Mike Bellis, guitarist Kevin Fairbairn, bassist Greg Obis, and drummer Arthur Velez. Older and wiser, Clearance uses the trials and tribulations of being an indie rock band navigating the maddeningly contradictory music industry in 2018 as a secret weapon." -- JOSH TERRY (@JoshhTerry)