Sons of Sylvia morph from their musical roots

March 29, 2010
By: ED CONDRAN
Burlington County Times

If Sons of Sylvia look and sound familiar + well, there's a good reason.

The country act of three brothers - vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ashley and guitarists Adam and Austin - each possess the Clark surname.

The siblings performed as The Clark Brothers during the 2007 Fox talent competition "The Next Great American Band," winning the top prize.

However, the group changed its name to the Sons of Sylvia in 2009.

"The music changed over that period and we wanted our name to reflect that change," Ashley Clark says while calling from Worcester, Mass. "We're not the same band as we were then."

Sons of Sylvia's debut disc is scheduled for an April release.

"Our material is a little bit country and a little bit rock 'n roll," Clark says. "It all comes right from our hearts. Good country and good rock 'n' roll comes from honesty. You'll have to hear the new songs to get it. I'm just so glad that so many people are going to be able to hear it."

That's so because the Sons of Sylvia have a friend who is helping expose their music.

Country-pop superstar Carrie Underwood tabbed the trio to open shows for her tour, which stops tonight at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton.

Underwood also has a deep connection with Sons of Sylvia. She also won a talent competition when she took the "American Idol" crown in 2005.

"Carrie understands how surreal that whole experience is," says Clark. "There's nothing else like it."

Advertisement Sons of Sylvia played on "What Can I Say," a catchy cut from Underwood's "Play On" disc.

"It was awesome to be part of that song," Clark says.

Clark started playing fiddle for Underwood back in 2005.

"I didn't know much about 'American Idol' at the time, but all of a sudden, we were out playing Jay Leno and David Letterman. It was awesome."

But Clark is even happier with his latest run with Underwood: He and his brothers are on a big tour previewing songs from their album.

"I told Carrie that this is so great that I'm going to have to take her to Shoney's," Clark cracks. "I told her she can eat whatever she wants. Just have as much fun as you can with that menu. We haven't gotten to Shoney's yet but when we go, watch out because Carrie is going to have a great time."

Everyone in the Clark family is pleased with the band's path to success except perhaps their father.

"You can't please everybody," Clark says. "My mother is proud that we chose to be called Sons of Sylvia. My dad's feelings are a little bruised that we didn't call our band 'the Sons of Frederick.' His ego will be all right. He'll be happy as long as things continue to go well for us."