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Clowns in Music

Music is an extraordinary form of art that not only resonates with clowns but also provides a fertile ground for their creative expression. As a dedicated clown enthusiast, I have managed to discover a few bands that have been influenced by the whimsical world of clowning. In 2011 Californian twin brothers, Wyatt and Fletcher Shears formed a band called The Garden. Though you may not immediately guess that clowns have an impact on the brothers and their music just by listening to them, you will soon change your mind once you see a video of them performing. The Shears brothers adorn full clown face paint during every live performance and in nearly every music video. Their makeup is often accompanied by punk-inspired jester costumes which make for an even more enjoyable experience as a viewer. In their latest album titled “HORSESHIT ON ROUTE 66”, they even had a track called ”What Else Could I Be But a Jester” which only deepens their roots in the clown theming of their band. The Garden also features fun and goofy alternative instruments in their work. One of these includes whistles that you would expect to hear at a soccer game rather than in an experimental rock group. Additionally, they use my favorite instrument of all time: the cowbell, which in itself is a silly instrument if you ask me. The brothers also utilize high-pitched laugh tracks in their song multiple of the tracks on their latest album, which are extremely reminiscent of creepy clown laughs.

ARTE Concert. (2023, January 9). The Garden (live) - Release Party [video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhQ9a-mFQPI

If you have ever been interested enough in clowns to do any research on Youtube, you would have discovered the band Clown Core. Each of their songs on Youtube is titled with one word, like van, toilet, Earth, or computers. The video that accompanies the song usually has something to do with the title. One of their most popular songs/videos is called "Van", which shows the band members performing their song, all wearing creepy rubber Halloween clown masks in a blue van while a masked pal drives them around. Most of their videos are like this, where the joke is to sit in the most inconvenient places while rocking out.

ClownC0re. (2020, September 16). Van - Clown Core [video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaNHvkeQ2wE

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Clowns in Film

Clowns have long been a fascinating and multifaceted presence in the world of horror movies. One notable example that comes to mind is the Terrifier franchise, which first graced the screen in 2016. The film follows the chilling tale of a teenage girl who finds herself stalked and terrorized on Halloween night by none other than Art the Clown, a demonic and sadistic figure. What sets Art apart is his appearance—a fully black and white costume adorned with matching makeup. Although he is undeniably horrifying, he manages to infuse a sense of dark humor through elements of classic slapstick comedy. This stark contrast between his comedic antics and his visceral, violent actions creates a unique experience for viewers. You're often left wondering whether to laugh or grimace during Art's brutal kill scenes, caught between conflicting emotions. The franchise's second installment, Terrifier 2, released in 2017, took the horror to new heights of intensity and creativity. Thanks to director Damien Leone's decision to crowdfund a larger budget, the film offered fans an even bloodier, gorier, and more cohesive plot than its predecessor. This increased production value allowed the team to push the boundaries further, delivering an experience that both satisfied fans of the first film and attracted new audiences. With Art the Clown at the center of it all, the character became even more synonymous with the franchise and solidified his place among horror icons.

Figure 1. Screenshot from Damien Leone's ''Terrifier'' Movie (source: Stefano Luisi, (2022).

On a different note, Captain Spaulding from Rob Zombie's House of a Thousand Corpses trilogy takes a different approach to clownishness. This film presents a hillbilly horror comedy, revolving around a family of deranged serial killers living in an isolated location. Captain Spaulding, played by the late Sid Haig, is a central character who owns a peculiar establishment—a combination of a fried chicken shop, gas station, and horror museum. His whole schtick is a unique blend of dark humor and menace, making for an unforgettable portrayal of a clown-like figure in the horror genre.

However, not all clowns in movies are out for blood and fear. Little Big Top provides a refreshing example of a film where clowns aim to bring laughter rather than terror. This delightful comedy follows the story of a struggling circus clown named Marion, played once again by actor Sid Haig, who attempts to find success and happiness in his chosen profession. With a heartfelt and light-hearted narrative, the movie explores the challenges and joys of clowning, emphasizing the transformative power of laughter. It serves as a reminder that clowns can embody a wide range of emotions and intentions, from the menacing and terrifying to the joyous and uplifting.

References:

Stefano, L. (2022). Screenshot from Damien Leone's ''Terrifier'' Movie. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terrifier_%28film%29.JPG#filehistory