We’re only a few weeks into 2020 and are already off to a raucous start. Two weeks ago (1/10), Fire Deuce released Lords of Diesel on Evil Ink Records. The five-song EP packs an enormous punch, drawing comparisons to popular arena rock bands of yore and telling stories of the open road and open legs, as only Cleveland Stever can. 

For those not familiar with Fire Deuce, or the man leading the charge – Cleveland Stever – it is the music birthed from the cosmos and delivered by a man well-versed in the language of cold brews and ladies of the night. Notoriously marching to the beat of his own drum, leading him to trouble at times, Cleveland Stever keeps coming back to rock our ears with the sweet sounds of wailing guitar solos, dirty grooves, and triumphant anthems to make babies to.

Fire Deuce Cannot Be Extinguished. 

After Fire Deuce’s last release, Children Of The Deuce, Cleveland Stever disappeared. Known for his wanderlust, many just assumed he was searching for his next inspiration. When he was found, he accumulated a few new charges in Florida, a long way from his native residence in New Jersey. According to Florida D.O.C. records, Stever was arrested for “dangerously excessive drinking and defiling a monument,” the act contested by Stever as his expression of “being too goddamned patriotic.” Be that as it may, Cleveland Stever was behind bars and the songs that would become Lords Of Diesel had to be finished somehow in order to raise the bail money to get him out of the slammer. 

Cleveland Stever may vehemently disagree, but Coheed and Cambria guitarist Travis Stever played an integral part in bringing together willing [citation needed] talent to bring Lords of Diesel to life. As the release date drew closer, however, Cleveland Stever’s restless spirit got the better of him and he escaped prison with the help of close friend and confidant, Filthy Ernesto. The pair filmed a music video for the EP’s title track shortly thereafter, before going on a tear across the country. 

We received a tip and were able to contact Cleveland Stever to interview him for this article, under the condition of not revealing his current location and sending three dozen cases of White Claw to the fire department in Rough and Ready, California. 

Cleveland Stever: Fast Lanes and Ripe Dames

PopWrapped: So, we saw that your bail wasn’t posted, but you’re out somewhere on the open road. Somewhere. Without being incriminating towards yourself, have you been having a good time?

Cleveland Stever: Tell me if this answers your question, holmes. I am an honorary member of the Every Size Titty Committee across the USA. I hope to BRAden those horizons to other cuntinats ASAP.

PW: After what happened with the Budweiser deal, do you think White Claw would accept any offer from you and your team regarding sponsorship?

CS: They know they would be lucky to have the Deuce on their side but they hesitate to call on me. All it takes is three times in the mirror, nude, with boots on, baby. Then I am there to serve.

PW: The new EP, Lords Of Diesel is an incredible collection of songs, Cleveland. When did you start working on this project?

CS: It’s so obvious, isn’t it? The universe speaks through me in song. These songs in particular were conceived almost five years ago. Due to unforeseen bullshit, they were shelved. But clearly, the universe needed to be heard. So you have the Lords of Diesel EP.

PW: Totally. I’m glad that they came into fruition. There are some great guest appearances on this EP. How did you convince talented musicians like Richard Christy, Josh Eppard, Zach Cooper, and others to agree to this project?

CS: I guaranteed them all the finest haram of women in the afterlife. How could they deny such an offer?

PW: That sounds incredibly generous, Cleveland. You’re a kind man. Songs like the title track “Lords of Diesel,” “Mobile Home Momma,” and “Witness” sounds so different, but all sound like they belong together. They’re good road tunes. Was there a theme you had in mind? What are the stories within this EP?

CS: Each song describes a biographical conquest of mine in which I learned everything and nothing at the same time. It will do the same for the listeners. ”Mobile Home Momma” is a clear message that the finest booty can be found in the least likeliest of places. “Witness” is about the time I witnessed an undercover cop getting murdered in a bathroom at the 30th Street station in Philadelphia. Once the killers found out my name, I was advised to go into hiding with an Amish family in Lancaster County. I was eventually kicked out of the community for selling pleasantries at Rumspringa parties. And on the run I went again. “Lords of Diesel” is a heavy metal ode to the road. Showing all the love to my truck and bus driving brothers out there. These songs have a consistent theme of being on the run and in the danger zone. That comes through sonically as well. It’s all relevant, holmes.

PW: That “Mobile Home Momma” sounds like a special lady. What are you planning on doing with the money from record sales?

CS: Money!?! Where? I got plenty of ideas for investments!

PW: Um…yes. Moving along, here. Are you going to turn yourself in? The Florida Department of Corrections is really upset, dude.

CS: I plead the 5th while I drink the 5th.

PW: Cool, cool. Fair enough. You’re on the bill for the sold out S.S. Neverender cruise with Coheed later this year. Do you have the proper clearance for that gig?

CS: I am getting on that boat and no one can stop me!

PW: Positive thinking! Love it! Have you learned from the experience in jail and have you come up with a plan to stay out?

CS: I am gonna stay out, but I can’t say I have learned much except how to hide anything I need to in my ass.

PW: Like a built-in pocket. Any other things worth mentioning, or final thoughts before the burner phone you’re on runs out of battery?

CS: Yeah. I heard Travis Stever is upset that he’s not credited for playing guitar on the new EP. That dude needs to fuck right off and find himself a new audience to cry to. The disciples of the Deuce are not interested in his pity stories. It has always been my understanding there is an unspoken agreement in which it doesn’t matter who plays guitar. I get the credit no matter what. When it comes to the production of the Deuce albums, I am usually blacked out most of the time. So… I really don’t know who plays what. That’s not my job. Keeping track of other people’s comings and goings is for doormen. Don’t come at me looking for credit for something I built that you’re lucky to even be a part of. Go play your shitty lead lines with that other band and leave me alone.

Where’s The Deuce?

There you have it, people. The Deuce is a complicated man. A man who has seen a lot and experienced so much and will let nothing – not even jail – stand in his way. The authorities have been trying in vain to keep track of Cleveland as he continues to abscond. You can (sort of) keep track of where he’s headed at wheresthedeuce.com and @WheresTheDeuce on Twitter.

Listen & Buy

Lords of Diesel EP is available now, wherever you listen to fine music such as this. Follow @firedeuce on Twitter, Facebook, and @EvilInkRecords on Twitter. Check out the other talented artists in the Evil Ink roster, as well.

Let’s hope Cleveland Stever can keep his nose clean long enough to fulfill his destiny on the open seas this October.