SEAN PAUL, ALOE BLACC AND CHIP COLLABORATOR ‘CLAYE’ LAUNCHES DEBUT SOLO SINGLE ‘MURDA’

The go-to producer and songwriter for world class talent such as Sean Paul, Aloe Blacc and Chip, Claye puts the focus on his own creativity by dropping his new solo track ‘Murda’.

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“I had an idea to write a song about a girl that’s cheeky and stunning as we’d say in Jamaica, “Badgyal” explains Claye.  “It just so happened when I was in ideas mode I was watching an oldie but goodie, “Murder She Wrote” and it all just clicked. I decided to go through some sound palate before attempting the production and the sample on the drum machine said “KILLA”….this was where it all began….and when the music presents itself in such a way, I never fight it!”

With ‘Murda’, Claye has delivered an immediate calling card for his solo career – writing, producing and performing it all himself. The track’s insistent island rhythms provide its first instantly enticing appeal, but Claye keeps the energy red hot. His smooth vocal delivery gives the track a crossover edge which unites his reggae roots with modernist pop, and the irresistibly catchy ‘Murda she wrote’ hook sticks in the mind after a single play.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Claye is now based in the UK. A classically trained pianist, he expanded his musical palette by teaching himself guitar and drums, and started producing reggae tracks when he was in his early teens. Although reggae is the beating heart of his sound, his influences defy easy categorisation: Timbaland, The Neptunes, Teddy Riley and Hans Zimmer.

Now, however, is the time for Claye to step out in his own right. ‘Murda’ is the first taster of a new album that will follow later in the year, which promises to be his most explorative, cohesive and personal work yet. His live show is also fully realised, having played everything from reflective acoustic sets to full-scale sets brimming with energy and Kingston flavour.

Claye is poised to step into the spotlight on his own terms. And there’s no limit to his potential.