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We’re very excited to have some time today with acclaimed music artist Clarence James; greetings and salutations, Clarence! Before we meander down the proverbial Q&A musical pathway, Listening to your sweet sounds, we can pick up on the indelible refrains of jazz, indie and rock. How would you describe your musical stylings to a new fan just now coming across you and your music?
Post-Genre / blend of whatever sounds good!
Major congratulations on your freshly-minted single FLAKE which is out now. Starting at the top, can you talk a little about what inspired this absolute gem of a tune?
I have way too many unread texts! It feels like a popular sentiment because it seems many of us have been mentally drained by today’s social climate. I wanted to convey that feeling you get when you open up to a close friend after a long distance period.
Who was your producer on FLAKE and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio while working on the new song?
I compose all my music, but I worked with an amazing drummer (Isaac Pulido) on Flake. I mapped the structure with guitar and bass, then took the stems to Playground Sound for drums. Isaac knocked it out in a few takes while I conducted. Then I take it to the lab and see what I can do before we finalize the mix/master (mastered by Shaka Girvan a.k.a. Gldneye).
In your humble opinion, what differentiates FLAKE from the Distinguished Competition on the 2024 music landscape?
The new artist landscape is very diluted. But respectively, in my humble opinion “distinguished” artists are a commodity. If I can reach more of those artists and we can inspire each other, that’d be great. Although I try not to be so competitive, I really do care about this art in an obsessive kind of way.
Word ‘round industry campfire has it that FLAKE is the opening volley for what will eventually be an album release from you entitled WHY WOULD I MAKE PEACE WITH THIS DEMON? Kudos and major accolades! Can you give readers a hint or three as to what they can expect with this forthcoming LP?
I dissected myself with this music. Many reflections of my personal shadow work and internal conflicts are written into it. But I tried to maintain a balance throughout as to see the bigger picture. There’s always a flip side whether it’s positive or negative. I honestly don’t want anyone to expect much, but just want people to reflect on the ideas within it. I’d like to inspire more people to think about how we deal with this duality issue?
Can you introduce our ever-inquisitive readers to some of the talented musicians who are lending their unique musical alchemy to not only FLAKE, but also the upcoming album?
A good friend of mine opens up the project with some words, got a sax solo from Colin Houlihan and Isaac Pulido played some drums for me. I do have a possible feature pending but, other than that, the album is mostly a solo endeavor. A few remixes are in the works though, so maybe a reimagined project in the future.
Who inspires you musically?
Standing on the Corner! Slauson Malone! L’Rain! MIKE! Jerry Paper! Dijon! Mk.Gee! Amy Winehouse! Janis Joplin! Thundercat! Brittany Howard! Frank Zappa! I don’t know where to start or stop.
With the March 29 release of the new single FLAKE and the impending drop date for the new album WHY WOULD I MAKE PEACE WITH THIS DEMON, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?
Can’t say when at the moment, but post album tours are being discussed. just keep your eye out for me!
You hail from the beautiful state of Texas. How do those roots inform you as an artist and as a person?
Growing into the internet/social media era in small town Texas was definitely an interesting reference point to have as an earthling. If u meet the right folks it’s nice, plus It’s so big that you can find some real freedom if you search for it. Gotta move soon though.
What does your creative process generally tend to look like when working on new music? Is there a method to the creative madness, or is it a bit more freeform than all of that?
I’ll generally arrange the full song on guitar before recording, but there are many tracks on the next album that I started with the rhythm section, or keys. It’s a bit more experimental so I was purposefully rearranging the formula at times but allowing little to no restraints.
At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to your beautiful new single FLAKE?
I’d like them to message their loved ones.
