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RGM INTRODUCING – WE INTERVIEW AMERICAN ARTIST CLIFFORD

Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.

What made you decide to become a soloist?

Hello RGM, thanks for having me!

I’ve always had music in my life but it wasn’t until an unfortunate soccer accident where I tore my achilles tendon that eventually lead me to music. I was laid up for 13 months, during which time I began a Twitch channel. Other than playing games I sang covers for people. Eventually I found all my followers tuning in for the music more than the gaming. I tried creating music while streaming but that was impossible for me. So I began solely making music…that was 3 years ago. 

Introduce us you and your musical history?

If you don’t count my blue and white plastic electric guitar I got at 3 when I played ‘Spice Girls’ covers with my sister singing, haha…my musical history began when I got my first drum kit at 10, followed by the acoustic/electric guitar at 11, first band at 13 when I began doing vocals, fender at 14, piano, hand drumming, the list goes on. Later while studying French and Arabic I found singing music in those languages helped me to learn them. That progressed into performing covers on stage. Eventually I began writing music which lead to producing as well. When I think back it’s exhausting because the learning curve was so steep.

What’s one question you’re sick of being asked when interviewed?

Hey I’m still early days, so any question is welcomed at this point. I’m sure there are others who’ve grown tired of certain questions but I’m not there “yet”. Haha!

Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?

Yes and I think conspiracy theories make an interesting dinner conversation. The one I believe in the most would be Aliens/Area 51.



Did you buy anything you don’t need in the pandemic?

I probably bought too many face mask filters and I def bought too many of those metal pieces you use at the bridge of your nose!

What useless party trick do you have? 

I like to create characters that make people laugh. I have several on my TikTok. Very random though, spur of the moment. 

What was the most fun you have had on stage?

I once sang an acoustic version of “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO. When I went on stage I kind of had a Cash look and I think everyone thought “here we go, a guy with a guitar” but by the time I sang the first chorus the crowd went crazy. 

What was the worst experience on stage?

I once performed right after a group where the entire stage was lit with spotlights with no houselights. They never dimmed the lights for me and I couldn’t see the audience. It felt like I was being interrogated. The crowd was so quiet so I thought they hated my music. Later I found out everyone was just recording me with their phones lol. 

Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about? 

I showed wool sheep at the age of 5, so I’m a bit of a farm boy at heart. 

If you had to describe your music to an alien how would you describe it? 

I describe my music as pensive, dreamy, and hopefully uplifting. Once you guys embrace genre bending you’ll want to download my music for your alien friends. 

What makes you stand out as a artist?

I genre bend, I work by myself and my music is designed to promote equity, diversity and especially inclusivity.

Right now, what’s pissing you off the most?

The lacking in US gun laws. 

What’s your favourite song to play live and why?

I can’t say live so much (pandemic) but I do upload parts of my songs on social media. I do an acoustic version of “I’m So Bored” and “3AM” that people seem to really like.   

I hear you have a new single, what can you tell us about it?

“Can We Dance To This” is a bit of a homage to breaking out of the doldrums of a pandemic. The internet has been our connection to the outside world and this song acknowledges that, while also finding joy in the future, like meeting your true love, soulmate or whomever/whatever you’re looking for. 

Talk me through the thought process of the single?

I began writing this song with the sound of swing music in my head. While writing I decided to include a quick build up so that by the last line, “Can We Dance To This” you feel a certain release. 

What was the recording process like?

Tough! This song took me through so many head trips! From the vocal variances, whether to include an electric guitar or not, to getting the piano and high-hat complementing each other just right. On top of all that there were so many ambient sounds that I had to mix really carefully. It was insane. 

What was the biggest learning curve in writing the single?

WALK AWAY! Said all the time but not done often enough. Keeping your head fresh keeps the music fresh, but it’s so easy to let the hours pass without taking those needed breaks.  

Would you change anything now it’s finished?

Once I release a song I like to let it find its way into the world and see how/where it lands. By the time I finish a song I know I need to leave it alone. There are so many endless versions you could make of a song, so knowing it’s time to stop is an important aspect of its creation as well.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?

I’m currently working on several songs, one of which I plan to release this Summer. I’ve also begun collaboration with someone who I think will produce exciting possibilities in the near future. 

I wish everyone a great Summer (or Winter)! Thank you RGM for inviting me to share my thoughts with your folks. Cheers!

FOLLOW HIM ON HIS SOCIALS HERE