Hiya Clinton Belcher, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
Before music truly became central to my life, I was focused on the everyday reality of being a working-class guy in Oklahoma. I spent years focused on survival—the daily grind, the long hours, and feeling the pressure of providing. That time was full of hard lessons and setbacks, which are the very experiences that now fuel my songwriting. Music wasn’t just a hobby; it was the essential escape valve, the way I processed all the frustration and the quiet dignity of just showing up every day.
What’s the live music scene like in Earlsboro right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The live music scene around Earlsboro, and more broadly in Oklahoma, is truly thriving, especially in the Country and Red Dirt genres. It’s a place where authenticity matters. Right now, I think everyone should be looking out for the newer acts who are blending that traditional Oklahoma sound with heavier energy. It’s where the Outlaw Country grit meets a modern rock volume. There’s a constant rotation of artists who are incredibly genuine, giving a nod to legends like Waylon Jennings while pushing the genre forward.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
It’s a necessary evil, to be honest. As an independent artist, especially one blending niche genres like Hard Rock and Outlaw Country, social media is the main way to find my audience. I have to be the songwriter, the producer, the mixer, the publicist, and yes, the social media curator. I’d much rather be focused on creating music, but I understand that today, sharing the story and the process is just as important as sharing the finished track.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I focus on authenticity and the story. I try not to overthink it too much. My music is deeply personal, so my engagement centers on showing the reality of my life, the home studio process, and the inspiration behind the “scars” I sing about. I prioritize direct, honest replies to fans and keeping my content raw, not polished. I want people to feel like they are connecting with the person who wrote and recorded the song, not just a brand.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
I see the music industry today as a double-edged sword. On one hand, technology and platforms like MusoSoup have completely leveled the playing field, allowing me to self-produce high-quality tracks like “Scars and Six Strings” and get them heard globally. On the other hand, it’s overwhelmingly saturated, and the economics of streaming make it incredibly hard for independent artists to make a living. The power is now in the hands of the creator, which is great, but success requires an exhausting amount of effort across every facet of the business.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I sit squarely in the independent, genre-bending space. I’m in the lane of artists who are unafraid to mix the volume of hard rock with the lyrical depth of outlaw country. I’m building my foundation by focusing on the songs and the story first. I’m a working-class artist for the working-class audience, operating outside the mainstream expectations but committed to making music that is loud, raw, and honest.
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
The biggest lesson has been the true meaning of self-reliance and when to trust my own instincts. When you produce, mix, and master a track like this yourself, you have to learn to be your own toughest critic, but you also have to be the one who finally says, “It’s done.” Learning to trust my unique vision for blending Hard Rock/Outlaw Country without seeking external validation has been the most powerful step in my artistic progression.
What was your best experience on stage?
My best experience is always when I can see the lyrics connecting directly with the audience. I remember one show where the crowd was singing along to one of my original tracks about overcoming adversity. Seeing them process their own struggles through my music—that shared moment of catharsis and resilience—is the greatest reward and the entire reason I do this.
What was your worst experience on stage?
The worst experience was probably dealing with technical failure. I had an issue with my pedalboard mid-set a while back where a crucial piece of gear went completely dead. It’s a moment of sheer panic because your sound is instantly compromised. I had to ditch the complicated sound and just finish the set stripped down. It was rough, but it forced me to rely purely on the guitar and my voice, which was a good lesson in raw performance.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
People might be surprised to learn that despite the heavy, gritty sound of “Scars and Six Strings,” I’m actually a massive fan of Gospel music, like Jason Crabb or The Gaithers. The powerful, direct, and often heartbreakingly honest lyrical delivery in that genre is what I study to help keep my own vocals and storytelling as sincere and impactful as possible. The innovation allows for powerful, modern sound design, but the emotional honesty comes from that focus on heartfelt delivery and simple, direct lyrics.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes, the new track is called “Scars and Six Strings,” and it’s a blend of Hard Rock/Outlaw Country. It’s an anthem for the working-class hero—a song about taking all your past mistakes and pain (the “scars”) and turning them into something powerful and meaningful with your outlet (the “six strings”). It’s loud, it’s defiant, and it carries the message that redemption comes from owning your struggle. You can feel the influence of artists like Waylon Jennings and Bob Seger delivered with a modern, heavy energy.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was intense and personal, taking place entirely in my home studio in Earlsboro. Since I produced, arranged, mixed, and mastered the song myself, it was a very hands-on, isolating experience. I focused on getting a raw, dense sound—layering those electric guitars to achieve the hard rock energy while keeping the vocal performance front and center to maintain that outlaw country storytelling feel. It was a process of constant iteration to achieve that perfect genre balance.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
The biggest learning curve was recognizing that simplicity is strength. The story I wanted to tell about pain and redemption was complex, but the writing needed to be direct and immediate. I had to fight the urge to over-complicate the musical structure and instead focus on crafting lyrics that were brutally honest and immediately relatable to anyone who’s had a tough day or a tough life.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Honestly, no. There are always little tweaks a perfectionist could chase forever in the mix, but I decided early on that the goal was to capture the raw energy and emotional honesty of the performance, even if that meant embracing some imperfections. “Scars and Six Strings” is exactly the raw, unfiltered track I set out to make, and I stand by that final sound.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Just a huge thank you to anyone who listens and connects with the message. If you’re out there grinding, dealing with your own set of scars, just remember that your story matters, and you can find your own set of “six strings” to get through it. Find my music on Spotify and all other music platforms.
FOLLOW HIM HERE // PRESAVE HERE
CHECK OUT THE LATEST RGM TRENDING MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS HERE