Following a riveting array of releases over these last few months, London-based artist Dave Clark continues his upward ascent with his dynamic new single 'I called for you'.
Bringing back more of that broad and diverse indie-rock aesthetic he has been growing for himself lately, 'I called for you' makes for an incredibly rich and immersive listen. With its warm and emotive textures, pulsing atmosphere, and his own shimmering vocals at the helm, he is certainly looking to turn plenty of heads with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar of course! My elder brothers played so there was always a guitar kicking around and it seemed natural to pick it up and start learning.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Well, as I started learning acoustic guitar and was getting well into it, learning fingerpicking and quite complicated techniques, so I leaned towards the guitar masters and singer/songwriters. Later on I got into rock and early Indie type music but I’ve always stayed eclectic with my musical taste including classical and opera. I don’t like genres, that’s an attempt to turn music into a marketing commodity.
What was the first album you remember owning?
That’s a toughie – I can’t really remember. In line with above I have a recollection of having Bob Dylan’s ‘Blood on the Tracks’ as a very early purchase.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Once in A lifetime by Talking heads (David Byrne). It manages to express deep meaning without turning into a depression fest.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
The only habit I’ve got (or try to have) is just a discipline which I learned too late really, that’s to write down/record everything as you think of it, otherwise it disappears into the mist! I’m a bit eclectic so inspiration can come from anywhere. I might play something nice noodling on the guitar and think it needs a song to go with it, or I’ll think of a theme and write lyrics around it then leave it until the right musical inspiration turns up. Often I’ll have a song sitting around with no music, then I’ll play something and think “ah, that’ll go with those lyrics”.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lana Del Ray I like, her music has got a kind of otherworldliness but combines that with more familiar genre jumping elements. Tom Waits is always a favourite, I think I’m attracted to artists who push the boundaries. Rag‘n’Bone Man – I must say I’m getting more into R&B and I love his powerful vocals, there are too many breathy falsettos around these days!
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I’ll take anything! Although opening for the above mentioned Rag’n’Bone Man would be cool. He seems like the guy you could sit down with and have a beer after the show (I have no idea if he likes a drink or is even a nice guy – let’s assume he is…).
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
In the end making music is about connecting with people. I’m not sure how you can do it without playing too, or with other people, that’s where the joy comes from. When you actually see someone enjoying your music instead of measuring yourself by Spotify streams, it’s what it’s about. It’s a frightening thing to put yourself out there but when you tame your fears and do it there’s nothing better.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Well I started out going to say it was the hours spent mixing and recording either at home or in the studio, everything seems to take far longer than you think it will! When I think about it though I actually enjoy the skills and processes of production so it’s not that, the real frustration is when you’ve got a song that hits a brick wall. You know it’s not quite right but can’t think how to move forward, it churns over in your mind. That’s true of any creative activity though.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Be authentic and be yourself. If you think you have to pretend to be something else then it’s not gonna work.
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Dave Clark's new single 'I called for you' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.