In this interview spotlight, we chat with Clayton James about his upcoming album release – XO, influences, and more.

Full Q&A, links and the video for Sinking can be found below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCAdAUTxQIA

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from good old Canada! I’m a singer/songwriter with an raw emotional tone to a lot of my stuff x

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?

Music has always been a huge part of my life right from when I was just a little dude listening to CCR in my dad’s car. Many family members where also musicians so the inspiration started there and I kind of loved music so much it was bound to be a major thing in my life. Regardless of success or not I’ll always be doing music, it’s just part of me but the simple answer is I love it enough that it’s self-perpetuating motivation among hearing other super talented musicians which always fires me up!

Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to your creativity?

My inspirations change as I discover new artists BUT from the start it was Steve Ray Vaughn and John Mayer, They really started my passion for blues and songwriting. Currently Lewis Watson, Ben Howard, Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance, James Bay are a few of my many inspirations.

How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?

The upcoming release of my debut EP “XO” which will be available Nov 7th (October 4th for pre order) is my first well produced project that not only is a personal release for me as it’s an expressional set of songs about relationships and all that jazz but it was a huge honor as I got to work with Joe Porter who is Lewis Watsons producer (one of my biggest inspirations)

Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?

The digital age is amazing. I wouldn’t be where I am now without it, not that I’m incredibly far but it sure has given me a big push in the right direction and a platform to develop as an artist. I would say you’re insane if you aren’t utilizing social media and the digital world in general.

How do you feel about streaming services? Any romantic attachments to the physical formats: vinyl, 8-track, cassettes, CDs?

I love and respect both worlds as far as streaming services and physical copies but for different reasons. Streaming is amazing because it’s always there, always available and super easily consumed. Being able to create and share playlists/music you like to friends is so easily accessible. On the other hand I collect Vinyl’s of all my favorite bands and artist, There’s just something about owning a Vinyl of an artist that makes you feel more connected and nothing beats the sound of a record on Vinyl !

Where can we follow you online and hear more music?

You can follow me on Twitter,Instagram,snapchat @CIBSEPTION for daily updates on everything and definitely check out my Spotify as well as YouTube “Clayton James”

Anything else before we sign off?

Huge thanks for having me on the blog! You can Pre Order my Debut Ep “XO” October 7th! I’d appreciate it a ton! Hope you love it!

http://www.claytonjamesmusic.com