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Anyone like Neo Soul and vocalists with a real talent? Then you need to read this interview with soul songstress Clover Ray…
When did you start making music and realise that you wanted to be a singer?
I have always enjoyed singing, my mum used to get me to sing late at night, to keep her awake whilst driving around the Blue Mountains so I wouldn’t say that I grew up knowing I could but more that I could keep going. When I realized that I could sing, I decided that I wouldn’t sing to anyone or think about trying to get into the music industry, until I had written a song and knew I had something to sing about.
Was there a person or record that inspired you to pick up the pen and start writing songs and hit the studio?
There were lots of people like Bob Marley and Gil Scott Heron but song wise, it was ones that meant something to me like Kingston Town (UB40), because I was in Kingston Town… Curly Locks by Junior Byles and Lee Perry. I have loved Randy Crawford from a young age, Gregory Isaacs voice still goes through me in the best possible way, Janet Kay’s Silly Games was and is ridiculous and many more. I have recently discovered Betty Davis… wOohoo… amazing!
So how did you get your name? What’s the story behind it?
My name Clover and to complete my stage name, I used my dad’s first name. When I was little wanted it to be my real middle name (officially) but my mum said I’d have to wait until I was older… hehe I’m older now.
Where exactly are you from and what’s the scene like there?
I moved a lot around South London, Kent and Surrey with lots of travelling around Europe and Africa as it was believed to be education in it self and with good long spells in the Caribbean and West Indian sunshine, so in answer to that question... everywhere and nowhere which can be a positive in relation to music as I have experienced and been influenced by music from different cultures, use of instruments and the effect and importance of music to varying communities. I do not and will not stop exploring different sounds and styles or I could imagine it would get quite boring.
What projects have you released so far and what feedback from the media have you had?
So far, I have worked on projects with Soul Mekanik including their album, 81 and Robbie Williams album, Rudebox. I have also been working with The Main Stem on their album, Yellow Cables and Herb Middleton, producer of Mary J Blige and Al Green to name a few, is currently working on a single with me as part of the U-Turn project. I have started projects with various artists and producers and hope to continue doing so. The feedback from Soul Mekanik album, 81 was amazing with comparisons to Massive Attack, getting people dancing in the Radio 1 office (I heard).
Who does your production?
I have been lucky to know some great producers that also happen to be great friends, namely Soul Mekanik (Danny Spencer and Kelvin Andrews) and The Main Stem (Ben Shenton, Rob J and Tim???).
Getting radio play is real gripe for a lot of independent artists, but have you had any radio play? If so what DJ’s and stations are supporting you?
I have been fortunate enough to be played on Radio 1 with Soul Mekanik album, 81 and Robbie Williams album, Rudebox. One track was made into a short film for Channel 4. The DJ’s that supported this album were Pete Tong and Annie Mac. I understand that it can be hard to be heard on mainstream stations straight away but local radios will usually give local artists some support and airplay.
Do you think that radio is still as important as it was in the digital age?
Radio is still important; it keeps thousands of people in touch with what is going on in the World and their local community. Where music is concerned, I think it is still a brilliant way for artists to get heard. I just wish more artists could enjoy this exposure and that stations were not affected so much by trends, representing more of the music and amazing talent out there.
Do you think the internet helps or hinders independent artists?
I think that the internet has definitely changed things and gives artists a chance to be heard and supported. It allows the artist an element of control in promoting themselves and their careers, if done well. I have to admit that I am not doing everything that I could be in way of promotion but I also think that it is about good timing as well and so I will get on it when I feel I have enough material ready for listeners to rummage around in :p
When it comes to making music what would you credit as your main motivation?
I have something to say, a way of looking at things and I would like to share this with those that want to listen. We can all learn from and enjoy each other’s thoughts and talents or skill.
Let’s talk image and branding for a minute. Some artists spend lots of money on artwork and other acts aren’t that interested. How important is image, artwork and branding to you?
Image is important as it is another form of expression but it is not something that has to cost a lot of money. If you are representing yourself as yourself then what do you need more than a little retail therapy every so often? Artwork can also contribute and can also allow someone else to enjoy a platform to express their art form and interpretation of your work.
I think that any artist coming into the game these days needs a music video. I mean You Tube is one the most visited website in the world and it’s still a great way of promoting a track. Have you got any videos on there and have any of them actually got played on any TV Stations?
Definitely a good way to promote yourself and reach the masses but I have nothing up there (yet!) lol.
To get in touch with Clover Ray simply e-mail he at
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Interview by Tricksta
www.myspace.com/trickstawolftown
www.myspace.com/ragomagazine
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