Claire Clarke
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Interview With Claire Clarke By Chris 28/2/08
Claire Clarke is an artist I discovered two years ago, did an interview with her then reviewed her ep and have been supporting her ever since, She is an extremely talented artist and also is one of the most professional and give her fans the time of day and is very busy but managed to find the time to answer my questions and also sent a copy of her album to review, take note people and also a classic example of you don’t need a major label now to become successful. She has recieved so much publicity and a lot of support from radio. She gonna be huge and still be very professional. She got my support all the way so read on.
1. Are you surprised at how well things are going?
I always wanted this to happen, and have worked really hard to make it a reality… I believe anything is possible so I’m really excited that I can see everything starting to explode!
2. What was the inspiration behind the album?
My emotions at the time were running wild and I had been through some pretty intense times in the year of writing it, so each of the songs captured one of those feelings. I seem to find inspiration not necessarily in the bigger things that happen, but rather the little moments… they hold a lot more meaning to me.
3. How did the recording process go for the album?
It was pretty intense! I really enjoyed working with Bluestone Records throughout the whole process to getting it exactly where we wanted. It was really exciting when we sent it off to be mastered by Leon Zervos (Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette) in New York and listening to the finished product!
4. Would you ever think you would get so much publicity from radio and magazines?
I really hoped so!! I’m so happy that everyone has been so supportive and people have been sitting up and listening! When I see a review or a feature article or see that it’s been added to another radio station that puts a big smile on my face! It’s such an amazing opportunity as an independent artist and it really proves that being an independent is now a viable and tangible path.
5. What inspires you when writing songs?
Life! I find my afterthoughts of an experience always make me want to say something. Observations on the world and looking at things from a different angle really open my mind up and that’s what makes me inspired to write something that’s fresh and unique. Just meeting someone new, a phone call, a kiss… anything that ignites emotion and sparks my imagination!
6. Do you think the Internet has played a big part of getting recognized by people and mainstream media like Nova and Dolly?
Definitely! These days I believe having a presence online is a huge factor in creating general awareness for my music. It’s a great way for me to communicate with my fans and also get the message out there and help spread the word. I think more and more the bigger media outlets are looking online to find the ‘next big thing’.
7. How has Nova helped with getting your music out there?
They’ve always welcomed me and my music into their station and I’m so grateful for that! They are a great supporter and I think it’s wonderful that as an Australian artist I’m being recognised by Australian radio! There are a lot of imports out there, and I believe that there is so much talent to be nurtured in our own backyard that stations like Nova are really taking the initiative and lead the way for the public to be introduced to new and exciting music.
8. How did you get involved with Bluestone Records in the first place?
Chris the A&R Director of Bluestone Records saw me performing at a school event and started developing me from there! It’s been an amazing journey so far and I really can’t wait to buckle in and see it through for a long time to come!
9. Has their been much buzz before the album comes out?
Yeah it’s been really cool to hear a lot of people talking about it and all the great reviews! I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s received and most of all just getting it out there!! I’ve heard it a million times now haha.
10. Were you listening to any music which inspired the album?
Since my teens I really got into John Mayer and Diana Krall, which is completely different to my music, but I love how they hold such honesty in their voices and tell a story.
11. How has the new song Rush been received by the public and the radio?
It’s had an overwhelming response! It’s already been added on national radio networks including Metro and Regional and the response from the industry is fabulous! Every day I get heaps of comments on MySpace from new and existing fans saying how much they love it and that’s so fantastic.. I love reading people’s feedback!
12. Were you happy with feedback and response to the EP?
Most definitely. For my first release it really caught people’s attention and we got it on Novas indie initiative and the Austereo Network’s Australian first programme, plus a big regional support list. I learnt a lot with that first EP and its cool to look back now and see how far I’ve come in the space of two years… WOW!
13. Will you eventually move overseas or will stay here?
I really hope to travel overseas with my music. I doubt I would ever move permanently, cos I just love Australia, it’s my home. But who knows, one day I would love to own a holiday house somewhere in France!
14. Have you had any reviews yet for the album?
Yes, it’s even been reviewed in Rolling Stone already! It just got chosen as Album of the Week in MX Magazine (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane) and has been getting a lot of attention from both street press and glossy mags.. so look out world! Here comes Unhinged!!
Last words
I’ve got a really exciting year ahead! I’m currently collaborating with national and international songwriters and working with esteemed rock/punk producer Lindsay Gravina (Thirsty Merc, Living End, Jet, Magic Dirt). Can’t wait for all that’s to come, and thank you so much for your ongoing support.
Thanks heaps!
Ciao, Claire
