Greetings from Metalheads Forever Magazine, Mia, I’m Keith Clement, the editorial head, how are you today?
Hey Keith! I’m doing alright
You just recently released your single “Melodramatic.” Can you tell me about the songwriting process and the production behind the video?
Yes, Melodramatic was an easy write, but the recording and producing decisions were more involved than many others I’ve done in the last year. Also, as I was writing it, it felt that it was directed towards certain people that are too over the top. By the time I decided to release it, I realized that this song is actually calling myself out for being dramatic, which happens with more songs than you’d think. I don’t realize in the moment of writing songs that a lot of the lyrical content sparks from internal battles of my own emotions. Producing this song was a blast because it has so many layers to it. I have a ton of stacked vocal harmonies on the choruses, a feel change at the end, and a cute breakdown verse that I’m obsessed with.
What’s next for you music-wise? Do you have a plan to make a full-length album?
My plan is to continue exactly what I’ve been doing. Write-record-release-repeat; my goal is to be able to do that forever. As of now, releasing an album is not the plan because I’m trying to perfect the process of releasing singles while developing a bigger fanbase before I see that making any sense. I’m not entirely sure that grouping 10 or 15 songs together to release all at once will ever make much sense given how music is now consumed. I know record companies still lean into that, but they aren’t often known as innovators either.
You are a singer and multi-instrumentalist; can you tell me how it all started for you?
It all started with your average piano lessons when I was really young. Those didn’t turn out too well, considering the fact that my teacher and I didn’t have the best relationship. Even more, sheet music and I didn’t have the best relationship. When my teacher decided she didn’t want to deal with me anymore, I still had a burning passion for music and decided to fuel that by playing a different instrument. I always thought drums were the coolest instrument, so I borrowed my neighbor’s drumset and never turned back. After posting lots of drum covers on my YouTube channel, I decided to take it a step further by producing full covers playing every instrument to make it happen. I was eleven when I began picking up guitar, bass, and of course, keys again. I wrote my first song when I was thirteen and moved to Nashville that summer. I hope it’s pretty clear by now, I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon
You have a deep love for drums and you are so good at it, what made you get into playing drums? Why such a deep passion?
I love that some people see that when I play, so I love this question, but I really don’t have a great answer. As I explained, the downfall of my piano lessons earlier, I really just thought drums were so cool and knew I had to try them. I love the role of the drummer; they’re the leader, the band’s metronome. They are such an important piece, and I was inspired to take that challenge. John Bonham and Stewart Copeland definitely helped that passion grow anytime I listened to what an absolutely critical role their instrument, playing, and overall feel was to Zeppelin & the Police.
Do you have plans to make a complete band, or just having touring musicians and do it by yourself?
Anytime I put bands together for my stuff, I’m looking for musicians that can play multiple instruments. I love to swap out and play different instruments during the set, so I typically use musicians who work other music jobs and they understand the complexities of all the parts in any song. I absolutely love the musicians I’ve been able to share the stage with, but I’m not sure they’d be likely to commit to a full-time band. I play with hundreds of artists but almost always shy away from the calls that are looking for full-time band members. I truly enjoy playing drums in a punk band one night and heading over to the Opry to play bass on something entirely different all in the same week.
What are your upcoming plans? Any tour plans for the future?
My upcoming plans are to continue my routine of writing, recording, and releasing. I’m not planning on going on tour until I know people would want to come out and see the shows. I’ve played with many, many artists and have seen the difference in how crowds react when they’re excited to see the artist and hear their songs versus waiting for the opener to end their set so the headliner can get on stage. I’d rather be the first option.
What would be some of the biggest moments in life?
I’m beginning to understand that the moments that end up really having an impact are often well disguised at the time. I’d have to say, sitting in with the Ataris on the Warped Tour when I was 12, lit a fire that has only grown since that experience. However, my family moving to Nashville has changed everything about the musical opportunities and pace of learning I’ve had since that time, so that’s got to be at the top. Ultimately though, I’d have to say that I learned some absolutely critical things about the music business and life in general with some of the mistakes and disappointments I’ve navigated. I spend almost no time contemplating what future moment in life might be significant, but I have noticed it’s an awful special feeling when I hear or see an audience member sing part of a song I wrote. It would be quite a moment to hear a huge crowd sing my song back at me.
What does your dream career look like?
I wanna be a rockstar.
Finally, what would you like to say to the readers and fans?
Go stream my music!
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