Clay Joule is an intriguing and experimental musician, creating music that could fit into the folk, classical or world music genres. I recently checked out his song Into The Sky and loved it – you can also find it at the end of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a song titled Into The Sky, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
I intended Into The Sky to be a balm for the mental ailment.
The public often tends to forget that public figures such as entertainers and celebrities are just like the rest of us and are thus subject to the same human frailties and vulnerabilities. This is why a lot of great songs are sung by artists who are going through tough circumstances in their own life.
People still tend to avoid talking about certain things, despite its severity, particularly mental health. It help listeners who are too timid to speak up. Those extraordinary artists bore their emotions to us and delivered us songs about anxiety, despair and other psychological disorders they experienced.
Understanding about anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses may be garnered from listening to Into The Sky, a beautiful, emotive and brutally honest song. Tracks like Into The Sky give us the fortitude to fight the psychiatric battles we confront every day, and they also provide a nice diversion out from mental anguish as a break to the pain and suffering.
How has the reception been so far, and where can Into The Sky be purchased?
Into The Sky can be accessed through Spotify: https://op…m52CdkFQ5E
You collaborated with a few artists on this track – who are they and how did the collaboration come about? Can we expect more collaborations in the future?
I discovered the temporary solace you need with the song Into the Sky. In collaboration with Jenny (harmony vocals), Enzo Moccia (spanish guitar) and Tom Ferrara (clarinet), I utilised a combination of traditional folk music in my production with the basis of world music, creating such peaceful vibes in order to calm our minds and provide a break for our mental distress. I am currently working with more musicians on various unique instruments such as kora, handpans, gabur, water organ and many other unique string instruments from all over the world.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes, I have released 9 singles so far in 2022. I is planning to release over 10 more singles before the end of 2023.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
I will keep producing singles and go on a tour in Europe in 2023, combined with a huge album which contain over 20 tracks.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
The pandemic was a great time for me to integrate my creativity and transform it into music to connect to my fans around the world.
Your music has a folky sound, also featuring elements of classical guitar and world music. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
The three string musicians that inspired me the most are Ravi Shanker, Andreas Vollenweider and Alex Lifeson.
Where are you based? What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
I am a world traveller, although my home base is in the Tri-State area. But I also live half of the time in Europe and Asia and travel extensively.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
My promoter is trying very hard to get the best road trip for this tour in Europe, it’s very likely I am going to start my tour from Germany or the UK in the fall of 2023.
Any last words for the fans?
I invite fans from various genres to listen to my experimental tracks. I will be releasing more unique tracks like this and I hope to bring more colours into the spiritual/world music genre.