New York artist Cowboy Clean is a bit of a genre mixer, as latest release Charcoal shows. It’s got something of a retro sound at times, mixed in with a more modern indie-pop style. I loved the track and decided to have a chat with this cool artist to find out more – read on to see how we got on!

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a new track titled Charcoal. What can you tell us about the track?

Charcoal is the first track from my new project Cowboy Clean. It’s about going through the world with almost a third person perspective, feeling a bit dissociated from the chaos around you. How can we connect in a world filled with chaos, what keeps us grounded? The feeling that we are flowing through life, almost like a ghost, is something I think everyone experiences at some point.

Charcoal is your debut single release! How did it feel to finally get it out there? What was the writing and recording process like?

I’ve been wanting to put some kind of solo music out for a long time and it feels great to finally have a chance to do it. I’ve played with bands for years, but this is something close to me that I’m grateful to be able to share. The process was very solitary, and a lot of it stemmed from my collage/art practice – just putting pieces together and seeing what fits/feels good/makes sense to me. Eventually a story emerged and guided me through to the finish.

How has the reception to Charcoal been so far, and where can it be purchased?

So far it’s been great! Charcoal is on all major streaming platforms, Spotify/iTunes/Amazon Music. It can also be purchased at my Bandcamp,

Do you have any plans to release an album/EP anytime soon?

I’m planning on releasing more singles this spring, and hopefully a longer album later this year!

Do you have any more singles lined up in the near future?

I’ve just released a new single called Coins, and I hope to release another called Shelter in the coming months – I have a few ready to go after that!

You’re also an artist. How do you balance everything?

I feel like my art/music is a bit of a grounding/meditative experience. Sometimes it’s hard to juggle everything and I do let things go for longer than I’d like to, but ultimately I always chip away when I have the opportunity.

Charcoal mixes a few genres together. What/who are you most influenced by when making music? What have you been listening to recently?

I love the cold wave sound, bands like Suicide and Black Marble and I think I draw a lot of influence from them. I’m also into folk and older rock and think that everything sort of merges into what I’m doing. Lately I’ve really been into Wastelander, Dougie Poole, Ok Cowgirl, and always Kevin Devine.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?

I just got back from a trip to Mexico for the Treasure Club International art/music fest! Hoping to have a live lineup soon and some more art shows are in the works.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

Unfortunately nothing in the UK yet, but hopefully that will change!

Any last words for the fans?

Thanks so much for the support for these releases! It’s been a journey to finally put out some solo work, but I’m so appreciative for the chance to do it.