clark beckham

Gearing up to release a brand new album, Clark Beckham is a name you’ll want to get familiar with. We talked to the singer about the making of Light Year, what’s to come and more!

words by VANESSA SALLES photo courtesy of CLARK BECKHAM

Take us back to the beginning! What can you tell us about your musical journey so far and the evolution of your sound?

I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, where country music is king, but my parents listened to ‘60s and ‘70s music. When I was 7 or 8, while my friends were listening to Garth Brooks, I was trying to do the run in “Who’s Lovin’ You” by the Jackson 5. I grew up idolizing the great voices of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, the Jackson 5 and the rest of Motown. When I went to college, I was playing and singing for fun until I competed with my friends in a battle of the bands competition. When I found out what it’s like to play and sing with a group of monster musicians for a hyped-up crowd, it was over. Music was no longer a hobby but a necessity. I started playing on the street corner on Broadway in downtown Nashville after that. After getting my degree in History from Lee University, I tried out for American Idol at the request of my mother (who’s always right). Now, I’m blessed to have a career doing what I love and what is necessary to be who I am: Music.

Let’s talk about your upcoming album! How long has it been in the works and what does it mean to you to be releasing it so soon?

Except for “I Won’t Give Away Your Love,” which I wrote while in college, I started writing songs for Light Year two years ago. The production, mixing, and mastering process took a long time, but was worth it. As an independent artist, I’m funding the project. While I have total creative freedom that way, the speed and efficiency of a record label are sacrificed. So Light Year has been a long time coming, and I’m excited about its release. I’m very proud of it.

Any memorable moments while writing/recording the album that you can share with us?

Each song certainly has its own memories and stories to tell. “Big Boy Bruce,” the lone instrumental on the album, is a nod to Bruce Hornsby. It was written, recorded and produced by me in my living room one day. I sat down at the piano and came up with this chord progression. My mind started to turn in what would be a chain reaction of instrumental and arrangement ideas. I rushed to my home studio and stayed there until the track was finished. I started around 9 a.m. didn’t stop to eat, and before I knew it, it was 11 p.m. and I was finished. Songs don’t always come out like that, but when they do, it’s exhilarating.

Is there a track that resonates with you the most? What’s the story behind it?

That’s a tough one! Picking the singles from this album was difficult too. There isn’t one I’m on the fence about. Musically, “Gloria” might resonate the most. Lyrically, “Who Believes in Me” and “Luckiest Man” resonate deeply with where I am in my life. “Forever” and “I Won’t Give Away Your Love” have unbelievable production that make it impossible

for me not to smile. The producers really did an amazing job with these records.

When tours finally resume, which song(s) would you be most excited to perform live? “Run Away” is my favorite to perform live. I have a harmony pedal that I sing into and eventually beatbox and hum into while I play the keys. I loop all of that and then play a guitar solo over it. It gives the crowd kind of a behind-the-scenes look at how I make music. It’s also vocally challenging and fun to rip into.

How would you describe your creative process?

Spontaneous. I wish I could write on demand, but nearly all of my song ideas come from everyday life. When I sit down and tell myself I’m going to create something, I usually feel stuck and it’s a struggle to get the wheels turning. When it comes to arranging songs or rearranging covers, I would describe that process as experimental. My heart leads me somewhere musically in the moment and my brain either knows where I’m headed and how to get there or it takes a wrong turn and I stop and do a bit of exploring and analyzing until I find what my ear wants. I’ve found some of my favorite chords by taking those wrong turns.

Which artist(s) are on your dream collab list?

That would be a massive list, but number one is John Mayer. As successful and admired as he is, I think he’s underrated. I have written a duet with Tori Kelly in mind. I don’t know that I’d ever release it without first offering it to her.

What has life in quarantine been looking like for you?

When my tour was cut short in March, my work abruptly stopped, as it did for so many, and I had to figure something out. Online concerts were tough. So I started a lesson program through Zoom. I teach voice (technique/style/runs), piano, guitar, chordal music theory and songwriting. I’m teaching people of all ages and skill levels all over the world. I’ve loved getting to know so many people. Watching their reactions when they get great results is incredibly rewarding. If anyone’s interested, they can email beckhamlessons@ gmail.com to sign up for a lesson or the mentorship program!

Any special message to fans?

I’m excited to share Light Year with you. For those of you who keep asking me to release more music, it’s finally coming. It’s available to pre-order/add/save. Go to my website or my social media platforms to find a link. The more pre-orders, the greater impact of the release on November 6. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It means everything!