By: Lisa Steinberg
Photo Courtesy of Facci PR
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I’m experimenting a lot lately, but I think it’s safe to say I’m in an alt/rock/pop lane (heavier as of late) and always chasing a huge hook.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) My first band was a blink-182 cover band in 7th grade called Sugarhigh. We eventually wrote some original stuff but looking back they were basically bad versions of blink songs. My mom played a lot of Billy Joel and Garth Brooks in our apartment growing up, but around age ten my sister intro’d me to The Offspring, Everclear, Green Day…she would make me cassette mix tapes… Sublime, Bush, Goldfinger, Taking Back Sunday…oh and Eminem for sure.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Numb.”
A) I wish there was a crazy story, but full transparency it was just one of a hundred and fifty or so songs I did in 2018. It sat as a verse (1st verse) and chorus for eight years before I revisited it late last year and decided it was a good introduction for me.
Q) You began working on “Numb” back in 2018. What made now the right time to release it?
A) Honestly, just being tired of sitting on music. Also, making the decision to not be too “precious” with any one song like “this is the one!!!” And just start putting stuff out. I’m aiming to increase my release output to at least two songs a month by the end of the year. No better time to release music than right now!!! At least for me at the moment…
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) Hopefully being “numb” isn’t a perpetual state for anyone, but I think everyone can relate to feeling that way from time to time, whether a relationship or career or unfortunately – in my case – in 2018 a substance abuse problem.
Q) There is a visualizer out for “Numb,” but can fans expect a full video for the single to come soon?
A) I shot a 1-shot video of me being dragged on a mattress across my property (I think a clip of it is on my TikTok/Instagram) that I’ll probably release soon, but as I mentioned earlier I’m kind of trying to keep the releases flowing right now. Music is at a place where unless you have a viral moment or substantial traction happening it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to spend money on videos outside of short form content.
Q) With “Numb” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) It’s part of a five song EP. Songs “BRAINCELL$” and “THE FOLLOWING” are currently released, with two more joining here in the next few weeks.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
I’ll occasionally write down lyric ideas by themselves but as an example my guitar is sitting next to me as a type this and I’ve been working on an idea that I’ll probably start producing/recording vocals on tonight. My process really depends on the day and environment, whether I’m working on my stuff, writing for pitch (to send to other artists) or in the studio with another artist specifically writing for their project. I’m a chameleon.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) A very large part, especially on the newer stuff. When I decided to start dropping music I was really gathering from what was available from the last seven to eight years of making music, but now I’m starting to create new stuff with my project and voice specifically in mind. I also have some great collaborators, on this first EP (with “NUMB” on it) my buddy Ryan Daly has been heavily involved in the production/music side.
Q) What can fans expect from a live JP Clark performance?
A) I’m gonna wait until there’s a demand for me to be playing live, which – if I’m lucky enough to have happen – would mean there are a decent amount of people at the shows, which would in turn inspire me to push the show to crazy level…Basically, I have no idea but I’m excited and hopeful for the opportunity!!!
Q) You’ve worked with incredible artists from blink-182, Lukas Graham, The Used and Thirty Seconds to Mars. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Jordan Fish formerly of Bring Me The Horizon. I love his writing and production and the songs I’m working on currently are kind of in that direction.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Ummmm…..well, first thank you so fucking much. I can’t wait to show you what I’ve been working on and get a chance to play shows. And feel free to reach out to me on social media. I love sharing new clips and unreleased stuff with people that are genuinely fans of what I’m doing.