Words by Robyn Emily James // robynejames0
Where can we begin with this band? Clay are an up-and-coming alternative band hailing from Leeds and consisting of Danny, Rob, Jack and Joe. The band have gained much popularity, due to the hook and pull within their songwriting and constant touring. Their single ‘Stay Calm!’ caught the attention of many simply because it was like nothing being played on the air waves at that time – and it seems that forging unique and different music is in the bands blood. Their fusion of indie and electro influences come across perfectly on record, so we just had to get these lads in for a chat!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE SONG TO PERFORM LIVE AND WHY?
6am is one of our favourite songs to play and always receives one of the best reactions from the crowd. Sun Dance is also one of them, it has such a nostalgic feel to the song and always brings back great memories from the very first time in being in Clay. It’s a song we will always play and seems to be one of our favourites.
WHAT MUSIC VIDEO HAS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO FILM AND WHY?
The filming for the 6am video was also one of the most fun times we’ve had as a band together. Filming all night until literally 6am and we got to watch every scene come together perfectly. We still love the video and will probably always remain our favourite music video for a long time.
WHAT’S YOUR COLLECTIVE GOAL AS A BAND?
Our goal is to be as big as we can possibly be. Every band wants to be the biggest and if they don’t want that or they don’t believe in themselves there’s not much point in being together.
PREACH. IS THERE A DEBUT ALBUM ON THE CARDS?
We’re always working towards an album. We’re just biding our time for the right moment.
WHEN EACH OF YOU WHERE TEENS, WAS THERE A STAND OUT ALBUM THAT YOU COULDN’T GET ENOUGH OF?
Joe: Michael Jackson – Bad
Jack: Blur – 13
Rob: Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Stadium Arcadium
Danny: Kings Of Leon – Only By The Night
WHAT’S YOUR FUNNIEST STORY FROM TOURING?
There’s always funny moments on tour, but one of them is probably Rob breaking a bed in a hotel and having to sleep on half a bed for three days!
WHAT IS TO COME FROM CLAY IN 2018?
We constantly push to better ourselves as a band and this year we are embarking on our biggest headline shows to date. So next year expect bigger shows and bigger tours.
IF YOU COULD PLAY THE MAIN STAGE AT ANY FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD, WHAT ONE WOULD YOU PICK AND WHY?
Most bands would choose Glastonbury to headline. Who wouldn’t want that?
ANY PLANS TO TOUR OUTSIDE OF THE UK?
We don’t have plans to tour outside the UK that are set in stone, but we do have a lot of places we would like to go and we’d love to meet our fans over in different countries.
IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND TO PEOPLE WHO MAY NOT OF HEARD YOUR MUSIC BEFORE?
Great. Music. Listen.
BE HONEST, WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EVER GIG?
Danny: Miles Kane in Leeds!
Rob: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, at the tender age of 9.
Joe and Jack: Our first gig was watching Busted at the age of 11 and 9, which is still our most favourite gig!
With new record ‘America’ released just last month, it’s plain to see that new kids on the block Clay won’t be going away any time soon!