Clarence James ○ Flake

Clarence James makes music infused with profound authenticity - a sentiment often lost in today’s world. Many artists are trying to calculate & explore the infinite possibilities afforded by the modern artistic landscape, whereas Clarence’s music serves the intuitive purpose of providing cohesion despite striving for creative liberation.

Although Clarence feels his most comfortable when it’s just him and his guitar - his music is by no means simple - straddling the lines between indie rock, jazz and hip-hop.

The up-and-coming 23 year old standout grew up in the Texas countryside where he was introduced to classical piano at a young age. Although finances were tight and he wasn’t able to keep up with lessons, a musical instructor sold his mom a discount keyboard.

This kind gesture led to a catalyst of self taught musical discovery and experimentation. Art quickly became a consistent safe haven throughout his inconsistent surroundings. Having an affinity for using his craft as an emotional outlet exasperated the amount of time he dedicated to refining his art .

At the age of 16, Clarence picked up the guitar and began what he calls “recontextualizing” - or in other words the “borrowing [of] chord progressions from old jazz musicians.” He quickly began developing his own sound using unique fingerpicking styles.

Clarence then purchased an old mac that came preloaded with a pirated audio workstation and immediately started recording tracks. Less than a year later he earned a cult internet following with his track “Ronson Princess” - which has since gone on to amass almost 12 million listens on Spotify alone.

The success and quality of his initial singles - and the unique timbre of his voice - have led to collaborations with Fat Tony and The Irons and seen him open for touring bands like Joy Again, and Luna Luna.

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Clarence’s next album, “WHY WOULD I MAKE PEACE WITH THIS DEMON?”, proves to show undeniable versatility. A complex array of perspectives that he is struggling to make clear within himself and the world around him.

While staying genuine, an attempt is made to transcend his own personal subjectivity and bias. This project intends to convey unity and “one-ness” in a world of chaos, opposites, and duality. Single "Flake" is an autobiographical single detailing his own self destruction and introversion.

Clarence confides, "I feel like the sentiment of the song is a popular one among my fellow neurotics. I've been struggling to navigate the mental systems that are keeping me from staying in touch with my loved ones. Personally and societally, strong community units are somewhat of a commodity. I personally tend to dwell on it and form bad habits centered around anxiety. These habits far too often lead to self destruction, and it’s important to understand the positive significance of relying on people.” 

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    (P) PARTNER :      THE MORA MAY AGENCY