Singer-songwriter Clark Beckham returned to “Jake’s Take” to talk about “Year One” EP and his upcoming tour. (Photo property & courtesy of Quincy Jones Management)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is a pleasure to welcome back singer-songwriter Clark Beckham to Jake’s Take.
Earlier this year, the American Idol runner-up released his debut album, Chapter One EP. The White House, Tennessee native, recorded five unique tracks that showcased his impeccable musicianship and songwriting skills. Clark will also be showcasing his music to fans across the country as he embarks on his latest tour. The Chapter One Tour will visit cities such as Boston, Chattanooga, Chicago, Nashville, New Haven, and New York City, before ending in Los Angeles where he will perform at the Hotel Café on December 1.
In this edition of Catching Up, Clark opened up about the writing and recording process of the Year One EP, how he overcame the challenges that he faced throughout the next chapter of his career and teased what fans can expect from his upcoming North American tour.
Jacob Elyachar: It has been two years since you last visited the blog. How have you grown as an artist since we last spoke?
Clark Beckham: Oh man, so much. I’ve been working hard, performing and practicing a lot and am seeing it payoff. I can’t wait to show everyone on this tour where I am now musically and in life.
(Album cover property of Clark Beckham)
Jacob Elyachar: Earlier this year, you released the Year One EP. Could you please describe your writing process for this EP to my readers?
Clark Beckham: Year One was written in about a six-month process, but it was very sporadic. I would write a song and like it ok, then I would write a song and immediately realize that it’s got to be on the EP. I had more songs I wanted on it, but we had to narrow it down to five for the EP format.
Jacob Elyachar: What were some of the challenges that you faced during this new chapter of your career? How did you overcome those obstacles?
Clark Beckham: Year One is all about just that: my first year and the beginning of my career. I have a goal and a dream, and I know I am capable but doing this independently can be tough and sometimes unconventional. My biggest challenge for this EP was co-producing and funding the project. Being my own record label, in a sense. But God provided and we moved forward and I am really excited with what we came up with. Another challenge I had to face was that I’m incapable of releasing a musical project without it being perfect. I don’t mind flawless necessarily, but it had to reach its full potential. Which sounds wonderful but that can look like ten, sometimes 20 revisions on production, album art, et cetera. But, I do not regret waiting and getting it right because now I have something I’m very proud of.
Jacob Elyachar: Recently, you started uploading guitar tutorials onto your YouTube channel. Will there be any additional instrumental tutorials in the future?
Clark Beckham: Yes! I really want to do piano tutorials as well. I love teaching and sharing what I know.
Jacob Elyachar: Starting on October 24, you will be touring North America promoting the Year One EP. What can your fans expect from this tour?
Clark Beckham: I am very excited about this tour. I have added elements on this tour that I have never had before, and I am really happy about it. No matter how many times you have heard me live, I assure you, you have never heard me do some of the things I will be doing on tour. I am not talking about new songs (although there will be new songs I will be performing), I’m talking about a new sound and live performance element that I’ve always wanted to do but have just recently had the vision and put in the hours to add this to my live show experience and I am very excited to show it to everyone.
Jacob Elyachar: Why should my readers attend the Year One Tour?
Clark Beckham: Anyone who attends the Year One Tour will have access to the physical copy of the EP with the artwork done by the IMMENSELY talented Dexter Soy, along with NEW MERCH that I am really excited about and of course, I always love meeting and interacting with the crowd as much as possible to make each show catered to the room, city and audience that I’m playing for. Also, I will be writing a song in each city about a random audience member on the spot in the middle of the show so that will be fun!
For more information about Clark and his upcoming tour, visit his website!
You can also connect with Clark on social media by checking out his Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & YouTube channels.
