Following on from the release of his breakthrough debut single 'Safe And Sound', London-based singer and songwriter Leo Clarke is now returning to capitalise on his promising start with his sophomore outing 'Inspiration Information'.
Channeling the warm and woozy flow of acts likes Mac DeMarco and Rex Orange County, 'Inspiration Information' is a bright and seductive return for the frontman. With its laid-back grooves, subtle production, and his own lilting vocals throughout, his newest gem is the perfect accompaniment to kicking back after a long day at work.
So with the new single doing the rounds, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I really wanted to play drums but my parents didn’t want the racket so suggested the bass guitar instead. I’ve never looked back. Bass guitar carries popular music so much more than it is given credit for.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
I grew up playing in loads of bands and have worked as a session bass player, so I’ve always enjoyed different types of music. Writing my own songs has been a good excuse to try and roll as many of them as I can into one little package. For better or worse sometimes. My lyrics often revolve around my turbulent relationship with the creative process.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Soul music had a big hold on me growing up. I fell in love with the emotion and feeling poured into the music. The records sounded perfectly formed and familiar in some way, so they’re like a warm blanket for me.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
‘Just’ by Radiohead. We had a CD deck in the living room and I used to listen to that song over and over and over. I remember playing some serious air guitar to it when I was little, the guitar break just blew my wee mind.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lomelda’s new record ‘Hannah’ is beautiful and heartbreaking, so I’ve had that on a whole bunch. I recently got obsessed with Omni too. Their record ‘Networker’ took me to this perfectly angular post-punk haven. Then there’s always Dirty Projectors, but I’m pretty much never not listening to them.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I’d say at least half of them are about people in my life. Some good and some bad. I tend to write about interactions and experiences more than the people themselves. I’ve written a fair few love songs too but not quite been brave enough to reveal any just yet.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Playing on the same bill as Justin Bieber in London a few years ago, when I was doing session work. It was crazy how many people were in his entourage. Me and a couple of the other guys in the band also nearly stage invaded Sean Paul that same summer, but thankfully we were bundled off in the nick of time.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I really like history, particularly ancient Egypt, there’s something incredibly alluring about it all. I think it’s got something to do with getting an insight into a completely different culture and time. I also have a big passion for Ireland and Irish history. The English absolutely destroyed and controlled Irish culture and it’s kind of criminal that we aren’t taught the impact that it has had on the country.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I probably would have spent my life being a paperboy. I was a paperboy for years growing up and could easily see myself being one of those 70 year old paper boys, content pottering about the community with my walkman.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
I’d probably say don’t waste time looking sideways, just concentrate on creating music that makes sense to you and hopefully people will find you. It may take time but I think it’s so much more important to be making music that represents you and your vision rather than something that your peers will think is cool or will sell X amount of records.
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Leo Clarke's new single 'Inspiration Information' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.