Essential 8: Jeff Clayborn

Courtesy of the Artist

Jeff Clayborn subscribes to a brand of organic country that can’t be replaced or altered.  A Texas tumbleweed with down-home roots, Clayborn sports southern swagger from his signature low-brimmed cap to his cowboy boots.  Brewed in a story and distilled in mystique, Jeff Clayborn’s “Good Bar Attender” is 100-proof country. The boot-stomping anthem is currently climbing the Texas country radio charts and here Clayborn answers his Essential 8 and talks songwriting, dream collaborators, and more!

Q: With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
A: When we finished "Acres of Sunshine," we knew we had a song that was original and communicated on many different levels.  I always wanted to write it for my Paw Paw and Ma Maw. Acres says exactly how I feel about coming home and remembering to honor family values.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
A: I am inspired by basic values; like family, nature, friendship and truth. I want to know what people care most about and how they wish they could express their feelings, and then somehow put it in to a lyric that is simple and also still open to interpretation.
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Q: When/where do you do your best writing?
A: My ideas come mostly in the morning….if I am solo writing, I want to be with Mother Nature.  If I am co-writing, I like to be where the other writer(s) is most comfortable….the “word smithing” come to me in spurts throughout the day.  I am a night owl.

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Q: What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
A: Write, play, perform and practice music for sake of art…as if you are re-arranging furniture in your house every day. Look for the joy of melody, harmony, and rhyme. Don’t let fame or recognition distract or fool you. Music is a great medicine. Allow it to heal you!  If you take great care of your music, your music will take great care of you!

Q: Do you have any touring tips?
A: Treat every show like it was your last. A professional is consistent over a long period of time. So, as if you’re starring in a Broadway show, be big and bold every night not matter the size of the crowd.  You are sold out every night!!

Q: Who would you love to collaborate with?
A: Lionel Richie and Garth Brooks. They live to perform and communicate.

Q: Favorite thing to do on a day off?
A: I like to hike and camp.  Nature is my church.

Q: Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
A: To write a film score for a great movie.

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