 An accomplished vocalist, spellbinding entertainer, and an in-demand songwriter, Pearl Clarkin is definitely one to watch. Named one of the top unsigned artists in the country by CMT by placing in their Music City Madness singer-songwriter contest, Clarkin regularly performs at the Bluebird Cafe and Listening Room and has performed at Milwaukee's Summerfest and on the CMA Hard Rock Stage during CMA Fest. Recently, Clarkin released her new single, "Fishin" and here answers her Essential 8 where she talks about the track, Macy Gray, Shania Twain, and more. Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? I have had many amazing mentors through the years… my musical mentors have been famous artists, music business professionals, producers and musicians. One of my first mentors was Macy Gray. I met her at American Idol Camp which was put on by Free Mantle Media. They chose a small group of young kids who had potential and talent to participate in a summer camp where we were trained and mentored by some of the greatest in the music industry. Macy Gray met me and told me I was a songwriter, I was 12 years old at the time and had no idea what a songwriter was. She explained to me that the melodies and stories I put together in my head were songs that I was writing. That conversation changed my life forever. With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? Actually, I had that with my new single “Fishin”. I wrote this song pretty quickly. I was in the shower when the majority of it all came flooding out of my heart and into my voice. People love to sing in the shower but I love to write in the shower. This song just came out and I knew it was completed when I initially wrote it, which is not always the case. Some songs you revisit and tweak a million times before recording it but this one was ready right away. When/where do you do your best writing? Songs come to me at random. I could be shopping or at a show or even in a meeting when a song Idea will hit me and then it completely takes over my brain until I at least write down the idea. I can have a structured writing schedule and I like that too because it helps me compartmentalize my songwriting urges. I can set aside a song that comes to me because I know that I have an appointment coming up, but if I don't write the song pretty quickly It will force me to set everything else aside until I write it. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician?
I have received a lot of great advice. One person I have really studied and had an opportunity to glean advice from is Michael Knox. He is one of Nashville’s all time greatest producers. I get to see him once a year at an event called The Producer's Chair and I will soak up all of the knowledge I can from him while I am there. Do you have any touring tips? The best touring tip I can give is have some fun! Touring can either be the most liberating part of being a artist if you let it. I have traveled with the Highway Women on tour and we always have the wildest adventures. Touring is a great time to mix work with play. What do you love most about being on the road? I love the freedom. Some artists see the highway as a ball and chain but I see it as a new opportunity to have fun in every city. When I was young my family traveled so much we joked about how I was growing up in the back seat. Now that I am grown up, there is something so soothing to me about tires on the highway. The subtle hum it makes is like a lullaby for my soul. I wrote a song about it that I should record one day. Who would you love to collaborate with? I would love to collaborate with my all time idol, Shania Twain. She is my biggest inspiration and if I ever even had the chance to meet her I would tell her about what a huge impact she has made on my life by being so beautiful, powerful and unafraid to express herself. She is a true icon and legend. Website/Facebook/Twitter/Purchase
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