Check out our interview with talented artist Friends of Clay who recently released his second single, “Growing Up” is an introspective look at how his adolescence has influenced his adulthood. The single is accompanied by a stop-motion clay animation visual, which walks through the various stages of ‘Growing Up’. “It’s about how one childhood memory can change your life. It’s also about grasping opportunity when it’s in front of you. Those that keep waiting for things to happen end up seeing their lives pass by faster than they thought,” says front man Clay Priskorn.”
The singer, song-writer, musician and director/producer is introducing his genre-bending, mixed media world through his self-titled EP, and the result is an indisputable signature that is evident both sonically and visually throughout the project.
Friends of Clay is truly one of a kind, and we’d love for you to showcase the incredible talent of this creative polymath and one-man show.
Follow Friends of Clay @friendsofclayband
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Hi Clay, please tell us a little about you?
I was raised in a small suburb outside of LA! I was introduced to music at a young age and knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started playing guitar in middle school jazz bands and was really inspired by jazz legends like Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery. After high school, I really dug into my songwriting, and developing my sound. I went to Santa Barbara City College after high school. I also wanted to study film. The combination of music and film formed my creative passion for art and allowed me to express myself through animation and my music.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Charismatic, Strange and Passionate
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’ve always loved music and knew that this was what I wanted to do in my life. I got introduced into the industry about 10 years ago while I was writing and producing for other artists. I loved writing music so I decided after a few years to pursue my solo project “Friends of Clay.”
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Unpredictable, Melodic and Emotional
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I think my Dad was my biggest influence. He got me hooked on music at a young age and it has sculpted my music career today. We would listen to the “Hell Freezes Over” record by The Eagles everyday while driving to elementary school. I remember singing and dancing to Joe Walsh’s “In the City” with the windows down at 8:00 AM on my way to Sumac Elementary!
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I started playing guitar at age 10, and learned bass right after that. Those are probably my two strongest instruments, but I also play keys and some banjo too.
Do you ever get nervous?
I get more excited than nervous. Every time I play a show, I get super amped. I am so pumped to play my music for people. Playing live is really the main reason why I love music!
Tell us about your new single “Livin Time?”
“Livin Time” is a song about a lonely dinosaur who travels to Vegas for an exhilarating drug-filled adventure. The song is a modern rock song with Beach Boys rock vibes. If you like the Talking Heads and classic rock, you will love the song and music video!
What’s the story behind the song?
I wrote this song with a couple of my friends about a year ago. We were jammin in my studio and I started playing the guitar line for the song. That really set the mood for the rest of the song.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
To be honest, prior to this year, I was making music for other artists and not really working on my own project. I think 2020 was a blessing in disguise for my career. It allowed me to take some time to hone in on what my true vision is for “Friends of Clay”. I learned how to do claymation during quarantine and it really helped mold the whole aesthetic to the project *no pun intended*. When the world goes back to normal, we plan on throwing a huge release party to celebrate the whole record!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
It’s really rewarding when someone reaches out to me and tells me that my music inspires them. There’s really nothing better than that. If I’m able to help someone who is going through a tough time, then it’s totally worth everything I’m doing.
What’s next for Friends of Clay in the last months of 2020?
“Livin’ Time” is dropping Nov. 6th and that really is the most exciting single I’ve done up to this point, in my opinion. The animation video is so wild and so much fun to watch. After “Livin’ Time” is released, I also plan on making some holiday content with all my claymation characters I’ve created.
What is your favorite song? And why?
“Stairway to Heaven” – I love to play it at Guitar Center in Oxnard, because it feels like home.
Any loves other than music?
I always live by the “3Ps” rule….Patience, persistence and pizza.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
John Frusciante after the debacle on SNL. One of the most legendary performances in the history of music.
Best advice ever given?
Never give up.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Wake up about noon. Chinese food by the pool. Listen to some Bon Jovi and play some guitar in the studio. Eat sushi at around 6, and watch the Lakers play at approximately 7:30 PST. Then sit near a fire and listen to Rubber Soul. Go to sleep after that.
Name one your strengths?
Creativity
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Fantasy football and a lox & bagels breakfast feast with bottomless mimosas.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Harry Belafonte “Jump in the Line”
What is your own definition of happiness?
Playing shows with my band
Do you support any charities?
We rescue pit bulls and help find them good homes.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love beets
And your favorite cheat food?
In N Out
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Chewing too loudly
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Doing the same exact thing I’m doing now.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Homeless chic and a lot of basketball shorts
What do you think of Social Media?
Necessary
Where we can follow you?
Instagram is probably the place to do it @friendsofclayband
Quote: “Someone sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago” – Warren Buffet
Movie: Django Unchained
Travel Destination: Florence
Sports Team: Lakers & Dodgers
