When interviewing artists, I always ask them their “music muses," AKA influences that are usually upon second listen, very obviously reflected in their final productions. It's fun to connect the dots, and also behooves us to know what our favorite artists are listening to – because chances are you’ll like their picks, too.
We first saw Fayetteville, NC’s Steven A. Clark come on the scene with his 2011 Stripes EP, and fell fast and hard for this guy who was recasting rhythm & blues into something both novel yet nostalgic, universal and cinematic. And naturally, we'd want to know: what does this guy listen to?
Wonder no longer you lonely rollers, because Steven has curated an exclusive, eclectic mix for us here at Earmilk, a beautiful little cornucopia of choice tracks that that possesses all the flavors of Mr. Clark’s complex soul.
He grew up listening to N.E.R.D – and pays homage to that here, but also gives a glimpse into his current mood, featuring the modern (yet still vintage sounding) rock sisters, HAIM. Add in some other chart-topping acts of yesteryear, and the playlist is “best in class” served on a silver platter – in the easily consumable form of a streamable link.
TL;DR: If you love this confessional, straight-talker and trailblazer, you’ll love the company he keeps. And because, it wouldn’t be right not to give him the look, we’ve included his soulful, catchy, “Can’t Have” remix - given an EDM adaptation c/o Ape Drums.
Check Clark out on his socials below, and then see when he’s coming to your town to grace you with a live show. Fellow New Yorkers – he’s kicking off CMJ this week at Rough Trade (10/13) and will be at Elvis Guesthouse (10/16) to close it all out. Full list of tour dates here.
His newest album The Lonely Roller came out last month on Secretly Canadian, and can be purchased on iTunes.
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