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"A young and gritty voice that knows what it takes to move people." - Mike Eli (of the Eli Young Band)
"Fresh, strong lyrics and an outside-the-box approach to songwriting are what will set J. D. Clark apart from the pack of new artists trying to make names for themselves. One can quickly see that J. D. has the heart and passion that is required to make a lasting mark in the world of music." - Ryan Turner
At just 22 years old, singer-songwriter J. D. Clark is already displaying a keen perception of humanity usually attained only after many years of living. Clark is quickly growing in popularity and respect for his honest, insightful songwriting and his unique blend of styles that is something all his own.
“I don’t know where the songwriting came from,” Clark said. “I’ve always been writing in different formats, and music has always been very important to me, so I think I just naturally evolved into a songwriter. With that first song, I saw it touch people who related to it, and I realized I had found an accessible way to share my own experiences with other people.”
Clark’s songs are consistently soulful and intelligent, often combining characteristics of country, rock and roll, and folk music. It is a sound that is difficult to categorize, something Clark himself is the first to admit. “I don’t really know what to call it,” he laughs. “I call it folk rock a lot. It’s Americana, alternative country, roots rock, Texas country. I don’t care what people call it as long as they listen to it.”
While Clark may be hard-pressed to categorize his songs, listeners are quick to embrace the end result. Clark has seen his stock in the Texas music scene rising as he tours across the state, drawing acclaim from crowds and- an even tougher audience- other artists. Through a series of solo acoustic shows and coveted opening slots for some of the state’s most talented performers, Clark is reaching out and spreading his wise, carefully-crafted songs to as many people as he can.
Armed with only an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and a head full of stories and songs, Clark regularly performs in front of delighted crowds, displaying his uncommon wit, wisdom, and lyrical creativity as he examines the people, places, and relationships around him.
“What I am hearing more and more from people after they listen to my songs is that they appreciate the honesty,” Clark says. “If I’m writing a song, then you can be sure it’s about something that I feel very passionately about. I don’t hold anything back when I’m writing, because it’s the cheapest form of therapy I know, and it really lets people inside my head. My goal is that when they leave a show, they’ll not only feel like they know me but also like they know more about themselves.”
Clark is currently gearing up for the release of his highly-anticipated new full-length album, Part-Time Hero. Blending acoustic soul with rock and roll, the album takes listeners down a winding road of emotions, all the while offering Clark a chance to showcase why he is one of the best songwriters of his generation.
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