Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Growing up poor in the Appalachian region of the Carolinas always drew me toward folk and bluegrass music. I love country music, but I just don’t have a personal connection with much of what’s being put out today. I feel there are a lot of people out there who feel the same way, and my music is for them—the working class and the people who often get overlooked.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Seth Clement”?
A: My music is currently streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. I already have a full 12-song album and two 7-song EPs available to stream. To continue growing my fan base, I’ll be releasing a new single each month throughout the summer, starting with “Burnt Hands” on July 3rd and finishing the summer with the release of my album, “Northern Wind,” in October. In the meantime, I’ll continue performing at venues and sharing my music with the world.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: The artists who inspire me most are primarily older folk singers and songwriters, such as Townes Van Zandt and Glen Campbell. I also enjoy newer songwriters like Tyler Childers. Most of my inspiration comes from the natural beauty of the South. Waking up early in the morning, hearing the birds chirping, feeling the wind blow on a beautiful morning, and enjoying a cup of coffee are often the things that inspire me to sit down and start writing a song.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Burnt Hands.”?
A: “Burnt Hands” refers to a toxic relationship, where a man keeps coming back to the same woman even after he keeps getting burned. His family says she’s bad, and he even knows in his mind that she’s bad, but love keeps dragging him through the flames and hot coals. She starts the fire, and he keeps burning his hands because he’s playing with it. “Burnt Hands.”
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: I would say that my sound is an Appalachian folk kind of sound that makes people feel what I feel through my voice, as well as through my lyrics.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Burnt Hands”?
A: “Burnt Hands” was a song I actually wrote over a year ago, so it’s really nice to finally have the finished product ready for everyone to listen to. I don’t think it will be a dull song, and I feel it will be well-listened-to, so hopefully all goes well.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: The message of my music is to make the listener feel how I want them to feel. And for people to understand that good music requires tough situations for it to be written down on a piece of paper. I currently have a first shift job working in HVAC. It is what i have to do to make ends meet. But my end goal is to be a well payed songwriter so I can finally quit my daytime job and just focus on music.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I would have loved to collaborate with any well known songwriter probably “Tyler Childers”. To me his songwriting ability is really good and motivates me to do better. At the end of the day though I would love to collaborate with anyone who will make me better.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: My advice is ,, music and whatever you want to pursue in music is a journey it takes time, it takes practice; wherever you want to be doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in waves. Just focus on your craft and at the end of the day, you will feel better because you have given your 100 percent.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: I would have told myself (my 23-year-old Navy veteran self) to put more effort into my music and take it more seriously if I would have I would further then where I’m at today.
