We recently connected with Cass Clayton and have shared our conversation below.
Cass, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
That’s an interesting question, because I enjoy my work, but I don’t place a ton of value on happiness. I know that sounds weird, but the pressure to be happy can keep people from accepting life as it is. For me, whatever mood I am is fine and it can be used. I mean, you can really suck the life out of a sad memory and write a beautiful song. Or you can also be happy and not be able to write a word. Creativity is a moody bitch. But I love her, and I really love the process even though it’s kind of messy.
I’ve had plenty of regular jobs. Before I was a musician I was a fundraiser. I raised money for a lot of non-profits and was VP of Colorado Ballet for several years. I didn’t have as much control over my time, but I liked it until one day I needed a change. I did lose some of my creative flow during that time, because when you get in the practice of ignoring inspiration, eventually the inspiration stops coming. This is unfortunately what most of our schools teach. So now I’m re-learning the creative process, how to trust myself, all the stuff three-year-olds know.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a singer, songwriter, band leader, and I own my own music company because that became essential so I could register and own my music rights along with collaborators. I became a musician because it came up in my reality as a possibility, and I guess that goes back to trusting the flow. A friend of mine had a band and randomly asked me if I sing. I really didn’t want to sing in front of people and had never done it. But I was curious and I never thought they would hire me. Then it took over my life.
I had a huge learning curve and I love that kind of neverending challenge. Even now, I listen to people who know better, read a lot, and obsess over details until things sink in. I’ve also written hundreds of lyrics that I threw away. I have no problem trashing something that isn’t quite “it”. I’m co-writing with Taylor Scott, who’s a brilliant writer and producer, and I’m really grateful for what I learn from him and the musicians in our band. We’re working on a third album now, and I love the direction the music is taking us.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The music industry is extremely fluid and I would say that nobody feels very secure as a musician. Everyone has to figure out their own model for success. A few years ago, we had our first manager, and I was so excited because I was doing everything myself and was completely out of balance in my life. But we went through two management companies in three years because what we needed was someone who would get down in the weeds with me and do the intense daily work. I mean booking, album promotion, graphic design, music videos, socials, accounting, pushing me to write more songs (haha), and a lot more. Eventually I met Eric Imbrosciano, who’s also our drummer. He knew exactly what we needed, because he’d been in the music industry his whole life. So his management company runs things for the band. That was a pivotal moment, because it allowed me to focus on writing again.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I’m always unlearning things. I think the most important thing I do everyday as a creative type is to not believe my own beliefs. Anything can happen, but things stay mostly the same for people because of beliefs. Almost nothing is absolute.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cassclayton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassclaytonband/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassclayton1/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cassclayton1?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiJRu4gyhx9yqjDkW8uRMSw