What Writer Issue

Exposure - Ross Clark

Source: The List (Issue 606)
Date: 3 July 2008 (updated 14 July 2008)

Looking like the bastard rockabilly son of a Proclaimer and with a singing voice like a shot of raw Glasgow bluegrass, 20-year-old Ross Clark’s exuberant, sweat-drenched live sets have been getting him a reputation. He sings brainy songs about girls and going for a fry-up and his new single ‘Silversword’ is rollickingly brilliant with a natty litle trumpet solo. We like it so much we thought we’d get him in for a chat

How would you describe your sound?

Fucked-up country. ‘Country’ because I like my songs to tell stories. I just write songs about girls. I love girls. They make me happy and sad at the same time. ‘Fucked-up’ because . . . well, because we play it loud, I guess.

Although you’re a solo artist, you’ve got a pretty hefty backing band on your single: bass, drums, madolin, violin, trumpet...

Yeah. I always wanted to be ‘Ross Clark and The Somethings’. I don’t sit down and consciously write the songs – everything we play comes out of jam sessions and just grows like crazy. Everyone’s heard bands with the two guitars, bass and drums formula. Me, I’ll just ask anyone who can play an instrument if they want in on it! Why not stick it in? I just want to make big, colourful noises that make sound engineers cry! (Kirstin Innes)

Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Fri 4 Jul; Henry’s Cellar Bar, Edinburgh, Sat 5 Jul; Oran Mor, Glasgow, Wed 9 & 16 Jul and ABC2 on Tue 22 Jul. ‘Silversword’ is out now, see www.myspace.com/electricpolyester

More: Exposure, Ross Clark, Previews (Music), Country (Music)