Check out our interview with Nashville-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Mcclendon who just released his music video for his track “You & I” off his debut solo EP Room 33.
Follow Michael @xMcclendonx
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Work in progress
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I started at a young age, in a band with my 3 older brothers, seeing them play and perform led me to it.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
To be determined.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Many people influenced me honestly. I fell in love with the world that being creative provided.
Once I started, it felt natural. It didn’t really feel like a question, you know? It’s always felt more like a necessity.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes; guitar, piano, bass, most things with strings I enjoy.
The drums on the other hand is something that has eluded me and I’m working on, haha.
Do you ever get nervous?
Definitely, I heard someone say “It means you give a shit” a while back, which I think is true.
A good bit of nerves keep you sharp.
Tell us about your new single “You & I?”
It came from a very raw and lonely place. I just had the recent privilege to create a visual for it with a great director here in Nashville, Josh Kranich.
What’s the story behind the song?
My projection can always mean something different to whoever listens, but with this one in particular it’s pretty direct, I think. Simply put – a story of loss.
Did you have plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
I have not, mainly because I want the first experience with this project to be in a live setting.
For some, it works great and online shows are really becoming something special.
I think since this project started in my head with a way to present it live, I’d like to see that come to fruition in 2021.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Always the next one that I haven’t made yet.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
It’s rewarding to experience a connection from what I do.
I think sometimes creating in general can be a lonely concept, even if most are surrounded by friends or whoever. For a lot of people or at least for myself, the birth of the thoughts or ideas can be debilitatingly lacking connection. Maybe because it can be difficult to explain what you (I) see or feel and so when I can finally get to a place of “completion” on the idea and then see it have the effect of others connecting to it or sharing in the feeling of that idea. People who you didn’t know existed or didn’t know I existed. That’s really rewarding. (Boy do I sound like a fun guy lol)
The technical business side can be the opposite, mainly because it can be exhausting.
What’s next for Mcclendon in the last months of 2020?
Musically, creating and forming the next project. I recently moved into a new space and it’s been a process to get up and running again.
What is your favorite song? And why?
I feel like a different person from one day to the next and definitely cannot decide on one.
Any loves other than music?
I do love reading, art and films.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Bob Dylan.
Best advice ever given?
Find fulfillment in the moment, not in the end game.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Honestly, mundane recently.
Name one your strengths?
I can carry all of my groceries inside in one go.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Honestly, never mapped it out. Each one is different!
What is your own definition of happiness?
A deep inner contentment within any given moment.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Do grapes count?
And your favorite cheat food?
Anything from a good bakery.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Being a dick to the waiters or staff.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully alive and creating.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Disheveled and Thrifted
What do you think of Social Media?
Necessary evil.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @xMcclendonx
Twitter: @Mxxlendon
Quote: “Fuck it”
Movie: The Arrival
Sports Team: OKC
Photo credit: Jesse Boyle @secndsun
