On Thursdays Del Osei-Owusu sits down with an artist on the FOTN radar and shares a pack of biscuits and a cuppa with them while they tell their story.
This week, it’s the turn of Alain Clark.He brought these amazing pistachio flavored chocolate chip ones from LINNICK in Amsterdam.
Hello Alain how are you?
I’m in a very good place, thank you.
Congratulations on the release of “Pressed Out Emotions” how does it feel?
It feels very nice for it to be out there. This song has brought everybody involved in the creation and recording process so much joy. It made such an incredible journey from its conception in a studio in cold Amsterdam, to having legendary players put their magic on it in sunny LA a few months later. I’m pleased it’s out there for other people to hopefully tap into some of that same joy.
What’s the story behind the song?
David Michael Ott and I were in a writing session in Amsterdam when our friend and very talented artist/ songwriter Adiv flew in from California to work with us for a few days. Pressed Out Emotions is a song that just happened. I remember it came to us thirty minutes before we had our dinner reservation at a restaurant around the corner from the studio. We ended up showing up late for dinner, but we knew we caught a real vibe.
For as far as the meaning of the song; I’ll leave that up to the listeners to decide.
You are an artist from Netherlands, how did it all begin for you?
I’ve dreamt of being in studios and on stages for as long as I can remember.
My first professional moves began when I moved from Amsterdam to LA for three years after I finished high school. I found out through grinding and non stop songwriting that time eventually pays its respect in the shape of opportunities. For me that was going back to The Netherlands for a while to write and produce for some local artists. That in turn gave me the clout and confidence to invest in- and produce my own record which ended up doing really well.
Now the opportunities seemed to have migrated back to the US. My motto is: ‘Follow the music.’
What did you listen to growing up?
The musical diet in a household with two parents, two sisters and myself was quite varied. From the “STAX-soul” out of my dad’s record player to “The Beatles” and seventies contemporary on Mom’s radio. Then 80s hiphop from one sister’s room against early house, Prince and George Michael from the other’s.
I glued it all together blasting Michael Jackson from my blown out Sony speakers.
You’ve opened for some incredible artists in the past, what’s been a pinch me moment for you?
At one show where my band and I opened for Diana Ross, I got a chance to sing a song with Miss Ross at the end of her set. During soundcheck when we were rehearsing the song, she started laughing as I walked down the big stage-stairs towards her while singing my verse.
After the song ended she apologised saying: ‘Sorry I laughed, but you reminded me of Marvin.’
My friends tell me I’ve changed since that day.
Who did you learn from the most?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have had so many beautiful chapters in growing as a person and as a creative. In each case, growth has come through being around people who challenged me. Not always in the obvious categories of music, but more so in life. I believe the music we make as artists is a reflection of who we surround ourselves with. Too many people to thank for so many valuable lessons. (And counting)
You started out by performing with your father’s cover band, what was your favourite song to perform with them?
I used to love to sing Otis Redding’s version of Hard To Handle’ with them. The four horns stacked out and powerful, the roaring sound of the B3 hammond and that sweet lick on the pick scarred Strat! Still warms my heart when I think about that old warm sonic soup.
You split your time between Amsterdam and LA. What are your three favourite things about each city?
LA has everything for every mood any time you need it. I love how that city allows you to submerge in any particular frequency with an endless supply of talented counterparts to support you. For the good and the bad, LA always inspires me.
I love Amsterdam for its depth in history and culture. I own a studio in the heart of the city, right by the canals. To be able to walk around this multi cultured and very creative vibe of a city is a real blessing to me. There are so many visual stimulating reminders (for example in the architecture) that our imagination is a very powerful conduit to manifestation.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Everything really. I always look to mix up the diet.
But since we get to promote a few names: Cleo Sol, Malia, Clairo, Adiv, Aneesa Strings, Nikka Costa, Avery Sunshine…
Tell your playlist I said ‘you’re welcome’ lol!
What are you looking forward to next?
I’m very enthused for all the music that we wrote to come out. I’m planning to release a song every month for the next six months.
Somewhere at the end of my limited eyesight is getting the band on the bus and hit the cities with groove and love laden set lists!
