Exclusive Interview with Country Singer Clark Manson

Ohio native Clark Manson is entering a new chapter with his sentimental single, “Goodyear’s.” Following the arrival of his first child last year, Clark Manson’s style expanded from laid back and good times to nostalgic and heartwarming. A product of this pivotal time in his life, “Goodyear’s” connects three generations through tires and a truck passed down from father to son, in the most organic song he has written.

I got the chance to talk to him about how he got started making music, the story behind “Goodyear’s”, what he’s currently nerding out and so much more! Keep reading to see what he had to say!

Tell me a little bit about how you first got into making and performing music.

I started playing guitar when I was ten. When I was fifteen, I purchased a little 2 channel recorder and started making demos of songs I would write. I started playing in college bars my freshman year of college and fell in love with being on stage. 

Was there a specific moment or person that made you realize that music is what you wanted to pursue professionally?

I really don’t think there was. I just kind of always knew deep down as a kid that I was going to make this happen. 

I’m always genuinely curious about what artists want to convey to listeners with their music. You classify your sound as country, but if you had to describe it without using genre names, how would you describe it?

I would describe it as somewhat of a memoir. I always try to write about personal experiences and be transparent about who I am. 

Kind of going off of that, who are some of your musical influences?

Kiss, George Strait, John Mellencamp, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Eagles

Let’s talk about your new single, “Goodyear’s”. What’s the story behind this song?

“Goodyear’s” is a song that I wrote for my dad and my son. I have wanted to write a song like this for a while but struggled to find the proper idea to construct a lyric around. Fortunately, that all changed a few months ago when I took my truck to get a new set of tires. As I was waiting to get a quote, the guy at the shop asked me what kind of tires I wanted. I asked him what kind of tires were on the truck, and he replied, ”those were some Goodyear’s”. A switched flipped in my head and I knew that was a perfect idea for a song. I sat on my back porch later that day and wrote this song in about twenty minutes. I wanted to start the song by having my dad pass down his truck to me, and later in life, I would pass that same truck to my son.

Do you tend to write by yourself or do you like collaborating with other writers and artists in co-writes?

I was in a publishing deal for 3 years and co-wrote everyday. I think it burnt me out honestly. These days, I tend to enjoy just writing by myself and letting a song come together organically. Sometimes I start a song and wont finish it for a few days or weeks.  

Was there any major changes to “Goodyear’s” that happened once you got into the recording studio, whether it be in the lyrics or something sonically?

Absolutely. The song was actually recorded twice. We first tracked in Nashville, but it was a completely different direction than I anticipated and I ultimately hated it. We ended up going a completely different direction and recorded the final version in Columbus, OH. I fell in love with the new version immediately.  

Now that you’ve got this new single out, any plans for a new EP or full length project?

We have 10 songs that are in the pipeline and almost done. We will probably stray away from any full length projects, but there is the possibility of an EP. I want to make sure we are constantly keeping new music available for our listeners.  

What are some music industry-related goals or benchmarks that you’re aiming to reach in your career over the next couple of years?

Honestly, I have never been a goal oriented guy. Everyday I work to get better at what I do and to make music that I am proud of. As long as I am doing those two things, I believe the rest will take care of itself.  

Last question — we’re called Talk Nerdy With Us because we all have an inner nerd so what is something that you’re currently nerding out about?

I’m currently nerding out bad over being a dad. It’s the scariest thing and the most rewarding thing i have ever done. My son Jax is 8 months old and changes so much everyday. I am completely obsessed!

For more information, make sure you visit Clark’s website and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.