R&B singer/songwriter Cletus has established himself as one of the hardest working and most sincere artists in his respective field. Having performed alongside Stevie Wonder and written with the likes of Celine Dion, Chris Bottie, among others, his credentials establish him as a legitimate force in the industry. It is the passion and the effort that characterize and define the tone of his music and his soul. Get to know one of the most charming and genuine voices in R&B. He candidly discussed with us his influences, goals and challenges as well as what he has on tap for 2013.
Dylan Elizabeth: Let’s start with your background. Tell us a little about how, when and why you decided to pursue a career in R&B and Soul music?
Cletus: I guess you can say that R&B chose me. I grew up singing Gospel like most, and found a passion for that soulful sound - those great love and life stories.
DE: What is your writing process like and what inspires your music?
Cletus: Writing is what I love the most - creating the puzzle and formatting the melodic structure. It challenges me, and I love a challenge. Life inspires all of my music. I see it, hear it, and breathe it. I usually write about 4 songs at once - it keeps me on my toes and keeps my sound fresh. I try not to create a song that is too much like one I've already created. There are too many sounds in our world and too many words. There are endless stories to write - I love it.
DE: Tell us about your experiences collaborating with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Chris Botti, etc.? What do you take away (other than a great song) from collaborations and working with legends like that?
Cletus: Well, I only got to work with one of them personally; the others were a group of writers and composers. Getting to perform with Stevie was an honor. I truly learned a lot from that experience. I learned a lot from the others as well. Being able to work with such amazing artists, writers, and musicians helped mold me into the artist that I am today.
DE: Tell me what you have planned for 2013 an album, more touring?
Cletus: In 2013, I plan on making my mark in the entertainment industry. I'll have a few new albums coming out, lots of shows all around the country, and more exposure via radio and television. I'm also working on a few movies now, so I'm looking forward to a wonderful year of positive growth for me as well as my business family.
DE: Tell us a little about the other sides of your career. Do you still write and produce music for television? If so, what projects are you working on?
Cletus: I have been working on a few projects - they're under contract at the time so unfortunately I don't have the liberty to speak about them. Not only am I currently acting in a few movies, but I'm also working on two soundtracks and a few amazing commercials.
I try to stay busy. I'm currently creating Colorblind's "Keep Music Alive" Music Festival, which is happening in late May with Raleigh Studios Los Angeles. Over 20 different bands will be performing and the festival will feature some of the most talented musicians of today. Stay tuned for more info on this by checking out
Justcletus.com
DE: What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced and/or are currently overcoming?
Cletus: Everyone has suffered through the changing of the music industry. It's harder to break an artist or a new record - it has become quite expensive to really push a record out there, but I've also found that there are more avenues than one. Today, you just have to be creative - you have to live outside the box. What I mean is, you have to do almost everything today... you have to be a jack of all trades. You must remember not to limit yourself, because if you put yourself in the box, that is where you live.
DE: Likewise, what have been some of your defining moments or most rewarding memories of your career to date?
Cletus: The most rewarding moment for me is when I'm on stage performing... I get so much from that. It's also rewarding to watch my writing, singing, and stage presence grow stronger over time.
DE: What or who inspires and influences your creativity and artistry?
Cletus: All music inspires me. My ears are open to all types of music - I learn from listening, so I've become a great listener. Good music inspires me... put it in front of me and let me go.
DE: Looking back over the course of your career, how would you say your music and/or artistry have evolved as a result of the experiences you've had?
Cletus: Back to what I said earlier - the industry has somewhat closed it's doors and is not letting anyone in. This has definitely made me write stronger and perform harder. I believe that there is a right time for everything. We put in the work to develop our skills, and when and if it becomes time, so shall it come. The key is to be ready when that time comes so you can last within the industry.
DE: If you could pick a theme song to describe where your life and artistry are at this moment, what would it be and why?
Cletus: Not sure... I wrote a song that I consider to be my theme song called "One Life". It's about facing life in all it's greatness and in all it's pain, for it's in all of this that I learn and I become strong. These life lessons help me to grow, and with growth comes truth. I am only here to learn, to grow, and to be able to face myself.... to defeat pride, to face ego, and to be proud to be as small as I truely am. Music helps Me to see Me, and as I become more clear, I then can see You, and Share. One.
