Image credit: Rachael Baker @RWPhotography
Setting himself apart from the crowd with a visceral, embodied tone is Kansas-based Klay Cartier. Listening to his latest offering, a make-your-head-nod single titled ‘Good For Nothin’’, we were carried away by a whirlwind of precision. Anything but tame, the classic hip-hop drums slam relentlessly beneath the warmth of Klay’s timbre – Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore.
Stream / Download: Klay Cartier – ‘Good For Nothin’’
This young man is being talked about. Having previously featured in NOTION Magazine, WordPlay Magazine, and The Pit London, he has garnered early press support for his latest single from the noteworthy music publication CLASH Magazine. And today we’re adding our support. To mark the occasion, we got to know more about this rising name. Here is Klay Cartier:
When recording ‘Good For Nothing’’ how did you get into the zone?
Once I heard the heavy percussion and the guitar melody that we ended up reversing, I was instantly excited, I had this butterfly feeling, and I felt like I could really do something amazing to this.
Singers and producers often have different tastes. How do you negotiate decisions about the sound direction with your producer?
With my producers, it can really be a power struggle because we both care about the song and we both want the song to be good, but sometimes if not all the time we just hear a different version of the song that may be what we originally intended on when it came to the creation, ultimately we just have to compromise and find a solution that fits both of our tastes. Personally, I try not to be bratty so sometimes I can easily find a compromise and be open to change.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
I remember sneaking into my mom’s CD collection and just listening to ‘90s R&B and ‘00s R&B, and I would lay next to the radio getting lost in the music. I’d even write down my favourite lyrics from the songs. As far as music production, I’ve only started to dive into that recently since I’ve been more hands-on with my music production.
Take us through your list of dream software/gear you would like to get?
Definitely a Neumann U67! I’m a microphone geek and, to me, that’s one of the best microphones out right now!
What do you need with you when you sit down to write or produce?
My phone! I’m always recording different harmonies and weird sounds that I think would sound cool in a beat, so often I like to play those back to see if they inspire anything whether it be a hook or a verse.
What other artistic revenues do you pursue?
Besides acting and modelling, I write poetry under a pseudonym, one which I’m not ready to reveal just yet.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?
Performing and interacting with an audience for sure! There’s just a certain euphoric feeling when you’re on stage, and it’s kind of like you’re forced to live in the moment. You’re not worried about yesterday or tomorrow; you’re engulfed in the present.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Seeing the messages and comments of people who say that they can’t stop listening to my music. That may sound simple, but there were times when I thought no one would ever listen to my songs.
Name 3 artists you would love to collaborate with in the future
Definitely Drake, 21 Savage, and SZA.
Do you think music should provide social commentary and reflect the current world?
Most definitely. What would music be if it didn’t narrate the times? Music not only provides the soundtrack to our lives, but it connects us and helps us unite. I think it’s our responsibility as artists to stay as authentic and genuine as we can, so it’s very important for us to comment on what’s going on.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Currently, I’m getting into acting and developing a fitness series, so be on the lookout for that, especially with the fitness series, which will be featured on my TikTok.
One last thought to leave your fans with?
Be good to people even when they are not good to you.
Follow Klay Cartier:
Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
