Jefferson Clay
Texas native Jefferson Clay’s chill pop melodies have given the him quite the industry start. With over 200k Spotify streams between his 2 singles, both of which were released this year, the UT Austin alum is doing anything but slowing down. Using his advertising degree and passion for graphic design, he does all of his own artwork, website building, and most notably, writes his own songs. His debut release, “No Older”, has over 130k Spotify listens alone and showcases the artist’s eclectic indie acoustic vocals. Since graduating, Clay has stayed in Texas and continues to make music. He hopes to take advantage of the sheer mass of opportunity in the city, from the wide array of venues to talented artists. We recently spoke to Jefferson about all the aspects of his creative process, his musical beginnings, and more!
How did you start making music?
My dad’s a fantastic pianist and played in bands all over Texas while I was growing up. Even as a little kid, I think I could see the magic in the way live music was bringing people together, regardless of background, and I just wanted to be a part of it. I started playing guitar and singing in people’s general direction during high school, when I fronted an alt-rock band called The Know How (Check out our only EP on Spotify). I left the band my sophomore year of college to focus on school, but I kept writing. I started entering songwriting competitions, including one at my university, and won a few of them. Really gave me the confidence to keep going. So here I am, not utilizing my degree in any professional sense, trying to be a rock star. Truly a unique trail I’m blazing here…
“Used To” has an incredibly cool vibe. What was the inspiration for the song?
It’s about a relationship that needed to end so both people could grow. I tend to write sad songs and put them in happy jars. It’s proven to be a cathartic way for me to deal with emotional turbulence. So with “Used To”, you’re missing that person, but bouncing along to this summer-y jam and becoming the person you were always meant to be.
What are some of your favorite non-music activities?
I’m a bonafide dork. Honestly. When I’m not writing or producing music, I spend the bulk of my time watching true-crime documentaries, reading alien abduction stories, and playing a video game called Rocket League with my friends. It’s soccer with rocket powered race cars. Shoutout to my mentor CheesySweats. I’m not embarrassed to say I checked my worldwide ranking just now and I’m in the top 8% of players. LMFAO.
Describe your music in 3 words.
Trying really hard.
What’s your go-to location when it’s time to write?
The shower, hands down. No distractions. Great reverb.
It’s collab time: Who are you making a song with?
I’m obsessed with Alexander 23 lately. The guy has an undeniable sense of pop melody, and the sparse way he produces his songs really vibes with me. He never tries to do too much.
What future projects can fans be expecting?
I have 3 more singles queued up for the rest of the year that I’m really excited for people to hear. Was in the process of completing an album, but COVID-19 really put a stop to the collaborative studio process. So really focused right now on getting better at producing my own stuff from home. The ‘play it by ear’ strategy is the only one right now, and I’m sure most artists out there can absolutely relate.
