Clinton Sparks: Get Familiar

Let’s hop right into this brand new EP release, ICONoclast — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

It represents me and who I am and who I have always been, which is someone who does things differently and is not bound by the traditional way of thinking or doing things. I have always approached everything; from making mix-tapes to dressing to business, a little unorthodox. Musically, I listened to everything growing up and I always faced my “rap” friends making fun of me for listening to rock, and my “rock” friends making fun of me for loving Hip-Hop. I’m attracted to a feeling or an emotion. I get different feelings and emotions from different music. My EP is the reflection of a kid who listened to everything and has a lot of emotions. It’s why you can hear a rock record, where I talk about feeling like a useless piece of shit [“The Reaper,” featuring Snoop Dogg], to where I talk about a dysfunctional relationship [“Shut Up and Go”]…I like to create feelings, therefore it’s difficult to identify me in one genre.

On it, you teamed up with a variety, both old and new, of stellar artists; 2 Chainz, Macklemore, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, T.I., Sage the Gemini and TY Dolla $ign — Going into this project, what exactly was your entire thought process in compiling the actual “players” for the EP?

I didn’t have a thought process. I would make music based off of how I felt that day. It wasn’t  a “Man, I needed this kind of record.” It ended up becoming a well-rounded project based off of what I felt and created from that. I was really bothered by people who were fans of what I have accomplished in Hip-Hop, but would judge me for me making other music. At the same time, I wasn’t feeling the relationship I was in with my girl and I noticed the situations and feelings ran parallel, so I created a record called “Hanging Around,” which addresses both of these issues in the same song.

ICONoclast is courtesy of Photo Finish through Republic Records — That being said, is that your very own label venture? And if so, what are your future plans and/or goals for the imprint?

It is not my imprint. It’s owned by the awesome Matt Galle, who has a killer track record of identifying talent. And honestly, I wasn’t going to sign to any more labels after being signed to Interscope Records and receiving a gang of offers, but when I met with Matt he knew what he was talking about, really supported my vision, and was open to discussing new ideas. However, there will inevitably be a Clinton Sparks label, since I meet and discover way too many great new artists to not help bring their talent to the spotlight. Get Familiar.

Because you have already worked with a who’s who; Kanye West, Beyoncé, Pharrell, Ludacris, Fall Out Boy, Puff Daddy and Trey Songz, of the industry’s top tier entertainment, is there anyone actually left who still remains on your “wish” list?

I just like working with talented, open-minded artists. When we made “Bloody Mary” for Lady Gaga, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would use it. I approached that record visually, and knew that it was special and that she would know how to make it come to life vocally. The track is just so creepy and hard as F&ck! Then we put the big GAGA voice in there as a “Get Familiar,” bitches!

In addition, you are also a world renowned DJ, and you’re currently on the road through December — In having said that, what would you tell the “people” can actually be expected from your “live” performances?

I am always on the road. I just played in Taiwan, Japan, Shanghai and Jakarta. I have a residency at 1 Oak (Nightclub) in Las Vegas and I’m always on the road, in a plane, at a hotel or randomly walking down a street in Liverpool and ending up having dinner at the house of someone I just met. What you can expect is energy and fun. I love getting involved with the crowd. We are all here together to party! I am currently putting together a show with my band to start touring as a vocalist and create a show that encompasses everything that I am. From Hip-Hop, rock and house; to acting, dancing, beat-boxing and more! When trying to explain a Clinton Sparks show, I just want to just have to say, “Man, you just need to see it, I don’t know how to explain it!”

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

Clinton Sparks: At the time I didn’t see it (as) talent, but more of an interest. I was 10 years old, just a lonely kid in my bedroom listening and trying to make music. I would hear versions of (a) song, which at the time I didn’t understand were remixes, but they would have a break in the song somewhere and I would loop that part and start writing my own songs to them. I entered and won all the local talent shows as a dancer, rapper, etcetera. Fun times.

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

Teddy Riley was the guy whose music made me decide that I wanted to make music. His production would give me the chills, with his chord progressions and talk-box.

…Freddie Mercury [Queen] inspired my performing ability, and he, along with Rivers Cuomo [Weezer] and Gerard (Way) [My Chemical Romance], inspired my songwriting.

With that being said, how then would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?

I don’t really think my music fits into a current format or genre. I am big on the #NoGenre label, and just want to make good music. I might feel like making a R&B record one day with Trey Songz or a pub anthem the next with Dropkick Murphys and Logic, which I already have recorded! I like to create feelings and evoke emotions, whether it’s making music or DJ’ing. I want to make music people NEED!

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

Well, I don’t compare myself to other artists or see it as a competition, I deliver what I feel is sincerity, energy, happiness, love and honesty.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

Man, that would be an interview in itself! The answer is “yes,” but it has never swayed or stopped me. It’s made me be a better negotiator, talker, manipulator.  I mean this in a good way, knowing how to convince people to either get out of their own way or move onto something we both benefit from. I have a good understanding of people and their fears, insecurities, desires and agendas, because for anyone to feel a type of way, there is always something behind that. To understand how to understand has been my greatest lesson.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Anything from closure to motivation, depending on the song and what they may need.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

Staying alive and not letting anything break me. Life is tough and we get dealt shitty hands sometimes, but to know this, accept it and learn from it, and not let it own you but let it merely be a lesson or a moment in your life that can make you a better person, is an awesome thing. I am grateful for all the shitty stuff that’s happened to me…And while I’ve seen it destroy people, it has made me who I am today. I like who I am.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Freddie Mercury, because he is a genius.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I already played it! The Boston Garden in my hometown. To have your city watch you grow and become successful, and to hear them proudly claim you as their own, is the best feeling. So, performing there was incomparable to any other place. I also did Wembley Arena in London, and that was nuts, too!

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

I released a record online just to fans. It was a sendspace link that I didn’t promote or anything. I just posted it for a couple of days and it was a song called “Love.”  It defines me, because like most people I am broken inside, and at the end of the day you can have money, success or respect, but really what everyone yearns for more than anything is “Love.”

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention, that you would like to point out at this given time?

Well, I just started acting and filmed a movie in Arizona last month. I’ll also have a small role in another movie titled It Always Snows, that I’ll be filming in Nebraska in September, with Jon Voight, Brett Cullen, Taryn Manning, Kenny Wormald, Jay Giannone, Slaine and more.

…I love cookies and tea.

…I have a company called Islide, where you can create your own custom slides at IslideUSA.com

…I’ve written two movie scripts and 3 television shows, one of which T.I. will executive produce.

Honestly, this could get really long, so let’s end it with this: I have an awesome EP called ICONoclast dropping soon!

Lastly, do you have any “parting” message(s) for our readers?

#GetFamiliar

@ClintonSparks

By: Todd Davis