JD Clayton, a country artist hailing from Arkansas, blends traditional country with folk and roots-rock influences. His musical journey began with a guitar passed down from his grandfather and expanded to include piano, drums, banjo, harmonica, and even the ukulele. While studying at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Clayton honed his craft as a singer-songwriter, performing locally to build his confidence and experimenting with his sound. He also made frequent trips to Nashville, where he began recording the songs that would lay the foundation for his debut album and career.
In this exclusive interview, JD Clayton shares his creative process, the inspiration behind his latest album Blue Sky Sundays, and the stories that have shaped his music.
A Journey of Growth and Inspiration
Clayton’s passion for music ignited during high school, culminating in a pivotal performance at his graduation. Later, he refined his skills at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, where he deepened his exploration of songwriting and performance. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Clayton’s resilience shone through. Taking a landscaping job in Nashville, he found inspiration amidst the city’s greenery, leading to the creation of several EPs and eventually his debut album, Long Way From Home in 2023.
Clayton’s sophomore album, Blue Sky Sundays, is set to release on February 28 and showcases his unique blend of country, folk, and roots-rock, with a mix of soulful covers and original songs. The title reflects the joy and clarity he’s found since returning to his hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and becoming a father.
The Making of Blue Sky Sundays
Recorded at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville, Blue Sky Sundays is a vibrant blend of country, folk, and roots-rock influences. The album features soulful covers of Tracy Chapman and Lynyrd Skynyrd alongside original tracks that explore themes of love, hope, and self-discovery. Clayton describes the album as a reflection of the joyful clarity he’s found since returning to Arkansas and embracing fatherhood.
Fans can stream or purchase “Dirt Roads of Red” today at this link, pre-order or pre-save Blue Sky Sundays ahead of its February release right here, and be sure to check out Clayton’s previously-released Blue Sky Sunday singles “Let You Down,” “Dance Another Dance,” and “High Hopes & Low Expectations” at their respective links.
Behind the Songs: The Stories that Shine
In Blue Sky Sundays, Clayton’s storytelling shines through. Here’s what he shared about some of the standout tracks:
“Dance Another Dance”
This track was inspired by a real-life office romance that sounds like something out of a movie. Clayton described the situation between an office manager and a coworker, “He liked this girl. The girl liked him. They both knew it, but neither one ever said anything, and the guy never made a move.” She left for Colorado, and he realized he’d made a mistake. He flew out to win her back, and Clayton ended up singing at their wedding. Sometimes all it takes is asking for a second chance.
When asked about his songwriting process, JD Clayton shared that this was one of the first songs he approached by prioritizing the lyrics over the music. He noted that it was a departure from his usual method but one that he enjoyed, appreciating how it allowed the story to take shape in a unique way. While it isn’t a traditional love story, he believes it carries a message that will resonate with listeners.
“High Hopes & Low Expectations”
Among the standout tracks is “High Hopes & Low Expectations,” co-written with Kendell Marvel, known for hits with Chris Stapleton. Clayton describes the song as autobiographical, capturing his journey to Nashville with dreams of “making it” while maintaining a realistic perspective.
Clayton reflected on the unique experience of co-writing with Marvel, emphasizing how collaborating introduces fresh perspectives and insights. He explained that working with another writer brings empathy into the process, allowing you to hear your own voice and ideas through someone else’s viewpoint—something that doesn’t happen when writing solo. In this case, Kendell’s experience and wisdom as a seasoned songwriter influenced the session. Clayton started writing from his perspective as a young man reflecting on his journey but gained a deeper understanding by seeing life through Kendell’s eyes. He noted that co-writing is a valuable practice because it reshapes your perspective in unexpected and meaningful ways.
“Dirt Roads of Red”
Clayton shared that the inspiration for his song “Dirt Roads of Red” came during a golf outing in Nashville, where a friend joked about wishing the streets of gold in heaven were red dirt roads like those in Georgia. The comment resonated with him, and he went home to write the song in just 45 minutes. As the son of a preacher, Clayton noted that writing about the afterlife felt like second nature to him.
“Dirt Roads of Red” Official Video
“Goodnight”
The song “Goodnight” holds deep personal significance for JD Clayton, capturing his emotions about being away from his family. Having spent much of his daughter’s early years on the road, Clayton wrote the song as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for his family and the moments they share together.
Blue Sky Sundays Full Track Listing
- Let You Down – JD Clayton
- Dirt Roads of Red – JD Clayton
- Madelene – JD Clayton
- Slow & Steady – JD Clayton
- Arkansas Kid – Al Kooper, Ronnie Van Zant, Robert Burns
- Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman
- High Hopes & Low Expectations – JD Clayton, Kendell Marvel
- Dance Another Dance – JD Clayton
- Goodnight – JD Clayton
A Day in the Life: JD Clayton’s Creative Process
JD Clayton’s songwriting process is as diverse as his musical influences, driven by a commitment to follow what inspires him in the moment. He believes that letting inspiration guide his approach makes each writing session more productive and meaningful. Whether it’s sitting at the piano with a cup of coffee, strumming the guitar, or jotting ideas in a coffee shop with pen and paper, Clayton allows his mood to dictate his method, ensuring his creativity flows naturally.
When asked about his preference for starting with lyrics or letting the music guide him, JD Clayton compared it to choosing what shirt to wear, explaining that it often depends on the day. He shared that writing lyrics without music encourages a deeper focus on the message, making it a challenging yet rewarding process.
What’s Next for JD Clayton?
When asked what’s next, JD Clayton shared that this is just the beginning of his musical journey. With only two albums under his belt and a steady flow of new songs being written daily, he’s eager to continue sharing his music with audiences for years to come. Grateful to be pursuing his passion as a career, Clayton looks forward to all that lies ahead in his evolving artistry.
Fans won’t have to wait long for more from Clayton, as he and his band are starting to announce new tour dates. On February 19, he’ll perform at the 1884 Lounge in Memphis, Tennessee, followed by a stop in West Yellowstone, Montana, on March 7 for the Wild West Winter Block Party.
For more information on JD Clayton, visit https://jdclaytonofficial.com/.
