A conversation with Kurt “KC” Clayton
http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/3867/1/A-conversation-with-Kurt-KC-Clayton/Page1.html
By Nyah Nile
Published on 06/25/2009
Kurt “KC” Clayton realized at age 14 that music was in his blood. He has become a Grammy nominated producer, songwriter, arranger and artist.
 |
Kurt “KC” Clayton realized at age 14 that music was in his blood. He has become a Grammy nominated producer, songwriter, arranger and artist.
From Memphis to Nigeria and back
Kurt “KC” Clayton realized at age 14 that music was in his blood. He has become a Grammy nominated producer, songwriter, arranger and artist.
Clayton’s accolades as a professional artist have given him the opportunity to work with such legends as Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, and Academy Award winning rap artists Three-6-Mafia. Clayton is the President of the Memphis Chapter of N.A.R.A.S. and serves as chairman of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission Executive Board. The Memphis music mogul shares his thoughts on his upcoming trip to Africa.
Nyah: Tell me the excellent news so I can tell Memphis.
KC: (laughter) I am leaving this week for Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. I am going to work with a R&B/ Hip Hop artist named Darey. I was chosen to go over there to oversee this particular artist’s entire record. They have producers; however, they want me to oversee the entire project. The record company called me after hearing my diverse sound.
Nyah: Your opportunities in this music industry have been immeasurable and this particular chance is amazing. What feel and sound will you bring to this project?
KC: This artist has been really influenced by American music just like many international artists. We are going to help him accomplish a lot of things. We are going to give him a new feel - kind of like a heavy R & B and up-tempo kind of a Hip-Hop feel. We are going to keep it funky and, of course, we have to put some Memphis in there. We are definitely going to bring Memphis to Nigeria.
Nyah: This is amazing to me that they are bringing you in from Memphis to produce this record. Explain to me – even in the midst of everything such as the Internet, webcams, e-mail, and this technology driven society we all live in – why is it so important to you to travel to the distant lands to work with an artist?
KC: Well, because you want to build a relationship with the artist . . . . There is a big difference in a producer and a “beat maker.” I am a producer. A beat maker would probably just send a record over and whatever happens after that, is just whatever. A producer is someone who takes a hands-on role from start to finish. I have been chosen to be that U.S. producer that feels that pulse and will be bringing it. I am going to document this journey from beginning to end, from the time I step off the plane, to creating in the studio. We have had several conversations over the phone and the phone conversations have went so well that it is like he is my little brother. There is a term of endearment that they use, “emboya”. It’s kind of funny - what it means, it means older one, and that is how he feels about me.”
Nyah: (laughter) So this is your first time producing a record in Nigeria?
KC: Yes, this is my first official trip to Nigeria. I had to get all the shots and everything. I am just so excited about how I can infuse Memphis into their sound using the drums sounds and their vocal arrangements but at the same time adding a U.S. vibe to it.
Nyah: I know how exciting this has to be for you. What is another experience that can compare to this one in your career?
KC: Whew man…. It is just like me working with Three 6 Mafia and creating the Oscar winning track. Receiving the letter from the academy saying that we had been nominated for an Oscar was amazing. Another one would be, as you know, I am the musical director for a lot of bands and I had the opportunity to be the tour musical director for “United with Funk All Stars.” It now is called the “The Legends of Funk,” which includes The BarKays, ConFunkshun, Sugarfoot, The Ohio Players, Slave and also Charlie Wilson and SOS band. Tonight is special because we are getting reunited with so many people. This tour tonight is in Chicago. George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic will be there as well. This is the music that has shaped American culture, and I am happy to be a part of it. Being the musical director for the entire tour is a big compliment because these are all bands that I grew up on and admired. So to have people that I admire all of a sudden want me to lead them is unbelievable.
Nyah: Many people describe you as such a talented and humble man. How do you stay so well grounded?
KC: My family. I have been blessed to do what I do and I do not take any of it for granted.
Nyah: Where did the inspiration to get into the music industry come from?
KC: I was always surrounded by music. It was always in my house growing up as a child. It has always just been a part of my life. I have always had family that has been encouraging me. A lot of young artists do not have a support system. My family has always been my support system and it has been there in hard times. I cannot even lie. The respect for musicians is not always there either. And that is something we are trying to change also. You’ve got to look at it and see there are thousands of people that are behind the music. I consider myself the unknown, which means I do what I do because I love it. And I still know that I have to support my family so that means I have to constantly push myself and better myself. If I do not, then I will be obsolete.
Nyah: You have been fortunate enough to travel . . . you have worked on Rap, Jazz, R & B, Gospel, Country, even Rock records. How can others take what you are doing and appreciate it?
KC: To be able to look at life and music in a different perspective and in a different light is such a blessing. . . . When I go to these places I do not take it lightly. These people are allowing me to become apart of their life. That is something special.
(To ask Nyah questions or to check out more e-mail nyah@tri-statedefender.com)
 |
| Grammy nominated producer, songwriter, arranger and artist, Kurt “KC” Clayton, has his sights set on Nigeria, where he will R&B/ Hip Hop artist, Darey, develop a new feel. “We are definitely going to bring Memphis to Nigeria,” said Clayton. (Courtesy photos) |
Nyah: Tell me the excellent news so I can tell Memphis.
KC: (laughter) I am leaving this week for Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. I am going to work with a R&B/ Hip Hop artist named Darey. I was chosen to go over there to oversee this particular artist’s entire record. They have producers; however, they want me to oversee the entire project. The record company called me after hearing my diverse sound.
Nyah: Your opportunities in this music industry have been immeasurable and this particular chance is amazing. What feel and sound will you bring to this project?
KC: This artist has been really influenced by American music just like many international artists. We are going to help him accomplish a lot of things. We are going to give him a new feel - kind of like a heavy R & B and up-tempo kind of a Hip-Hop feel. We are going to keep it funky and, of course, we have to put some Memphis in there. We are definitely going to bring Memphis to Nigeria.
Nyah: This is amazing to me that they are bringing you in from Memphis to produce this record. Explain to me – even in the midst of everything such as the Internet, webcams, e-mail, and this technology driven society we all live in – why is it so important to you to travel to the distant lands to work with an artist?
KC: Well, because you want to build a relationship with the artist . . . . There is a big difference in a producer and a “beat maker.” I am a producer. A beat maker would probably just send a record over and whatever happens after that, is just whatever. A producer is someone who takes a hands-on role from start to finish. I have been chosen to be that U.S. producer that feels that pulse and will be bringing it. I am going to document this journey from beginning to end, from the time I step off the plane, to creating in the studio. We have had several conversations over the phone and the phone conversations have went so well that it is like he is my little brother. There is a term of endearment that they use, “emboya”. It’s kind of funny - what it means, it means older one, and that is how he feels about me.”
Nyah: (laughter) So this is your first time producing a record in Nigeria?
KC: Yes, this is my first official trip to Nigeria. I had to get all the shots and everything. I am just so excited about how I can infuse Memphis into their sound using the drums sounds and their vocal arrangements but at the same time adding a U.S. vibe to it.
Nyah: I know how exciting this has to be for you. What is another experience that can compare to this one in your career?
KC: Whew man…. It is just like me working with Three 6 Mafia and creating the Oscar winning track. Receiving the letter from the academy saying that we had been nominated for an Oscar was amazing. Another one would be, as you know, I am the musical director for a lot of bands and I had the opportunity to be the tour musical director for “United with Funk All Stars.” It now is called the “The Legends of Funk,” which includes The BarKays, ConFunkshun, Sugarfoot, The Ohio Players, Slave and also Charlie Wilson and SOS band. Tonight is special because we are getting reunited with so many people. This tour tonight is in Chicago. George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic will be there as well. This is the music that has shaped American culture, and I am happy to be a part of it. Being the musical director for the entire tour is a big compliment because these are all bands that I grew up on and admired. So to have people that I admire all of a sudden want me to lead them is unbelievable.
Nyah: Many people describe you as such a talented and humble man. How do you stay so well grounded?
KC: My family. I have been blessed to do what I do and I do not take any of it for granted.
Nyah: Where did the inspiration to get into the music industry come from?
KC: I was always surrounded by music. It was always in my house growing up as a child. It has always just been a part of my life. I have always had family that has been encouraging me. A lot of young artists do not have a support system. My family has always been my support system and it has been there in hard times. I cannot even lie. The respect for musicians is not always there either. And that is something we are trying to change also. You’ve got to look at it and see there are thousands of people that are behind the music. I consider myself the unknown, which means I do what I do because I love it. And I still know that I have to support my family so that means I have to constantly push myself and better myself. If I do not, then I will be obsolete.
Nyah: You have been fortunate enough to travel . . . you have worked on Rap, Jazz, R & B, Gospel, Country, even Rock records. How can others take what you are doing and appreciate it?
KC: To be able to look at life and music in a different perspective and in a different light is such a blessing. . . . When I go to these places I do not take it lightly. These people are allowing me to become apart of their life. That is something special.
(To ask Nyah questions or to check out more e-mail nyah@tri-statedefender.com)