A go-to producer and songwriter for world class talent such as Sean Paul, Aloe Blacc and Chip, Claye puts the focus on his own creativity by dropping his new solo track ‘Murda’.
With ‘Murda’, Claye has delivered an immediate calling card for his solo career – writing, producing and performing it all himself. The track’s insistent island rhythms provide its first instantly enticing appeal, but Claye keeps the energy red hot. His smooth vocal delivery gives the track a crossover edge which unites his reggae roots with modernist pop, and the irresistibly catchy ‘Murda she wrote’ hook sticks in the mind after a single play.
Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Claye is now based in the UK. A classically trained pianist, he expanded his musical palette by teaching himself guitar and drums, and started producing reggae tracks when he was in his early teens. Although reggae is the beating heart of his sound, his influences defy easy categorisation: Timbaland, The Neptunes, Teddy Riley and Hans Zimmer.
An early break in Claye’s story came when he signed a publishing deal with Roc-Nation. Arguably the biggest moment of his career to date followed as co-writer of Sean Paul’s ‘Hold My Hand’. Featuring Timbaland protege Keri Hilson, the track featured on Sean Paul’s Grammy-nominated ‘Imperial Blaze’ album and has exceeded 50 million streams. You also can hear Claye’s midas touch on tracks from an eclectic array of name artists including Chip, Aloe Blacc, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Ky-Mani Marley, Busy Signal and Michael Patrick Kelly.
Now, however, is the time for Claye to step out in his own right. ‘Murda’ is the first taster of a new album that will follow later in the year, which promises to be his most explorative, cohesive and personal work yet. His live show is also fully realised, having played everything from reflective acoustic sets to full-scale sets brimming with energy and Kingston flavour.
Claye is poised to step into the spotlight on his own terms. And there’s no limit to his potential. Check out ‘Murda’ below!
We managed to catch up with Claye as he talked about his latest track and more!
So how pumped are you for the release of new single Murda?
I’m on adrenaline steroids right now! If there’s such a thing lol. Very excited, it’s beyond words.
Can you tell us something about the single no one else knows?
Sure! My 3-year-old son is the A&R! if he didn’t like it, it would be a myth lol.
How different is it to go from work with the likes of Sean Paul and Aloe Blacc to doing a solo project of your own?
Most of the approach is not different at all. I’m doing the same things I would do working with any other artists. The only difference is how I choose to tell “my story” as opposed to putting yourself in another artist’s world in order to paint a story for him or her.
What was your favourite moment working on the single?
This is going to sound bizarre but my favourite moment was when I “Finished” the record. It’s like that for all my songs because when it’s done, it means I’m satisfied, happy, ecstatic and all the other euphoric descriptions possible, because now the world can have it.
If you could work with any artist on a new song, who would it be and why?
Wow! This is not a fair question. There are too many artists I’d like to work with because they are super talented and inspiring. The list is long! I’d say ANY of the names below.
Maroon 5, Cold Play, J Cole, Dua Lipa, Stromae, Clean bandit, J Balvin, Ozuna, Nicky Jam
Are you still working on producing and have you got anything coming up?
Yes! I don’t think I can ever stop. When it’s not my music it’s someone else’. At the moment, I am finishing my album and a select few projects but for the most part, I’m focused on CLAYE
What do you get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
Spending time with my family. I love reading too so I read a lot of self-help books and I do airsoft as a sport.
Will you be touring at all this year?
Hopefully! After the new album release.