JD Clayton is an up and coming country artist that needs to be on everyone’s radar.
The Arkansas native turned heads this past year with the release of his debut album Long Way From Home, and has wasted no time in getting started on his next project. While the details surrounding the project are yet to be announced, his latest single “High Hopes & Low Expectations” has set the bar for what is to come from Clayton, and is proof in and of itself that the Arkansas Kid has plenty of tricks left up his sleeve following the strong debut.
“High Hopes & Low Expectations,” released this past Friday, was co-penned by Clayton alongside songwriting veteran Kendall Marvell, whose songs have been recorded by the likes of Chris Stapleton and George Strait over the years. A dynamic duo of up and coming and established songwriting talent, this laid back country tune is semi-autobiographical for Clayton, as it sheds light on the mindset a small town kid learned from a wiser, older man in a chance encounter while chasing his dream in the big city. Ironically, or perhaps not so ironically, the relationship between the song’s protagonist and his mentor of sorts is not dissimilar to the relationship between Clayton and Marvel.
Clayton provided a brief comment on that notion:
“He has become such a good friend and has been so kind to me as I’ve started my career. It felt like we were living out the song literally as we penned it.”
Self-produced by Clayton himself, and backed by a band of killer musicians, “High Hopes & Low Expectations” showcases an acoustically driven yet comprehensive sound heavily inspired by the some of Claytons biggest influences like James Taylor.
Sonically smooth with a toe-tapping back beat and catchy cadence that makes for easy listening, Clayton has added another heater one to his growing catalog. He says:
“It tells a really cool story and I especially love some of the word choices in the lyrics…‘Whiskey wisdoms poured over ice’…it feels like dark chocolate, honey butter, and hot coals in a cast iron stove in a library. I mean, come on! I am still learning to live every day with high hopes and low expectations.”
Check out Clayton’s brand track “High Hopes & Low Expectations” below:
“I finally found my golden ticket
A ferry ride to western skies
I left my home and the life I loved
To become a man that I could be proud of
I sat beside this older fella
I guess he saw the fool in me
I didn’t pay for his advice
But whiskey wisdoms poured out over ice”
If you’re not familiar with Clayton’s music yet, here are a few must-listens from his catalog that everyone should check out.
“American Millionaire”
“Goldmine”
“Twenty-Two”
And if you like what you’re hearing, make sure to catch JD Clayton live next time he comes near your town. While he only has a handful of upcoming dates announced at the moment, I am sure that is bound to change as new details surrounding new music emerge in the coming months.
Keep an eye out on his touring schedule in the meantime, and see below for what he already has on the horizon.
4/25 – Rialto Square Theatre – Joliet, IL*
4/26 – The Factory – Chesterfield, MO*
5/3 – Alabama Strawberry festival – Cullman, AL
5/12 – Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival – San Diego, CA
5/17 – FreshGrass Bentonville – Bentonville, AR
6/21 – Public House – Crested Butte, CO
*Supporting Ashley McBryde
