Cautious Clay's Sonic Revolution
- Muzikscribe
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Cautious Clay, born Joshua Karpeh, emerges as a captivating musician with a unique soulful, introspective style. His debut EP, Blood Type, garnered critical acclaim, setting the stage for subsequent projects like Table Of Context and Deadpan Love, which further showcased his musical versatility. Blending R&B, indie, and electronic influences, Clay quickly established himself in contemporary music. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, artistic growth, and future plans.
Q: Let’s hop into this single / visualizer, "5th Floor (10PM)," co-produced by Raphael Saadiq and featuring Q-Tip — how did this particular track even come to fruition?
Ray [Raphael] was a fan of my last album Karpeh, and wanted to work together last summer. We made like 4 songs, and "5th Floor" was one of them. Ray is friends with Tip, and so we all connected on the song and Tip later (laid) down a verse on it 'cause he was inspired and loved it so much.
Q: How then does "5th Floor (10PM)" compare to or differ from your previous songs?
Take 3 minutes out your day. Listen to it, and make the determination for yourself.
Q: "5th Floor (10PM)" comes courtesy of your latest album, The Hours: Night -- Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
It’s inspired by '80's / '90's club music, and longing and nostalgia mixed in there. Yearning for that special person who comes and goes in your life.
Q: The Hours: Night is a Concord Records' project -- What particular string of events actually led to this signing?
This was a project I wanted to do, and Concord was into the idea.
Q: As a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from movies, audio books, emotional excitement / vulnerability, and pain.
Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?
I was 7 years old, and I started taking private flute lessons and that was prettty significant for me.
Q: Growing up in 'The 216,' who were some of your biggest influences?
Chip Tha Ripper, Bone Thugs...you mean locally?
Q: How do you define your style?
I’m a fan of layering, plus pops of color mixed with muted base layers. I like comfort mixed with an edge; I like brass necklaces and hand jewelry.
Q: What do you hope people take away from your music?
Joy, excitement and a keen sense of style.
Q: Dream collaboration — who would it be?
Frantz Fanon.
Q: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be?
São Paulo, Brazil.
Q: How do you feel about the current state of R&B?
It’s good; there are some great artists doing good stuff out there.
Q: What’s the key to your longevity?
Consistently and regularity with your flow.
Q: Beyond music, what else do you want to do?
Paint, and maybe become a part-time teacher.
Q: Biggest career moments thus far?
Going gold on a song I made in my bedroom, plus selling out back to back tours a few years ago.
Q: How do you interact with your fans?
I’m kind to them when they say hello.
Q: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?
The flexibility is good, but also the flexibility is bad.
Q: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?
Listen to your gut and stay focused, but be loving to everyone.
Q: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
With a house somewhere outside the country...with a wife and a cat and maybe two adopted children.
Q: What’s next for Cautious Clay?
3rd and final Hours coming soon.
Q: Any parting words for our readers?
You made it!
Twitter: @cautiousclayton
Instagram: @cautiousclayoffical
“Fade Blue (11PM)": https://youtu.be/q-_UCd3DlUA
"Art Museum (2am)”: https://youtu.be/WFwk9GYoA6o
“5th Floor (10PM)”: https://youtu.be/SkX_eW0av5o?si=Bq_zDX_nEL0cIGYg
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