Mike Clay ft: Sara Diamond - Redcup (Single) + 10 Questions

There’s two sides to every story. Mike Clay is undeniably associated with the festive sounds of Clay and Friends but, with this offering he’s presenting a more soulful, sensual and introspective affair. Redcup is the lead single from Mike Clay's ‘’Morning Meditations’’ EP. After the success of their first tune together (Que Sara - 400k listens), he decided to set the tone by collaborating with Sara Diamond for his first official release.

This single and the EP as a whole are meant to serve as a morning soundtrack. Listening is recommended at the start of the day before the worries and stresses of reality set in. Sara's blend of soulful vocals, the smooth synthesiser melodies and hard-hitting UK-inspired grooves get the ball rolling. Whether it's spending the day in bed, kissing a new acquaintance, emptying a colourful bottle, riding a bike alone through the city, or planning an imaginary trip, the song calls for the listener to get in tune with himself. Welcome to Morning Meditations.

“The last time I made music with Sara Diamond, something pretty crazy happened. A small label in Germany found our song and put it on vinyl. The vinyl sold out…twice. Since then, a lot has happened for both of us. Sara moved to LA and I was busy touring with Clay and friends, writing for everyone but myself. We always wondered what would happen if we made music together again. A few weeks ago, we made it happen. Sara took a plane to Montreal for 24 hours. Redcup is the result. Goosebumps, sincerity, sweetness - these are the sounds of Morning Meditations''

Mike Clay sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

When I turned 18, I got a letter saying I got accepted into law school.  Before becoming an adult, I decided to leave for Australia for a month-long vacation.

I only came back a whole two years later.

I never went to law school.

Before buying that plane ticket, I had never played a single note of music in my life. Overseas, I got completely wiped out from picking fruit and decided to try busking with a small crew of people. Since I couldn’t play any instruments, I started freestyling about the passer-byes with the three chords I knew on guitar. At first, I was terrible but, when you spend 6 hours a night doing something you become decent at it.

That trip was a leap of faith. It changed my life completely and left me with the notion that anything was possible if I worked hard enough at it. I loved it and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. And so, when I returned,  I founded a group called Clay and Friends that does quite well in my small corner of the world. This tune is my first venture outside of that pocket.

All that and probably some odd mixtapes my dad used to make for long drives.

Anyways, welcome to my Morning Meditations.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Does anyone have Chet Faker’s number ? Nick Hakim, Yazmin Lacey, Kenny Beats, Greentea Peng, Marc Ronson, Danger Mouse, Kojey Radical, Ego Ella May, Jitwam, mndsgn, the list goes on and on and on.

To be honest, the reason I make music, ghostwrite and produce for others a bunch is because I’m a fiend for those small moments where I get to be in a room with a stranger and we make something that neither of us could have made alone. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s the concept behind my whole alldayjam series.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Redcup is the first single from my upcoming Ep called Morning Meditations.

Whether it's spending the day in bed, kissing a new acquaintance, emptying a colourful bottle, riding a bike alone through the city, or planning an imaginary trip, the song calls for the listener to get in tune with himself.

“The last time I made music with Sara Diamond, something pretty crazy happened. A small label in Germany found our song and put it on vinyl. The vinyl sold out…twice. Since then, a lot has happened for both of us. Sara moved to LA and I was busy touring with Clay and friends, writing for everyone but myself. We always wondered what would happen if we made music together again. A few weeks ago, we made it happen. Sara took a plane to Montreal for 24 hours. Redcup is the result. Goosebumps, sincerity, sweetness - these are the sounds of Morning Meditations''.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Soulful sounds from the island of Montreal. This single and the EP as a whole are meant to serve as a morning soundtrack. Listening is recommended at the start of the day before the worries and stresses of reality set in. Fill your cup and nod your head.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Recently, I played the main stage at the Montreal Jazz festival with my band Clay and Friends.  50,000 people sang our songs back to us. After over 1000 shows, it’s the first time I couldn't help myself from crying of joy on stage. But, at the end of the day, making a living out of music is a pretty wild accomplishment in itself.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Drink some water, call your mom and then throw your phone out the window. Social Media isn’t real life but it can help. Make something everyday, it’s the only way to get good. Don’t let your hard drives get too heavy. Go outside so you have stories to tell. In the wise words of Kenny Beats, when it comes to making music Don’t Overthink Shit.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I’ve had the Thee Sacred Soul’s latest record on loop, Yaya Bey’s tripped out soundtrack and Cktrl’s jazzed out meditations to calm myself.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

That's an easy one, you can hear my monthly selections right here or on my Alldayjam radio show on Brooklyn radio.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I buy plane tickets, surf as much as I can, take pictures on a cranky camera and spend too much time digging for new sounds. In all honesty, if i’m not making music for myself, i’m either ghostwriting or making beats for another artist (or catching up on sleep).

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

An infinite supply of water, decent wifi on my laptop and big windows to let the light in.