The Clark name is synonymous with Gospel Music. Legendary Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and multi-award winning Clark Sisters have laid a foundation for countless aspiring gospel artists. This also holds true for their direct lineage. Rising gospel songwriter and producer Larry Clark is following in the footsteps of his Grandmother Mattie Moss Clark and Mother Denise Clark.
In August 2000, the debut release of The Clark Brothers’ album “We Need Your Love” was Larry Clark’s first release as a singer, songwriter, and producer. In 2011 Clark’s record company, Larry Clark Gospel, inked a distribution deal with Central South/Infinity Music. The label’s inaugural release was Twinkie Clark’s With Humility project which boasted a Top 30 radio single (“God’s Got A Blessing”) and a 2012 Stellar Award nomination. Now, Clark is set to release his debut solo CD Antidote In Audio Summer of 2012.
Antidote In Audio includes a wide range of genres; traditional, hip hop, acoustic soul and pop ballads. The project also features a duet with Twinkie Clark on the classic favorite “Soon and Very Soon” (written by Andrae Crouch). The first radio single “Promised To Stay” released January 2 and is impacting gospel radio now.
Get to know Larry Clark – Check out his Q & A session with The Bellamy Group
BGroup: Being the son of a legendary Clark Sister, one may think there is great expectation to carry on the lineage. Is this something you were trained and groomed to do or is your music an innate gift that evolved into passion?
Larry: Unlike The Clark Sisters, I wasn’t afforded the musical tutelage from my grandmother. However, there were certain imprints made on me by watching them sing, play write and record.
BGroup: With the Clark name, do you have a since of entitlement in gospel music?
Larry: To be honest, I never really felt that way. I only dealt with great curiosity; by me by me having this famous last name, did God expect something from me?
BGroup: What instruments do you play on this project?
Larry: On this project, I played Piano, Organ and Drums.
BGroup: You have become a noted songwriter. How much of your debut project did you write and produce?
Larry: I wrote every song on this project, with the exception of Andrae Crouch’s “Soon And Very Soon”. The entire project is produced, written and arranged by me.
BGroup: How long did this project take you to develop?
Larry: This project was recorded in a 5 year span.
BGroup: What is unique about your music?
Larry: I feel that my music is unique because within the pop gospel structure I fused my personality into each track. Usually an artist will lend a part of the musical expression to the producer’s personality. With my music, it’s all from my own musical perspective and spiritual doctrine.
BGroup: What are your expectations from the gospel music industry?
Larry: I expect the industry will size me up and I eagerly anticipate what the general public has to say.
BGroup: What is your contribution to gospel music?
Larry: I believe that God has given me a new flavor for gospel music buyers. I also believe that the followers of my family’s music will have another avenue for their ears to travel.
BGroup: Antidote In Audio – why this title and how does it summarize this project.
Larry: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the medicine and the vehicle that the medicine is traveling in is Sound.
BGroup: Besides the obvious Clark Sisters and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, who are some of your musical influences?
Larry: John P. Kee, Marvin Winans, James Moore, Doobie Powell, Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin and Steveland Morris.
BGroup: How do you want to impact listeners?
Larry: Two ways – I want to be a part of changing their lives through Christ and I want to inspire people musically and spiritually.
BGroup: What is one thing that makes you different from other male gospel singers?
Larry: Since I write, I have my own sound, the canvas painted will allow my singing to be scripted differently.
Visit Larry on Facebook and find out more.
