"I think blues music is the bed rock of American culture, not just it’s music. This music helps people carry on and push through a lot of trying times. I listen to a lot of Mavis Staples when I’m down. I want my music to help people out the way her music helps me."

Nic Clark: Generation Z Blues

If you’re ever in need of a friend, simply put on the new studio album, Everybody’s Buddy (2023 / Little Village), by Mexican-American musician Nic Clark and let his uplifting and honest songs pass through those tough life moments. Produced by guitar-phenom Charlie Hunter in his new hometown of Greensboro, NC, Everybody’s Buddy is a reflection of an everyday Generation Z kid trying his best while facing unsurmountable challenges that most Americans deal with daily. Nic Clark pours his emotions out on Everybody’s Buddy, and there’s a dose of humanity every step of the way. Charlie Hunter (guitar/bass) and George Sluppick (drums/Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Morgan James) dig into each track with Clark for deep in-the-pocket grooves, punchy pop numbers, and percussive vamps.                               (Photo: Mexican-American musician, Nic Clark)

Nic Clark learned early on in the recording of Everybody’s Buddy to not count himself out, which turned out to be the name of one of the tracks (“Don’t Count Yourself Out’). He’s lived a hard life battling an eating disorder since he was a young kid. In his teens and ‘20s, Clark weighed upwards of 400 pounds. It’s a daily struggle for Clark, though he admits that his life is not all that different from many Americans. Clark lends his inspiring music to those in need by leading harmonica workshops and live performances at Denver Children’s hospitals, the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Bayview Opera House Covid-19 testing vaccination site in San Francisco as part of an outreach program with Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and virtual performances for various detention centers through the non-profit Bread & Roses.

Interview by Michael Limnios               Special Thanks: Kevin Johnson & Nic Clark

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

Blues music means everything to me. It’s helped me discover multiple ways of expressing myself to other people. I don’t have a background in higher education, and I think blues has kept me afloat in the modern world. As the conversation about mental health and other related topics become increasingly prevalent in today’s world, I feel like I have a leg up because of this music. Lightnin’ Hopkins talked blues music as a way to prevent suicide decades ago.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

My songbook is mostly made of songs I wrote for people I care about. My sound comes from all the things that excite me as a listener. I just try to incorporate them as I go along. My creative drive comes and goes, but if a song doesn’t feel helpful or healthy, I won’t play it much.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

A moment that really had an impact on me was at a harmonica convention. I was about 13 years old, and one of the instructors there heard me play a bunch of James Cotton riffs. He told me to “play how it is, and not how it was”. So, I played again, but this time I played with more vulnerability. The lightbulb turned on!

"Blues music means everything to me. It’s helped me discover multiple ways of expressing myself to other people. I don’t have a background in higher education, and I think blues has kept me afloat in the modern world. As the conversation about mental health and other related topics become increasingly prevalent in today’s world, I feel like I have a leg up because of this music. Lightnin’ Hopkins talked blues music as a way to prevent suicide decades ago." (Photo: Nic Clark, a genuine, heartfelt Musician of Generation Z)

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I wish all the greats could still be around, and live in a world that’s a lot less aggressive. It’s still pretty aggressive, but nothing like what they experienced. I have hope for the future of blues music, but I have fears about the music industry.

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

I’d change the entire way the non-music world treats the music world. Seems like it’s one of the toughest ways to make a living, yet everybody uses/needs music. Doesn’t make much sense.

What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I think blues music is the bed rock of American culture, not just it’s music. This music helps people carry on and push through a lot of trying times. I listen to a lot of Mavis Staples when I’m down. I want my music to help people out the way her music helps me.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I’ve learned not to judge others, I’ve learned to be accepting of life on it’s terms, I’ve learned how to find moments of gratitude, and I’ve learned how to dial in a fender bassman amp to get decent tone on the harmonica.

"My songbook is mostly made of songs I wrote for people I care about. My sound comes from all the things that excite me as a listener. I just try to incorporate them as I go along. My creative drive comes and goes, but if a song doesn’t feel helpful or healthy, I won’t play it much."

(Photo: NIc Clark)

Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Absolutely! There’s a bunch of young blues musicians that are attracting younger audiences. They just don’t play blues festivals.

I think that’s because blues festivals don’t book them. I don’t see Sunny War on most of the current festivals’ lineups. But she’s out there on the road, playing beautiful/fresh music that’s clearly inspired by Elizabeth Cotten.

Nic Clark / Little Village - Home