MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you Clay, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.
What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?
Clay Alston: What motivated me was probably listening to those old country classics on the radio when I was very young and picking up my first guitar when I was about 10 years old. Been playing ever since.
MuzicNotez: Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?
Clay Alston: Oh goodness, there are so many to name, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, George Jones etc. etc. I try to stay traditional and play the oldies but I have been known to throw in a new one now and then. I am trying to branch out a little and try new stuff, see where it takes me.
MuzicNotez: What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?
Clay Alston: In my career it’s always been about the FANS and making then happy and making sure they a great time at my concerts. If I can make them get out of their seats and dance then I have done my job.
MuzicNotez: With songs like ‘Sweet Sweet Louisiana’ it’s clear to see your connection to your home town of DeRidder, Louisiana and the fans there. Each year you put on a huge show back at home too, what can you tell us about that?
Clay Alston: That song was actually filmed in my home here in Morgan City where I live now but DeRidder will always be my Hometown and I have a home there also. I visit every chance I can get some off time. I have a lot of friends, family, and fans in DeRidder and I will always appreciate their support so I give a little back.
MuzicNotez: Your latest album is ‘Nashville Bound’, what’s the inspiration behind this album, and what was the production like?
Clay Alston: Nashville Bound is an awesome CD that we worked on for a long time and we had a blast working on it. I met a lot of good people in the industry while working on it. It was just a message to my fans to look out we’re Nashville Bound!!!
MuzicNotez: The latest single you’re pushing off the album is ‘Memory Lane’, what does this song mean to you?
Clay Alston: Memory Lane was wrote about a special person in my life and I have come to find out from my fans that it has touched them on many different ways. It inspires people with the loss of a loved one or people with broken hearts. I am just so happy we have gotten the response we have.
MuzicNotez: You are also the owner of Alston Entertainment, what do you all do there?
Clay Alston: Alston Entertainment produces local music events and puts on shows all over Louisiana. We have had some big name Artists at our shows too, like The Kentucky Headhunters, Jeff Bates, Doug Stone just to name a few.
MuzicNotez: I hear you’re quite proud of your tour bus! How long have you had it, and what else can you tell us about it?
Clay Alston: Oh yeah I am very proud of my Bus. I got her a few years ago in South Carolina. Not many of this one left. If you ever see it going down the road just wave.
MuzicNotez: What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future?
Clay Alston: We have so much coming up we are working on already for 2015. I am going to try to tour a little more this year if I can get away from the recording studios. haha
MuzicNotez: Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?
Clay Alston: Just want to Thank all my Fans out there for supporting me everyday and I hope you enjoy my music. Ya’ll Rock!!!