Alt-pop artist CLAY (she/they) has revealed the details for her forthcoming EP, Waiting for God in the Garden, out May 24th. Today, she also releases the introspective title track and accompanying music video directed by Kanya Iwana (Erick The Architect, Chlöe, Lucky Daye). On the track, CLAY’s delicate vocals float above an ethereal backdrop as she comes to terms with the importance of tending to and loving yourself fully.

Tell us about “Think of You.” What’s the story behind it?

The song is about the first person I fell madly, deeply, and soul crushingly in love with. It’s a song that honors the love we shared and mourns the loss of it.

Your video is heavily inspired by Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. What prompted you to use it as a reference?

I absolutely love all of Luhrmann’s work. I love the worlds he creates, the heightened nearly magical sets, and characters. I wanted to create my own soft, romantic, and sapphic world and emulate some of his fantastical qualities.

What kind of story do you want your music and this video specifically to say?

I think that often when we hear break up songs there’s an underlying animosity towards your ex, and while I’m sure for so many this is completely warranted, I don’t share the same feelings or experience. I am deeply grateful for my ex and for the love we shared. I wanted to write a song that honored our transformative love and paid homage to it.

How does this new release relate to your last EP? Are you taking a different direction or is it a continuation of it?

This EP feels like a continuation of my healing journey. My use of music as a healing modality. It is a more upbeat and playful chapter of the journey, as healing looks so different for everyone and has such vastly different phases/colors/hues.

What are some themes you feel are necessary to explore for a songwriter?

While I have no authority or say in what other people choose to write about, for me personally I tend to write about the things that are too potent for me to speak. I often process my emotions in song before I talk about them (if I ever talk about them at all). I seek to explore feelings like shame, guilt, self-doubt, and self-loathing, things that we all feel but don’t necessarily share. The hidden parts are my favorite to explore.

 

What are some of your day to day practices and rituals to stay inspired and creative?

I have tried to cut out judgment of myself on a day-to-day basis and it has truly allowed me to see the world in a different way. If I don’t put myself down or filter myself daily, I can actually interact with things differently. Say “Hi treeeee” to the tree outside my window, dance around, and do what I feel like at any given moment. It helps creativity flow.

What can we expect from your 2024?

I am going on a 19 city tour that I am beyond excited for in May. I have so much more music in the works, but first my EP, Waiting for God in the Garden, is out May 24th! <3

SPRING TOUR KICKS OFF MAY 3

5/3 – Los Angeles, CA – Peppermint Club

5/5 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar

5/7 – Colorado Spring, CO – Vultures

5/9 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre (Studio B)

5/10 – Kansas City, MO – Tin Roof

5/11 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean (Downstairs)

5/12 – Columbus, OH – The Basement

5/14 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge

5/15 – Boston, MA – Rockwood Music Hall

5/17 – Washington, DC – DC9

5/18 – Richmond, VA – Get Tight Lounge

5/21 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5

5/22- Nashville, TN – Exit/In

5/23 – St Louis, MO – Blueberry Duck Hill

5/25 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge

5/26 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court

5/28 – Seattle, WA – Madame Lou’s

5/29 – Portland, OR – Mission

5/31 – Sacramento, CA – Scarlet Room

6/1 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent