We had the good fortune of connecting with Gus Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gus, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As an independent musician, it is entirely dependent on risk taking. You have to believe in yourself enough to bet on you, your talent, and work ethic. Every step is riskier than the last. Not being afraid to invest in yourself is key, but its frightening as poor folks to pony up more and more money for a van, equipment, albums, PR agencies, and merch. The deeper you get the higher the risk. It’s a stressful industry with very tight margins and continuing to have enough faith that it will all “pay off” is a struggle. That’s why every interaction with someone is so important. Every time someone comes to me after a show or sends me a message telling me how much they connected, how important what I do is, every word of encouragement means so much. All of the people who put us up in their homes, or offer business help, or a meal, make all the difference. Without great risk there is no great reward, it’s just a bit different when it’s all on yourself and your own work ethic. If I succeed, I have a lot of folks to thank, but if I fail, it’s only me to blame. All you can do is keep believing in your self, your talents, your work ethic, and the kindness and support of others. I think there are people that start businesses or music careers that maybe have money or come from money, and maybe for them there is a bit less pressure, but for me the cold hard financial reality dictates that I keep hustling everyday. The more people that sign on to work with me, the greater my responsibilities are and the more people I have to make sure I don’t let down. Still I couldn’t do it without them. In any business, you have to take risks, ask an investor or venture capitalist The difference with music is that you’re risking your heart, your soul, your identity, and your reputation. It can feel overwhelming, but ultimately its worth it. Its not a life for everyone, but I know, if im gonna bet on one thing, it’s myself.

(let me know if you want further clarification or want me to answer any other questions, thank you)
-Gus Clark

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I sing and write music that is from another era. Music that strives to be universal and connect with regal working people. It has always been important to me to study and know the tradition of American music well enough that I feel I have some thing worth while to contribute, and though I grew up with good country music, there is always more to learn and skills to be honed. The world of independent country music is hard: it’s a small (but growing) market and the music business in general is a tough industry. Defining your success can’t be purely financial, its something I do because I am possessed to. It’s in my heart and soul and when you tether your business and your career to your identity it’s a risky move. I think the pandemic was really hard on a lot of us creative people because of that. We thrive on the daily validation of connecting with people on a very spiritual and universal level. Music deals with the hardest and most emotional parts of life. The thing is, the music itself is just like the industry, and life in general; there will always be new challenges, new successes and new failures, new opportunities and new disappointments, I persevere because really, giving up is not an option. We lean on each other and I am so grateful to be in an industry, and more specifically a genre, where people are so supportive of each other. Like boats on the sea, when the tide comes in, we all rise together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
well, I don’t actually know the city that well, but I always enjoy Magnolia Motor Lounge, Lola’s, The Doublewide and Freds TX Cafe. I usually look for the Mexican restaurants and trucks with the least amount of English on the sign and im not disappointed.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank all my friends, family, band mates, anyone who has helped record me, put us up for a night on the road, bought us a drink or a meal, asked for a photo or autograph, has covered my songs, has shown my music to friend, come to a show, taken photos of me and my band, written a review, booked us a show, lent us gear, bought merchandise or a record, done graphic work or fan art, and of course god. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Website: gusclarkmusic.com

Instagram: @gusclarkmusic

Facebook: Gus Clark Music

Youtube: Gus Clark & The Least Of His Problems

Other: my music is available on all music streaming platforms

Image Credits
Connie Aramaki Daniel Zetterstrom Taylor Washburn Nathan Poppe Marta Konstacky Michael Schoenfeld (I can let you know what name goes with what)

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