Get to know... Clint Riddle

Clint Riddle has developed quite a reputation as a guitarist in our region, playing with plenty of respected musicians and getting good chances to record or hit the road. He has spent time with Arlo McKinley and other songwriters, as well as playing lead with popular country cover artists. Clint is well-liked, well-traveled and well-rounded, so it's no surprise he stays busy and in-demand. He has a new album coming out, his first attempt at solo recording, and it's definitely worth checking out - there are two songs on his Spotify page that give you a great idea what it has to offer. If you're used to seeing him play country classics, though, you may be in for a surprise. Take a few moments and get to know more about guitar player (and singer-songwriter, recording artist) Clint Riddle. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I decided music was going to be a big part of my life when i was around 12. Both my parents were band directors so i was always around music. My first band I was obsessed with was the Beatles in third grade. I first got involved in playing in front of people through playing at church at Wesley Memorial Methodist in Decatur, Alabama and Pleasant Grove Baptist in Courtland, Alabama. Around the age of 15, I was playing on a TV show in Athens, Alabama called 'Cooper and Company' and ended up getting an endorsement from Gibson Guitars. A guy at my church worked for the paper and did an article on me getting the endorsement and I met a few older musicians through that article and pretty soon we formed a band called Ahead of the Wake. We started playing a lot of bars and stuff and I'm 16. After i got a taste of being able to play music all night with my friends and get paid for it, there was no going back." Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "My current project is a first for me. I've been mainly a lead electric guitar player all my life, but my new main project is my first solo album. I've always wrote songs, but never actually just by myself with me singing, so this is kind of terrifying. My main bands I've been in have been Ahead of the Wake in Decatur, Alabama, and The Twang Bangers. When I moved to Tennessee, I joined The Twang Bangers and we still play. Here recently, I've been on multiple tours with Arlo McKinley. I play in a ton of different bands in the meantime and would love to play some solo shows (I have my own band)." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "Music to me is everything. All my closest friends are somehow involved in music. There's a lot of different aspects of being a musician, you can focus on your instrument and try and just keep getting better, or you can try and write songs and get some kind of feeling or thought across. I'm usually satisfied focusing on balancing those two things. I don't know really what makes me want to play anymore, I just know i love it and have to do it to be happy." How would you describe your music (band/project)? "I would describe my music as 'Indie Jam.' It's cool indie chords with simple melodies and guitar solos. Lyrically, I just try and write about real things in my life. I also try and leave space in my songs for improvisation; I see myself with a band being able to really explore the songs like the Grateful Dead or Phish do. This album is really just me trying to find my voice singing and as a songwriter. If you like Mac Demarco, Malcom Todd, Porches, Eyedress, Tame Impala, Pavement, or Jimi Hendirx, I think you'll like my music." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "Yes, I see myself performing music or just being involved with music as a career for as long as I can. I give lessons at Music Doctors in Kingsport and have some fantastic students and really enjoy teaching. I've been giving lessons since high school and unless something drastically changes, I see myself doing it forever." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I have other interests: I love gaming, reading, watching college sports and, recently, cooking. I have no other talents. I wish I could skateboard like Rodney Mullins." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "Local influences would be Tyler McCoy, Wes Holtsclaw, Seth Thomas, Chad Light, Matt Bottcher, Isacc Ratliff, Andrew Gibbens, James West, Josh Cavander, Drew McGinn… I'm sure there's more. Worldwide influences would be Jimi Hendrix, Stephen Malkmus, Mac Demarco, Porches, BOYO, J.W. Francis, Worn Tin, Toro y Moi, Arlo McKinley, Jerry Garcia, Spirit of the Beehive, Tame Impala, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Malcom Todd, Still Woozy, Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth, Nirvana and many many more. I think my current favorite artist is either Mac Demarco or Kevin Parker (Tame Impala). Besides loving their songs, they record mostly by themselves, then tour with a band. John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix will always be my guiding light as a musician and artist." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "I think if people should know one thing about me, it would be 'if you find yourself not liking a song try the next one'." How can people contact you about booking and information? "People can contact me through Facebook or Instagram."