Clifton Releases Kyoto With Slick Vid
Words by Steve Kelk/Media Release | Images Supplied/YouTube
Young Darwin rapper Clifton has upped the intensity stakes yet again with the powerful ‘Kyoto‘ single released with an equally powerful music vid to go with it.
Unrelenting flow underscores Clifton’s emotive take on current events and his acknowledgment that whatever his troubles might be, there are those worse off. Having taken a writing holiday in Sydney last year, Clifton soon found himself stranded in another lockdown and forced into introspection. He has used the realisation that he had it comparatively easy during the lockdown to right his own ship and to get back to the business of living and being an artist – says Clifton:
“Originally this song was me trying to show off my more aggressive, confident side after a personal conflict, and being stuck in Sydney pulled me down a bit. The track sat unfinished for a while until I found a story about a man on the Today Show. He was prevented from seeing his dying mother due to border restrictions on international arrivals. The track sort of wrote itself after that. I was feeling helpless but after hearing that story I felt like I didn’t have it so bad and I got back on my bullshit.”
When writing the track Clifton aimed to create an anthem to uplift and empower people feeling vulnerable. The hook instills confidence in the listener while the verses give context and understanding, providing empathetic anecdotes with a “we’re in this together” attitude.
Check out the vid below:
Engineered by Illegal4Hunna: https://instagram.com/illegal4hunna
Video created by Level 48 Visuals https://instagram.com/level48visuals
Listen to more of Clifton here: https://fanlink.to/clifton
Some Q&A with Clifton:
Q: What influenced you to write this song:
A: Originally this song was me trying to show off my more aggressive, confident side after a personal conflict set me off. The track sat unfinished for a while, before I found a story about a man on the Today show prevented from seeing his dying mother due to border restrictions on international arrivals. The track sort of wrote itself after that.
Q: What do you want people to feel when they listen:
A: Powerful, understood in the thought that their grievances through this pandemic aren’t just another chip on a very large windscreen, unity knowing we’re all struggling together.
Q: Which artists inspire your writing style:
A: I take influences from all different genres and aspects, but there’s definitely some deep influence from Rates’ ‘The Enemy’ along with the likes of Hopsin, Complete.
Q: What are your plans after the release:
A: Looking to organize some interstate shows, continue to tap into my emotional side whether it be with melodies singing or through energy like this. I have a stockpile I’ve been sitting on since the pandemic started and I’m sure it’s going to change the world for me.
Q: Who would you most like to collaborate with:
A: Remedy from Melbourne is up there, Mason Daane from Sydney, think we could create some insane imagery and energy on a track, 360, Tuka from Thundamentals, All Day, Illy.
Q: Which 3 tracks inspired you the direction for this track:
A: The Enemy – Rates, Uncommon Valor – Jedi Mind Tricks, RA The Rugged Man, Jordan – Complete
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