What is your name?
Hi I’m Cliff…but not that Cliff (Richard), I’m the other one (Lynch) {winks} It’s nice to see you again, thank you for inviting me.
What is your genre of music?
I have such a wide range of musical tastes and influences, so my sound is a little bit like a cocktail of different genres. If I had to pinpoint a genre, I’d definitely say it’s still heavily pop based with subtle hints of rock and RnB.
Give us a little bio about you.
No pressure! {Laughs}
Well I was previously a member of the boyband Roman Road. We did an interview with music of the future a few years ago and here I am now…all alone {sad face} We did the band for 5 years…literally half a decade. I can’t believe how quick time has flown and it was one of the best experiences of my musical journey. We got to meet so many cool people and perform at some of the best venues around the country which was such a fulfilling thing to be a part of including being featured on Capital Fm and recording our single at the Global studios. When the band went on hiatus, I decided to take a little break from music to enjoy other passions and to also work on and find my own sound. I didn’t want to rush back into just making any kind of music, I wanted it to be more personal and reflective of me as a solo singer. I released the single “Don’t Know Me” which was featured in the film “Soft Hands” and now I’m currently writing and recording my debut EP which is due for release in 2024 {excited hand waving}.
What made you get into music?
I’ll always remember my parents playing the oldies on vinyl when I was a kid, so I literally grew up heavily influenced by Queen, Michael Jackson and all the classics. Singing and performing have always been a big part of my childhood; I think what initially sparked my ambition to be a performer was playing the Artful Dodger in my school play. I just remember the buzz I got from being on the stage, and it stayed with me ever since. I was in various school and college bands, competing in talent shows and playing at local gigs, and really started to embrace my craft when I started to work with a music producer. I remember buying my first ever keyboard and just practising on it every day playing my favourite songs and learning new chords. I think when you are passionate about something it doesn’t feel like work, you do it because you love it and want to get better at it.
Who are your influences?
FREDDIE MERCURY hands down!! He is literally my musical idol, he was an absolute genius! I wish I would have got a chance to see him live, but I’m glad Queen is still rocking after all these years. Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Ed Sheeran also have a big influence on my music, but I really enjoy such a wide range of genres. I think growing up in the 90s and early 00s, there were alot of amazing and versatile artists to look up to. If you saw my playlist on my phone you’d swear it was ten different people!
Are you signed?
I have recently been approached by a few labels and management but I’m currently unsigned, and I enjoy the creative freedom that comes with being independent. I think one of the advantages of the industry today is all the cool different platforms you can use to distribute and market your music on. Things like spotify and tiktok can really elevate your music to the next level now, especially if you go viral on instagram reels or tiktok.
You released your latest Single ‘Sex On The Weekend’, tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
I actually wrote the hook for Sex on the Weekend back in 2022. Then last year I was with my girlfriend and started to sing her the idea and she loved it. I played it to a couple of my old band mates and they also loved it, so I knew I had something golden and decided to finish writing the track. The song is essentially an anti love song about a couple who meet up every weekend to “shag” {London accent} but there’s underlying feelings there, and they want more. I think it’s a very current theme in today’s culture especially with the whole “situationship” dating thing.
Describe the track in two words.
WEEKEND SEX {Laughs}
What was the writing and recording process like?
I love the whole process of writing and recording, especially when you start to see your ideas come to life in the production. I wrote the track and arrangements and sent it to my producer, Fabian, in Paris who started to produce it. Denis Efimenko wrote and played the awesome guitar melody which you hear throughout the song; I knew I wanted to have a sexy guitar vibe on this track and he captured it perfectly…it was so soooo sexy {mouth expression]. Denis also featured on my other single, Don’t know me and he will also be working with me on my new EP.
Are we expected to see a music video for ‘Sex On The Weekend’, if so, what can we expect from it?
I recently had a meeting discussing music video options for the song. I would love to shoot a video for this, but the amazing thing about social media today is, you can promote your music with reels and short videos which are just as popular now. Stay tuned for a video coming soon… {cheeky wink}
Will we see an EP or Album if so, what can we expect from it and the meaning behind it.
I’m currently in the process of writing the EP now. Because it’s my first solo EP, I don’t want to rush it and put out any type of songs. I have a few options to choose from and they are very mixed genres. I think this EP will be a little more personable to myself, there will be a mix of sex, love and heartbreak, so be ready!
Do you have any live shows coming up?
Currently, I’m focusing on the EP so it’s ready for release. When the EP has been recorded I will then start promo-ing and gigging around London and potentially other Countries in Europe.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In 5 years I see myself here doing another interview {haha}.In all seriousness, I think in five years the music industry will have shifted again, and as an artist we have to adjust with the times. Music and social media have become heavily linked now, so I think it’s about being consistent with the music and also the platforms we use to market it. My main focus is just to keep writing music (and for other artists), that feels real to me and something people can genuinely enjoy and vibe to. Throw in a cheeky Brit award along the way too {laughing}.
I would also love to write with Harry Styles or Ed Sheeran, I think that would be a vibe!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Don’t chase your dreams, live them” – I actually wrote this a few years ago and got it tattooed on me. I think it’s a good quote to live by, if you are always chasing something, it means you are always one step behind, so be present!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
OOOOH good question!
Hairspray! Seriously, my hair is wild and needs taming!
A guitar, sometimes you will find yourself writing the best ideas off stage.
Your set list and LYRICS. It sounds silly, but the amount of times you can forget the simple things. If you ever hear a singer getting the crowd to sing, it’s because they’ve forgotten their lyrics, I know this from personal experience {pulls a funny face}.
Water is a must. It gets hot out there plus you want to keep your voice trim. Manuka honey is an added bonus.
More clothes and definitely a hat if my hair fails on the night!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Youtube
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