Q: ‘Versailles’ has such a beautiful and unique sound. Can you tell us the story behind the song?
MCCLENDON: That’s very kind of you. At the core it came from that feeling where you can sense that something is wrong but you willfully choose to be blind to it. In my case it was a past relationship, Versailles representing that beautiful place (person) you cant help but return to, all the while ignoring the red flags.
Q: I love the black and white movie feel of the ‘Versailles’ music video! Can you tell us what your favorite moment was during the filming experience?
MCCLENDON: This was a wild one, it was shot in Cincinnati, OH & when we arrived we didn’t know what to expect with the weather. So when it started to rain we decided to go for it either way, It was fun getting to run around the city soaking wet, Josh Kranich the director is a genius.
Q: You grew up playing in a band with your brothers before you decided to go solo. Can you tell us what things you learned from being in a band that you still use as a solo artist?
MCCLENDON: A ton, we started when I was 9 so it was extremely transformative growing up into it. Playing shows everyday, discovering the creative process of writing songs, having to be able to articulate emotions and feelings. Having to discuss business with people 10 years my senior. Creating has always been the steady thread through-ought my life.
Q: How do you think growing up in Oklahoma has influenced your music and who you are today?
MCCLENDON: I think everyone takes a piece of where they’re from with them no matter what they do.
It has always stuck with me.
Q: What is your creative process like when it comes to writing and producing your music?
MCCLENDON: It truly depends, I write a lot, poems, random thoughts etc. There are times when the thought is driven solely by a feeling, other times when a sound or visual might spark something internally. I try to read & soak in different types of art.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the near future?
MCCLENDON: I would love to play in Europe this year, that’s a big one. Outside of live gigs, I’m working on a new project so internally the goal of reaching farther musically.
Interviewed by Kaitlyn Westerman
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