Rod Clemmons has begun anew. His 2018 debut album catalyzed the titular single, “What’s Up? It’s Me,” the first in a series of tracks that center on grasping an emotional clarity within oneself, as well as their surroundings. Its accompanying music video does much to not only successfully convey that theme, but also provide a glimpse of the matured man behind the voice. The perspective shifts between a reenactment of Clemmons’ formative days at the piano, his archived past live performance, and present look in the studio.
Rod Clemmons champions a multi-spectrum sound that takes equal cue from R&B and neo soul. Although the New York singer-songwriter was born blind, his sharp listening and melodic sensibilities fully compensated in the long run. These assets were noticeable as early as age four, when he began classical training on piano. Well into adolescence, Clemmons eventually earned a full scholarship to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, where he would graduate with honors.
Having performed down south, Clemmons became a regular on the Louisville, Kentucky club circuit in the 90s. His prowess was honed especially in the creation of Verdict Records, an indie label providing original releases, as well as in-house production by Clemmons himself. His initial crack at the mainstream came via the 1996 single, “I’m Not Supposed To Feel This Way,” which managed to make the Billboard Dance Charts.
Clemmons has now completed and released his debut contemporary R&B and Neo Soul album, “What’s Up? It’s Me.” -which is receiving critical acclaim. His first single, the title track, is now climbing the top 200 FMQB radio singles chart each week, and the video of the song is now being released. The 11-track album wastes no time in charming the ear, with Rod crooning passion-filled lyrics accompanied by a dominating acoustic guitar and a set of standard organic instruments. “What’s Up? It’s Me” is a step in the right direction for any artist wanting to acquaint the music scene with authentic R&B sounds that are well-equipped to enchant the listener.
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