Kelby Clark, better known as K.L. Clark, is a boundary-pushing artist from Georgia’s rich musical landscapes. Steeped in the melodies of old-time Appalachian music, Clark’s artistry doesn’t stop at tradition.
He’s equally at home exploring the farthest reaches of experimental sound, pulling inspiration from many global influences: the hypnotic rhythms of raga, the meditative drones of free improvisation, and the techniques of classical instruments like the sitar, oud, and flamenco guitar.
Clark’s versatility is evident in the vast array of projects he’s been part of. His releases span labels like Tentative Power, Working Man Lay Down, Garden Portal, and Eastern Nurseries, to name just a few, solidifying his reputation in the experimental music scene.
He’s also made waves in the indie film world, scoring soundtracks for titles like She Drank Vinegar from the River and Sometimes I Hear the Light Leak in Through the Corners of My Room—films as intriguingly poetic as their names suggest.
But let’s talk about his latest record, Language of the Torch. The album weaves haunting soundscapes through the improvisational magic of the banjo. The banjo takes on an entirely new character under Clark’s hands (similar to Johnny Bell).
Clark’s playing is raw, otherworldly, and beautiful, with ghostly tones that seem to rise from some ancient well. This album demands to be listened to with the lights low and the imagination wide open.
Now based in L.A., Clark brings the grit of Georgia and the dreaminess of experimental music to a city that thrives on reinvention. Whether scoring films or redefining what a banjo can do, he’s an artist on a mission to expand his musical vocabulary. If Language of the Torch is any indication, he’s just getting started.
Language of the Torch will be released via Tentative Power Records on January 10th. Stay tuned to Kelby Clark’s and Tentative Power’s Bandcamp pages on information on how to listen.
Kelby Clark: Bandcamp
Tentative Power: Bandcamp | Instagram
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