Los Angeles-based songwriter and producer Carey Clayton has unveiled his latest ambitious project, "Headless." This eclectic concept album spans 16 tracks, showcasing a rich tapestry of genres including indie pop, indie rock, synth indie rock, electronic pop, art pop, alt-rock pop, and art rock. Drawing inspiration from meditation and mindfulness practices, "Headless" is both a musical journey and a spiritual exploration.
The musical landscape of "Headless" is a kaleidoscope of synths, sophisticated percussion, ethereal vocals, and shifting textures. These elements make the song stand out. Although there are clear influences from Radiohead and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Clayton's arrangements are remarkably unique, giving listeners a rich, engaging experience at a time when people's attention spans are short.
"Headless" is Clayton's most audacious endeavor to date, conceived during moments of contemplation and epiphany. Each track uses music as a tool for exploration to capture these ephemeral moments of comprehension. The idea of "headlessness," or a viewpoint in which the self vanishes and the lines separating the self from the outside world become less distinct, is fundamental to the record. Tracks like "The Gate," "Infinite Figure," "Self Portraits," and "Reflector" poignantly explore this concept.
The first track of the album serves as a preamble, laying the groundwork for the subsequent themes and sounds. Similar to meditation, these ideas come up again and become more pronounced throughout the record. To give Clayton's base more depth and variety, "Headless" also includes a wide spectrum of musical collaborators, such as Eric Derwallis, Sam Merrick, Danny Wolf, Josh Bailey, Steve Brickman, Kayla Starr, Katherine Shuman, Giosue Greco, and Joao Gonzalez.
Brothers Joao and Joan Gonzalez collaborated on the "Headless" visuals, which included a chrome helmet that reflected light to represent the changing boundaries between one's own identity and the outside world. The broad and contemplative themes of the record are complemented by these images.
Carey Clayton started his career with the indie pop group Great Good Fine Ok as a guitarist. His solo endeavors have been met with critical acclaim and considerable streaming success. "Matinee" and "Blind Eye" from 2020 and the critically lauded "Gradually, suddenly" from 2021 are the first two releases. Clayton is a prominent film and television composer with placements on major networks and corporations. He has also done foreign tours.
The song "Headless" is currently accessible and invites listeners to go on an introspective and varied musical trip that will undoubtedly leave them feeling incredibly fulfilled.
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