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From Clay Aiken’s mouth to your ears
Picture this: Clay Aiken, in his jammies, getting a haircut and chatting with little ol’ us on the phone from his Raleigh, N.C., home.
Try not to be too jealous, Claymates.
In our brief conversation we learned more about “On My Way Here,” his upcoming CD — and a variety of other things.
“It’s the first time we’ve done new stuff in five years, so I’m excited,” Clay told us. “It’s stuff that’s mine.”
The album’s not out until May 6, but you can hear the title track, in its entirety, right now on Amazon.com. And, if you’re so inclined, you can scoop it up for half price. Not bad at all.
This CD clearly comes straight from Clay’s heart. Each song has a deeply personal meaning for him, but he’s quick to point out they’ll likely mean something entirely different to his many fans out there. And that’s perfectly fine.
Take “The Real Me,” for instance.
“Sometimes I feel like people know who I am because of what they see on TV or what they’ve heard or what they’ve read or this, that and the other … and it’s not really who I am,” he told us.
See, Clay’s a complex guy.
Anyway, many of you were eager to find out if there will be a tour to accompany the CD’s release. Well, we’ve got some good — and bad — news. You’ll get your tour … but it won’t be any time soon. Following the CD’s debut, and the obligatory media tour, he’s looking forward to taking a breather.
“It’ll be the first time I’ve had some time off — two days in a row off — since October, I think,” Clay said.
He’s anxious to chill this summer at his Raleigh home, but he’s “sure we’ll tour eventually.”
So there.
And what about starring in a movie or TV series someday?
“We try to stay open to every single thing, every opportunity that comes along,” he said.
But …
“I’m not seeking out a movie, no.”
There you have it, Claymates. We didn’t get to ask every question you lobbed our way, but we darn sure tried. Hear the entire interview — all 10 or so minutes — by clicking here.
Then let us know what you think. We’ll be waiting.
Idol chatter …
- Make an appointment with your TV set Tuesday morning.
That’s when Carly Smithson, the latest “American Idol” castoff, is set to appear on “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet.”
The fun begins at 9 a.m. on Fox 7.
Comments
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By kwhite
April 28, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Thanks for a great interview. You asked some of the questions I was hoping to get answered. Not jealous, not one bit….and if you buy that Ive got some swap land for ya!
By cecelia
April 28, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Loved this article EXCEPT I am not a claymate. I am a Clay fan.
I did enjoy the positive energy in your writing style.
By Barbara D
April 28, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Thank you so much for publishing/sharing your interview with Clay; it was very uplifting and informative. Clay has done an absolutely subperb job in “Spamalot” and I am looking forward to purchasing and hearing his newest CD (“On My Way Here”) and, hopefully, to a ‘follow-up’ tour in the fall. Clay is definitely an extremely busy man, very seldom slowing down. Along with “Spamalot”, preparing and recording a CD, doing a barriage of promotional stops for the CD, the work for the Bubel/Aiken Foundation and UNICEF Clay will be ready for a much-needed rest. Thank you, again, for your interview.
By Linda
April 28, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Nice to hear Clay discuss his music..very good interview..I listened to the song snippets..looks like this cd is going to be an eclectic mix. Looking forward to hearing it in its entirety.
By Kate
April 28, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Good interview. He is a busy guy.
By Flo
April 28, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Very nice informative article. Yes, he does need a rest before he tours again. This man does a multitude of things at one time. He was just amazing in Spamalot. Can’t wait for that CD to come out on May 6. I’ve been listening to snippets and he’s got some real upbeat songs on there.
Just had to mention..the image of him sitting there in his PJ’s sounds very enticing to me.
By Jan
April 28, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Great interview Gary!..You asked some really good questions about Clay’s new music and really got him talking about it! Clay seems like a a really friendly guy, wish I could meet him!
I think this CD is going to be a real winner!
By JuJu
April 28, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Nice interview. I just saw him in Spamalot earlier this month and he was fantistic. I really, really like the his new single. I can’t wait to purchase it.
By Olga
April 28, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Great interview . I agree with Clay asking him about AI has been over used. Other than that, your questions were exiting and informative This Cd is going to be the best CD of the year It is edgy,upbeat yet easy listening, the message is exatly what this world need to hear Inspiring and it uplifts the human spirit . I saw him in spamalot and he did an amazing job . Very impressive. Can’t wait to get the CD
By boots
April 28, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Thanks Gary for a great interview with Clay. Hearing the whole interview is a real treat. Can’t wait for the new cd to be released. I was hoping for a summer concert tour but understand that he must be exhausted by now. The fall would also be a little cooler. The tour last summer must have been so difficult with the scorching temperatures.
By Carol
April 28, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
His energy is amazing. Looking forward to his new CD. Thanks for the nice interview.
By Betty
April 28, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
By Sandra
April 28, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I really enjoyed this interview, your questions were well presented and not a bunch of the same old same old. I am glad Clay is going to rest. He deserves to sit back and enjoy what God has chosen to give him. I hope his lttle doggies know how lucky they are to be able to have Daddy HOME with them for a whole summer. I am so proud to support him as long as he wants to perform for me. Thanks again for this.
By Riley
April 28, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Gary, great interview. I am impressed at how you got Clay to open up and how you chose questions that I would be interested in hearing the answer to.
Great job. I hope you interview him again someday. Some people are good at interviewing and some are real jerks. They try and make the interview about them and not about the person they are interviewing. Thank you so much. Great job.
By Melanie
April 28, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Gary, Great job and really enjoyed hearing the interview. Glad to be a fan of Clays and glad that he will be home to rest. Looking forward to his new CD. Melanie
By lvkacey
April 28, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Great interview. Thanks.
By Amanda
April 29, 2008 5:12 AM | Link to this
Thanks for that great interview - and especially for allowing us to download the mp3 of it. It was really interesting to hear Clay discuss the new songs.
By lindsay
April 29, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
great article i love Clay and always will i am so glad we have these great interviews thanks
By Brenda
April 29, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
This was a wonderful article and the interview with Clay was AWESOME!!
By Sharon Shannon
April 29, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Greetings Gary, Ha-Ha, too funny ! I can just see you setting there clinching your teeth, trying to be patient and helpful in getting our questions answered in the generous time of ten or so minutes that you were given. Too, right !! But, you can’t kid a kidder and I can see right through you. There were lots of hidden meanings in your words. Good try though - how cute are you. I have to give you credit though, you at lease tried to be prudent as an interviewer and be informative in your work product, no matter how peeved you were. I appreciate your endevor even though I don’t think you were truly sincere in the interview, as much as you were trying to hood-wink the readers. But, thanks for the effort - you did accomplish answering my posted question. Happy reporting. Your friend, Sharie [IMClaysWoman2]