By Bianca Fernandes 
Few musicians manage to walk the line between authenticity and evolution as gracefully as Chad Clark. With roots in bluegrass and branches that stretch into the digital age, his journey from playing cover songs in bars to releasing a deeply personal solo album is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of originality.
Chad’s musical story begins in childhood, where exposure to live bluegrass music became the defining spark of his artistic journey. ‘That was the spark for me—it grabbed my attention in a way nothing else really did,’ he reflects. Over time, his musical palette expanded as he started listening to a mix of bluegrass, country, rock, and the pop music that was popular at the time. ‘That blend helped shape my sound, even before I knew what “style” really meant,’ Chad explains.
The moment when music transformed from passion to profession came at age fifteen. ‘I realised music was more than a hobby when I was 15—that’s when I played my first paid gig. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to keep going.’
His early musical influences paint a picture of artistic diversity. Growing up, Chad listened to traditional country and bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs, while simultaneously absorbing rock and pop artists from the radio. ‘Those different genres all influenced my sound and allowed me to approach music from a more open-minded perspective,’ he notes. This eclectic foundation ultimately led him to develop his own songwriting voice, becoming ‘more of a storyteller and less of a genre-specific performer.’
Chad’s earliest professional experiences came through cover bands, where they played whatever was on the radio—classic rock, modern pop, and even some country. These formative gigs served as his musical education. ‘Those gigs taught me how to perform, how to work a crowd, and how to really listen to music. It was about learning how to be part of something bigger than yourself on stage.’ When recording opportunities eventually arose, Chad describes the experience as electric: ‘It felt like capturing lightning in a bottle.’
As both an artist and person, Chad has witnessed profound changes in his relationship with music over the years. ‘I’ve come to understand that music is more than performance—it’s communication,’ he explains. This evolution has transformed him from a performer into a singer-songwriter, with writing that has become increasingly introspective. ‘I’ve stopped chasing trends or trying to sound like someone else. I let my own voice and experience shape the music.’
His creative process has also matured significantly. ‘I’ve also learned not to rush creativity. I give it space to grow organically.’ The emotional depth of his work has evolved as well, with both joy and sorrow fueling his songwriting process. Perhaps most significantly, his relationship with vulnerability has transformed: ‘Vulnerability used to scare me a little—now, it’s something I lean into when I write.’
Throughout his career, Chad has witnessed the music industry’s dramatic transformation from vinyl to streaming, from major labels to independent artistry. For him, the most significant change has been ‘the rise of independent artists.’ He credits the internet and social media with completely changing the game, explaining that ‘now you don’t need a major label deal to find your audience. You can build a fanbase online, connect directly with listeners, and maintain creative control.’
The pivotal moment in Chad’s career came when audiences began responding to his original music. ‘For me, the real turning point was when people started responding to my original music—that’s when I felt like an artist, not just a performer.’
His debut solo album, “It’s About Time” has received an enthusiastic reception, but its genesis was unexpectedly modern. ‘Honestly, it was a TikTok performance that caught some unexpected traction. That was the catalyst,’ Chad reveals. While he had been writing for years, that viral moment provided the push needed to take the solo leap. ‘”It’s About Time” is my first solo project, and it represents a lifetime of experiences and emotions. It’s personal, it’s honest, and it’s exactly what I wanted it to be.’
Looking toward the future, Chad has concrete plans in motion. ‘Right now, we’re planning a recording session in Nashville this fall. The goal is to complete a 3-song EP.’ He’s optimistic about the timeline, noting that with modern recording technology, they believe they can make it happen. ‘The songs are written—we just need to get them tracked and out into the world.’
For aspiring artists navigating today’s complex musical landscape, Chad offers straightforward wisdom: ‘Stay true to yourself. Don’t waste energy trying to sound like someone else. There’s a lot of noise out there, and the only way to rise above it is to be original. Fashion your own sound, your own voice. That’s what people connect with.’
As our conversation draws to a close, Chad’s fundamental motivation becomes clear. ‘I just hope to keep writing and sharing music with as many people as I can. That’s what it’s all about—connection. Whether it’s one person or a thousand, knowing that someone is moved by something I created is the greatest reward.’
In an industry that often prioritises flash over substance, Chad Clark represents something increasingly rare: an artist who has found his authentic voice through decades of growth, learning, and honest self-reflection. His journey from bluegrass-loving child to solo recording artist proves that sometimes the most meaningful artistic evolution happens not through dramatic reinvention, but through the patient cultivation of one’s truest creative self.
Jan Vranken 
Norman van den Wildenberg