Q. You have, in the past, referred to Sonny Boy Williamson’s Help Me as the song that drew you to the Blues. Do you still feel, after all these years, that no other kind of music affects you in that manner?
A. I love all kinds of music — Classical, Jazz, Rock…but yes, Blues is very special. It reaches the parts other music doesn’t reach. Over the years, I’ve imbibed the spirit of these genres and they have come handy when I am composing new material. I look at life around me and the music that moves me; I experience the Blues in all of it...that’s how deep-rooted it is in my conscience. Give me some Sonny Boy or Elmore James, and I’m happy.

Mick Clarke

Q. For those who didn’t get a chance to see your earlier bands, Killing Floor or Salt, live in concert, what makes The Mick Clarke Band different? Is it the sound, the Blues you play, or a new kind of chemistry you enjoy with these musicians?
A. The Original Killing Floor band is still very much rocking. After disbanding due to our personal commitments and growth aspirations, the band came together in 2012 and did concerts in Europe. We had a great time and felt like we never really disbanded. 2015 will probably see Killing Floor in action. Originally I hadn't planned to form my own band — I simply wanted to record my own ideas in my own way. So, the band gives me the chance to perform in that way, letting my ideas and feelings out without too much compromise. I have the freedom to try my ideas. Chris Sharley and Eddie Masters are great musicians, and we had a blast recording tracks on my album Solid Ground. It's a great chemistry we share, but more importantly, they are so much in sync with my music. I don’t need to explain too much to them, as most times it feels like they can read my thoughts. My music is hard-driving Blues where I need a tight rhythm section, which the guys provide.