Artist On The Rise: Cletus

On The 6th presents to you Cletus, an Artist On The Rise

Take a minute and get to know Cletus

In his own words:
Greetings friends and family, my name is Cletus. I've been doing music most of my life. Like most, I grew up singing in church, and at the young age of 11 I started to perform covers at local talent shows. At that point I realized that music is what made me feel best. It didn’t matter if I was singing, writing, directing, or producing as long as it had something to do with music.

I'm from a small town outside of Chicago, Illinois. My life growing up consisted of singing and playing a little bit of football. I made it to the Chicago Bears Training Camp, but I was injured before the start of the season. I went back to school and became a physical therapist/private trainer. I worked in that industry for most of my adult life, but still always knew that music was my passion. Though I had the privilege of working on projects alongside some of the industry's finest, I didn't make my first professional debut until later in life.

I had the honor of writing and co-directing a song for Maxi Priest, Rosanne Cash and 2000 child vocalists who performed at New York's Carnegie Hall.

I'm doing what I love: singing, performing, writing for myself and others, producing, arranging, and directing and writing my own music videos (as well as videos for others. I'm hands on and loving every minute of it.

Right now I'm working on so many things, which is how I like it. One is my own music project, "C Me". For many years I felt as if no one heard me or took me seriously as a musician, so I promised myself I would make them "see me". I have at least 20 singles that will drop this year, followed by a series of music videos. I've also had the great pleasure of working with some new, up-and-coming artists.

An upcoming "C Me" release titled "Limelight" features Lady Emily, for which we will be producing the music video in August. I also wrote and produced a new song "Pop Up" for a Japanese girl group "Ichi". This summer I've been performing at a few music festivals, which has been great, so world, here I come! Make way 2012 - there is so much in store!

My goal for this year is for the industry to recognize me. It's not about awards (though winning one or two would be nice!) but rather it's about having people share my art. I also want to find a way for all music R&B, Pop, Soul, Techno, House, Dub to live together in harmony, so I've been working on a sound I call "feel good" music - music that hopefully people can't resist, mixing the new with the old, and keeping true to the gift of music.

My greatest accomplishment in life has to be my children, and finding my wife, who believes in me as much as I believe in me.

I love to travel and have been to quite a few places in my day. Exploring the world helps me to see who I am and where I am in my life. I never want to take life for granted, and traveling to see other parts of this world helps to keep a perspective on reality at least for me. I love working out, it's a must the whole mind body connection and all. But most of all, my hobby is just looking, listening, watching, hearing, always being aware because to me everything is a story.

I love the people you meet along the way. There's so much talent in our world. I’m always amazed and always open to learn. One thing you do have to know is that it's the music business and everything is not always going to go as you want it to, but never get discouraged. Keep reaching and sooner or later you will grab something.

All of my songs are written about life. We experience similar things, some we speak about, and others we just push under the table. I like to address all issues, but in a "feel good" manner. Even if it's a sad situation, a story can come from my experiences or someone elses. Life deals us so many songs. I'm never out of words.

We have to know that there will always be bad news, or news made to be presented badly. But even "bad" media can be good if they're talking about you, that only means they see you. Every story has a beginning, middle and end, but we humans usually only get the beginning and don't have the patience or desire to try to understand what the full story is. That's where the learning is. So no, people will always have their opinions about a situation unfortunately, we were bred to judge.

Never ever give up on your dreams for they were given to us for a reason. Know that it’s not going to be easy, but if you never give in and believe in yourself, then you open the doors for others to believe in you. Then the blessings will come ... when it is time.

I want people to remember me for my music, my words, and how my music makes them feel. That's the real gift of this thing feel good music.

I would like the world to know that I will always give you the best music that I can possibly produce and that I'm always writing with love so how can I fail? Most of all, know that I do need you, the FANS. Pride aside, without your support, I'm nothing in this industry. Keep supporting the NEWBIES.

Thanks so much for your love. Cletus.

Free download of his new single “Leftside Right”: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cletus7
Official website: http://www.justcletus.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/justcletus
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/justcletus1