Imogen Clark, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter originally from Australia, is back with a deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed album, 'The Art of Getting Through'. This expanded release features reimagined tracks, exciting collaborations, and a powerful new single.
In this interview, we dive into the themes of resilience and vulnerability that permeate the album, exploring Imogen's deeply personal songwriting process and the experiences that have shaped her artistry. From her reflections on the music industry in her cover of Neil Finn's 'She Will Have Her Way' to the raw honesty of 'The Last of Me', Imogen opens up about the challenges she has faced and the power of music in her healing journey.
It's so great to chat with you today, we've been massive fans of your work.
The expanded edition of 'The Art of Getting Through' features a reimagined cover of Neil Finn's 'She Will Have Her Way'. What drew you to this song in particular, and how did you approach making it your own?
"'She Will Have Her Way' is one of my favourite Neil Finn songs, and I don’t hear it getting covered anywhere near as much as some of his other songs, so I wanted to put my own spin on it while still remaining true to the original. When recording vocals for my version, I pictured the song as being about my push-pull relationship with the music industry. It can be the source of so much joy and I continue to go after it, even when it disappoints and hurts me. Somehow, I always go back."
You've said previously that the album explores the "messiness of life" and the idea that "there is no starting over, there is only getting through." Can you speak a bit more about this theme and how it manifests throughout the album?
"The idea that 'the only way out is through' has been a mantra for me most of my life, and a lot of these songs relate back to that message. You can’t avoid the pain because it’s how you learn and become who you’re going to be - it proves your mettle. Many of the songs are anthems about pulling yourself through a hard time and being your own hero."
'If I Want In' features members of Gang of Youths and Camp Cope's Georgia Maq. How did these collaborations come about, and what did they bring to the song?
"'If I Want In' is a song about growing up in a fairly rough part of Western Sydney, and how my town made me who I am, but it also made me realise I had to leave it in order to chase my dreams. Gang of Youths and Georgia Maq are both artists I admire hugely who I met working in the Australian music industry - they came up in small Aussie towns like me before relocating overseas to go after what they wanted, so they were the perfect musicians to ask to play on this song. Max, Jung and Donnie from Gang of Youths provided the bass, guitar, synth, keys and drums, while Georgia provided the backing vocals."
The album touches on deeply personal struggles, from eating disorders to the complexities of relationships. Was it challenging to be so vulnerable and open in your songwriting?
"My songwriting has always been very autobiographical; it’s my own personal therapy, and never more so than on this record. I have gotten used to being so vulnerable about my life in my songs, but the songs on this record tackled some topics I’ve never felt brave enough to discuss before, my eating disorder being one of those. Many people I’m close to never knew I suffered from an eating disorder to begin with, so it was scary to be so open about it in song."
'The Last of Me' confronts a particularly dark period in your life. How did writing and recording that song contribute to your healing process
"Songwriting and sharing my most vulnerable thoughts with people is one of the most healing and therapeutic processes I’ve ever found for my mental health. 'The Last of Me' was written in a deep depression where I felt I was missing some fundamental, joyful part of my personality that I just couldn’t get back. The song was written as a mantra to myself, telling myself that I’d get through this and no one has seen the last of me yet. Performing it every night on tour gives me such a heart-warming feeling because I know I did get through that period, and some audience members have told me the song has helped them through the same mental health struggles."
You've described your songs as being like pages from your diary. How do you balance the personal and the universal in your songwriting to connect with listeners?
"I’ve always been very personal in my songwriting because, like Joni Mitchell said, “The closer you get to your heart is the closer you get to everyone else’s”. I find people relate to extremely personal songs because they’re authentic. Even if a song is written about a very specific experience I’ve had, chances are so many people have had that same experience or can relate it to one of their own in some way. All I want is for people to hear some of their lives in my songs."
From Abbey Road to Studio Phenix, you recorded this album in some legendary studios. How did those environments influence the creative process and the final sound of the album?
"Being in such iconic studios where albums were recorded that made me want to make music in the first place was such a surreal and emotional experience. It makes you feel like you’re a small part of this wonderful history of great albums. It definitely made me feel confident and inspired being in those kinds of rooms, and it lifts your game; you want to make music worthy of the room you’re recording it in."
You recently embarked on a UK tour with Kezia Gill. How did it go, and were there any highlights?
"The tour with Kezia Gill was one of my all time favourites! I’d only met Kezia once briefly in Nashville before we went on tour together in the UK, and we became such fast friends after our first long car trip together. Kezia is one of the most talented, hard-working, down-to-Earth artists I’ve ever met, and it was a privilege and a joy to open for her and get to know her. She deserves all the excellent success she’s having!"
You've collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from Colin Hay to Alex Lahey. Is there anyone you dream of working with in the future?
"There are so many artists I’d absolutely love to collaborate with throughout my career. Some of my heroes I’d love to work with are Maggie Rogers, HAIM and Maisie Peters, and of course there’s the ultimate queen Taylor Swift! (If you couldn’t tell from listening to my music, I’m a long time committed Swifty.)"
What message do you hope listeners take away from 'The Art of Getting Through', particularly those who may be facing their own challenges?
"I hope people who are going through similar struggles as I mention in this album can listen to the songs and feel like they’re not alone in feeling what they feel. That’s really what music means to me; it’s about hearing your story sung through someone else’s words and realising it’s exactly how you feel but maybe couldn’t vocalise, and it makes you feel seen and understood. That’s what I hope my album, and all my music into the future, can do for other people."
Imogen Clark's "The Art of Getting Through" is a testament to the power of vulnerability and resilience. Her music offers solace and connection to those navigating life's complexities, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Be sure to check out the deluxe edition of the album and catch Imogen on tour if you have the chance. With her heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and unwavering honesty, Imogen Clark is an artist who truly understands the art of getting through.
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