He already has well over a million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, but he’s still on the rise, bursting out of the indie-pop-meets-rhythm-and-blues world with enthusasiam (and a new record).
Cautious Clay is reminding us how powerful R&B was and still can be. With three albums under his belt already – 2021’s Deadpan Love, 2023’s Karpeh, and now this year’s detailed The Hours – the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is putting the smooth and cool genre under the microscope to help us fall in love with it all over again.
The Hours is a concept album about time. As the singer himself puts it, the present and being mindful of time is depicted in this project by a guide of morning hours. Standout track “Promises” captures his raw, harrowing vocals as he croons: “But I can tell that you don’t make promises/But I can’t let you go/I can’t let you go” before going into a falsetto that is unforgettable.
This album also delves into the theme of routine and that feeling one gets a certain time in the morning hours. The R&B singer’s constraints are set free with this album, much in part due to its agenda, which is a straightforward timetable that speaks volumes of truth to the human life. It also details love and human connection to a fine point.
Cautious Clay continues to evolve and reach artistic heights, especially with this new project. We sat down with him to talk about his career, how things have changed since his debut, what his thoughts are on R&B is in 2025, and how he takes care of his most prized possession and instrument: his voice.
What have you been up to since your smash debut, 2021’s Deadpan Love?
I have done a few small roles for movies and television projects including The Godfather of Harlem. I have done the occasional music production for Melanie Martinez and Bazzi and John Legend. It was cool to chat with John Legend and get to know him.
What is the biggest difference that stands out from your new album The Hours from your previous projects?
Conceptually, Karpeh has much more personal touches from my personal experiences with two sets of grandparents’ relationships and how that framed my parents’ relationships. There was an element to that album that was more personal and focused on where I came from, and also my family and how jazz music had an impact on my musical journey.
The Hours is an idea of time. I have a hard time being on time because I am very much living in the moment and trying to connect to things in a direct way. With this album, I wanted to flip the concept of time from being something as rigid and stressful to something more mindful, present, and carefree. The focus is about making songs in a particular time of day and reflecting that back to the people who are listening. I wanted to curate an album that would feel like the morning.
What is the most meaningful song to you from The Hours and why?
It changes, honestly. Songs change and things that connect me to the song change, as well. “Smoke Break” connects to me the most to me right now. It was very fresh and fun for me.
How have you grown professionally and personally since breaking out on the scene?
I think I have grown with things musically. The Karpeh album was a pivot for me – and an intentional one.
Did you bring anything new to the table, also musically, for this project?
We recorded “Smoke Break” live, so that was much different. All the other songs were built out from my studio with bass, drums, guitar, piano, synthesizers, flute, and saxophone.
You use your vocals as an instrument, too. How do you protect your voice?
It’s very much something I take care of. Tea, honey, hot water, vocal exercises. I want to make sure I protect my voice for long stretches that I am using it. I go on vocal rest when needed, as well.
What’s your take on R&B in 2025?
That’s a good question. I think there’s a lot of it, but it’s not as popular as it used to be like five to seven years ago. I just try to stay authentic to what’s exciting to me. Sometimes it’s R&B, alternative rock, or jazz. I say whatever is inspiring me; call it pop, call it R&B. It changes based on the song or album.
CAUTIOUS CLAY’S NEW ALBUM IS OUT NOW WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC!
FOR TICKETS TO HIS FALL TOUR, VISIT HIS WEBSITE!
