Get to know: Clayton Potter

Clayton Potter is ready to tell tales of life through song. Clayton Potter hasn’t spent his life playing guitar and writing songs, but when the notion hit him he jumped right in, full steam ahead. A Bristol native, Potter has spent the last 21 years in the Marines, where he currently holds the rank of Master Sergeant and serves as a weapons and tactics instructor for the Naval Civil Engineering Officers School.

Like many, Potter is able to pull from life experience to write his songs, but also finds inspiration in the world around him, and has some sad, poignant songs to prove it. And, as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner, I’d bet he could probably handle anyone who ever tried to rush his stage. He is worth spending some time to listen to and get to know, so take a few moments and check him out: 1.



When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? “I started playing music in 2012. A close Marine friend of mine, Phillip Crank, unfortunately passed away in a motorcycle accident. I was working in EMS at the time and was a responder to his accident.

After the accident, his family had a benefit concert to raise money for his funeral. They raffled off a Squire Strat. I ended up winning the guitar.

I felt obligated to learn to play. I learned to play and then it sorta snowballed out of control and into songwriting.” 2.

Is this current project your first, or have you been involved in other things? “My current project is my first. I have a five-piece band with Wade Spurgeon, John Snyder, Ryan Lowe and Matt McMillian. We have been working on an album for a couple of years.

We have released three singles off of it and am in the process of finishing up the recording at Classic Recording Studios in Bristol, Virginia.” 3. What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? “I just feel a necessity to do it.

I feel like I have a lot to say and songwriting gives me that outlet. Life has been pretty tough and music is my relief.” 4.

How would you describe your music/band/project? “I am not sure what genre we are, but based on the way I talk, I would assume we are some type of country music. I think we write deep music that a lot of people in our area can relate to. We are an Appaliachian-American band and try to relate to the people in our area as much as possible.

” Pull Quote “I feel like I have a lot to say and songwriting gives me that outlet. Life has been pretty tough and music is my relief.” — Clayton Potter 5.

Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? “I think so. I really enjoy writing music. I love having someone tell me that some lyrics I wrote hit home for them.

That is what I aim for. If it made me feel better writing it, I hope it helps someone else hearing it.” 6.

What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? “I am a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.” 7. Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? “I’d say Arlo Mckinley, Steve Earle, Jason Isbell, Chris Knight, Charles Wesley Godwin, Tanner Usrey and Sturgill Simpson.

” 8. If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? “I have been in the Marines for the last 21 years. I draw a lot of my life experiences from my service.

I have met a lot of awesome people and I am extremely fortunate to have lived the life I have. I have three awesome kids; Mason (13), Jack (11), and Luke (8). Life is great.

Even though it doesn’t sound like it in the songs I write.” You can reach Clayton for booking and inquiries at rcpotter312@gmail or sonicbids.com/band/clayton-potter , where you can also listen to some music.

You have several chances to catch Potter in the near future, with a solo show April 25 at Cascade in Bristol, May 2 at Kingsport Reserve with his full band, May 9 back at Cascade (solo) and May 16 at Capones with the full band..