By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Sleeplore – the musical project of established Scranton, Pa.-based songwriter/producer Clyde Rosencrance – recently dropped a new video for the song “Waited,” directed by Paul Garcia, who also did the “Let Go” video.
His next single “Anything You Want To Know” will be unveiled on Feb. 12, 2021. It’s said to be one of his personal favorites and was even featured in a short film a few years ago.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to speak with him about his music and more.
Music Bugle – How did you come up with the name “Sleeplore”?
Sleeplore – I’ve always wanted to have a name for this music that was a single word that felt like a “thing” or concept. For a few years, I would capture works and names that I thought were interesting in a notepad on my phone that I would occasionally go back to and see what hit me. A few months into 2020 when I decided it was time to start releasing some of this music, I went back to that list and “Sleeplore” is what I pulled out. It didn’t really have any meaning, but it sort of feels like it does. It’s like a good story where you can fill in the gaps with what’s meaningful to you.
Music Bugle – What is the biggest joy that you get out of being a producer?
Sleeplore – I love making music, period. I often have the opportunity to write with the artists I’m producing and one of my favorite things is writing parts for other people’s music. It could be a melody of some sort, a few guitar tracks that fill out the core of the sound, or additional vocals that really make the track sound finished. I’ve always felt like I have a great feel for that and working with artists, I always take the time to understand what they’re after, so that when we get to that stage, I can add meaningful ideas to the conversation.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Scranton, Pennsylvania to someone who has never been there before?
Sleeplore – I once heard Scranton compared to Birmingham, England – a former industrial city, that sort of used to be known for something, but is now much more desolate. I think some of that is accurate. The area has a rich history in coal mining, early industry and even served as a safe haven during prohibition for a lot of jazz musicians and patrons. Today, it almost feels like there are two different Scrantons that exist – the Scranton that the industrial boom left behind and is extremely depressed and a Scranton that sees the value in moving forward, supporting the arts and culture and might have a chance at being something again. It’s an interesting place to live and experience seeing all sides of it.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Sleeplore – I would say in general, it helps. Never before has an artist had an opportunity to reach such a wide audience without leaving their home. It’s incredible. What it’s doing to society as a whole, is an entirely separate issue.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Sleeplore – As a producer and engineer, it has changed the way I’m working with artists. I haven’t been doing in-person sessions, so my work has been primarily focused on mixing, mastering, remote production work and session playing. As an artist, it has actually provided me more time than in the past to focus on my work and I’m thankful for that. I think for many, it’s provided a bit of perspective in terms of how we focus our time moving forward.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need to escape?
Sleeplore – First place is writing music. Second is into the woods on a hike or to get lost.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Sleeplore – Over the past few months, I’ve been listening to such an eclectic array of music. Some for discovery and inspiration and some for nostalgia. A few recent artists I’ve been listening to are Cass McCombs, S. Carey, Rob Crow and David Bazan.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Sleeplore – There are probably a lot, but one I often remember is “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent,” by Calvin Coolidge.
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
Sleeplore – One of my first passions along with music was cars. I love old cars. My father and I restored an old Chevelle and a Camaro when I was young. It was a great outlet for a perfectionist like myself!
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Sleeplore – I wish artists could be motivated to do more with what they create. It’s really rare to come across the type of people who are gifted creatively and are also interested enough in the business side of things to push their own work. It’s sometimes a tragedy to see incredible talent sit on the sidelines.
*Photo Credit – Keith Perks – 1120 Creative*
