Clark French, a well-known medical cannabis campaigner and musician, opens up about his journey with MS, the birth of Lesions, and how activism and music intertwine in powerful, transformative ways.
It really came full circle. When I was diagnosed with MS in 2010, I was in an up-and-coming metal band. That same week, a former bandmate told me I was “no longer suitable for the role.” Experiencing that kind of ableism lit a fire in me — it pushed me to fight for legal access to medical cannabis.
Being in a
band and being a campaigner have a lot in common. At their core, both are about
connecting with people and require relentless drive. Music was always a huge
part of my life, and after medical cannabis was legalized in the UK, I felt a
strong urge to return to it.
2. “The
Blood Never Dried” ties historical struggle with modern resilience. Can you
tell us how the song’s concept came together, and why you chose September 25th
for its release?
The song
covers a thousand years of British history and its impact. Initially, it was
called "No Longer Suitable for the Role" — a cathartic outlet for the
emotions tied to being kicked out of my former band. But when Sam and I wrote
the music together, it felt like it was about something much larger. The song
evolved into a reflection on systemic injustice and empire.
We chose to
release it on September 25th to coincide with the SAFER Banking Act in the U.S.
It aligns with my campaigning work — feeding several birds with one seed, so to
speak.
3.
You’ve collaborated with Sam Machin of The Arusha Accord and Arcaeon. How did
that partnership shape the sound of Lesions, and what do you feel he brought to
the project?
Before my
diagnosis, I used to promote gigs at The Facebar in Reading — over 100 shows —
and that’s how I connected with Sam. He’s an incredibly talented and
trustworthy musician, and having him believe in me as a vocalist means the
world.
His
musicality really shines through in Lesions. Working together has been
something truly special.
4.
Justin Hill (Sikth) mixed and mastered your work — that’s a big name in the
scene. What was it like having him involved, and how did his touch elevate the
final sound?
Justin is a
legend. I’d wanted to work with him on a previous project, and the stars
finally aligned when I recorded vocals at White House Studios — Matt Bew
introduced us, and it just clicked from there.
Justin
brings a subtle yet powerful finesse to the music. His production elevated the
whole sound to another level. I’m still a bit in shock to be honest, but I
think his involvement feels completely natural, and I’m proud of what we’ve
created together.
5. Your
music balances heavy intensity with deep personal meaning. Do you write
primarily from lived experiences, or do you also weave in fictional or symbolic
narratives?
The debut
track is rooted in historical reality — a deep dive into a millennium of
English and British imperialism. It addresses the atrocities committed around
the world and the systems that allowed them to happen.
It’s
complex because I do feel proud to be English, but I also believe it’s
essential to acknowledge and learn from the darker parts of our history. The UK
often hides behind our WWII victory, while countries like Germany were forced
to face their past. That lack of reckoning here has created generational
trauma, and I explore that in the music.
6. Being
at the crossroads of activism and music, do you see Lesions as another platform
for spreading awareness, or do you prefer to keep your activism and art
separate?
For me,
they’re naturally intertwined. I write a lot about my campaigning — especially
around ending the war on drugs. Through my work with medical cannabis, I’ve
seen firsthand the harm that prohibition causes, and that message finds its way
into my lyrics.
Music is
another platform to speak truth. I don’t shy away from heavy topics — I find
writing incredibly cathartic. It’s better than therapy. It gives meaning and
shape to the emotions I experience.
7. The
title Lesions itself has strong connotations, especially in the context of MS.
What does the name mean to you, and how does it reflect the project’s identity?
When I was
diagnosed with MS at 24, the neurologist said, “Your MRI results show lesions
on your brain. That means I can diagnose you with MS.”
It was the
worst day of my life. But I remember thinking: if I ever needed a new name for
a metal band, Lesions would be perfect. A silver lining in a dark moment.
Now, all
these years later, that name has become a powerful way for me to take back
control. It might sound negative, but for me, it’s a symbol of survival,
meaning, and the battles I’ve fought. That’s all deeply woven into the music.
8.
You’ve been very public with your story through documentaries, media, and
campaigns. How does sharing your journey through music differ from sharing it
through activism?
With media,
you rarely get to control the narrative — you’re often shaped into whatever
makes the best headline. Music gives me the freedom to dive deeper.
Through
Lesions, I can explore not only my activism but also themes like the British
Empire, climate change, capitalism, and mortality. I’m not afraid to tackle
what it means to be human. That freedom makes the message stronger and more
personal.
9.
Looking ahead, is Lesions intended as a one-off project around this release, or
are you planning a larger body of work like an EP or album?
I can’t
give away the full plan just yet, but I can say we’re working on a number of
singles — and something longer is definitely on the horizon. It’s an exciting
time, and I feel honoured to be working with the incredible team around me.
10.
Finally, if history remembers Clark French not just as an activist but as an
artist, what do you hope people will take away from your music?
I’d be
happy if people took away a few key things. First, that disabled people can do
anything with the right support. Second, I hope it inspires others to create
something of their own.
Above all,
I hope people connect with the raw emotion in the music — that it helps them
process whatever they’re going through. Life can be brutal. But there’s always
a silver lining. I hope Lesions helps prove that’s true.
LESIONS (@lesions.band) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
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