Clinton Belcher returns with “Scars and Six Strings,” a hard-hitting fusion of Hard Rock and Outlaw Country. In this interview, he opens up about pain, resilience, and the healing power of music.
1. Clinton,
congratulations on releasing “Scars and Six Strings.” What inspired the
creation of this track, and what message do you hope listeners take away from
it?
Thank you! "Scars and Six Strings" is a Hard Rock/Outlaw Country
track born out of a period of self-reflection. I was thinking about how
everyone carries some kind of emotional baggage—those "scars"—but we
all have ways to find an outlet, or salvation. For me, that's always been my
guitar, the "six strings." The message I want listeners to take away
is one of raw honesty and resilience: Your past doesn't define your future, and
there's strength in owning your struggles.
2. You produced, arranged, mixed, and mastered this song entirely yourself.
What motivated you to take full creative control, and how did that shape the
final sound?
My motivation was simple: total authenticity. When you're blending genres like
Hard Rock and Outlaw Country, you need a precise vision. By handling every
step, I ensured that the raw, heavy energy and the country storytelling grit
were perfectly balanced. It shaped the sound by keeping it raw, dense, and
uncompromising—exactly how I heard it in my head.
3. The title “Scars and Six Strings” feels deeply personal. What’s the story
or meaning behind that phrase for you?
It is deeply personal. "Scars" represents all the mistakes, the hard
lessons, and the pain I've carried. The "Six Strings" is my
instrument—my therapy, my voice, and my salvation. The title is essentially my
personal mantra: I take my pain, and I translate it into music. It's the
exchange of past hurt for future art.
4. You’ve mentioned using AI tools during the creative process. How did you
integrate AI into your workflow, and what role did it play in shaping the
track’s sound?
I used AI primarily as a tool for sonic exploration and efficiency, not for
writing the music itself. For example, I might use AI-powered plugins for
mastering, where they can suggest complex multi-band compression settings based
on the genre. It allowed me to quickly test different aggressive tonal
qualities and find that perfect blend of heavy rock density and country
clarity, cutting down on tedious trial-and-error without sacrificing the human
feel.
5. Your influences range from Eric Church and Chris Stapleton to Bob Seger
and Waylon Jennings. How do these artists’ legacies echo through your music?
The outlaw spirit of Waylon Jennings and the rock attitude of Bob Seger inform
the track's swagger and lyrical directness. From the modern guys, Eric Church
provides the template for unapologetically blending rock volume with country
themes, and Chris Stapleton inspires the focus on powerful, soulful vocals and
grounded storytelling. It’s all about taking that classic grit and giving it a
modern, heavy edge.
6. This song explores themes of pain, redemption, and self-discovery. Were
there specific life experiences that directly inspired these emotions?
Absolutely. The track is a reflection of overcoming personal battles and
professional setbacks. There were moments where I felt completely lost and
defined by failure. The energy in the music—that aggressive guitar tone and
driving beat—comes directly from the fight to pull myself out of those dark
places. The redemption comes from the realization that those experiences are
the fuel for the music.
7. The recording took place in your home studio in Earlsboro, Oklahoma. How
does that personal environment influence your creativity and sound?
Recording in my home studio in Earlsboro provides total freedom. There’s zero
pressure, no clock watching, and no external voices. That isolation allows the
music to be completely honest and raw. The environment naturally lends an
authentic, gritty, and unpolished sound—it captures the sound of a working
artist, not a sterile studio production.
8. You’ve described “Scars and Six Strings” as blending hard rock energy
with outlaw country grit. How do you approach merging those genres without
losing authenticity?
I approach it from a foundation of authentic storytelling. Outlaw Country is
defined by its narrative and its defiance, and Hard Rock is defined by its
volume and intensity. I ensure the lyrics and the groove remain rooted in
country storytelling, but I use heavy, layered guitars, distortion, and a
pounding rhythm section to deliver that story with the urgency and volume of
hard rock. The authenticity comes from never compromising either element.
9. Self-producing can be both empowering and challenging. What were some of
the toughest moments you faced during production, and how did you overcome
them?
The toughest moment was definitely the mixing and mastering phase. It’s where
the final sonic decisions are made, and finding that perfect pocket where the
acoustic guitars, drums, and heavy electric guitars all sit together without
competing was grueling. I overcame it by simply stepping away for a few days,
clearing my ears, and coming back with a fresh perspective, which is crucial
for self-producers.
10. Technology is central to your process, but the result feels raw and
human. How do you strike that balance between innovation and emotional honesty?
The balance is struck by ensuring the technology is only a tool to serve the
emotion. I use modern recording techniques and plugins, but the performance is
always live and human. I prioritized raw takes, imperfections, and a thick,
analog-like tone. The innovation allows for powerful, modern sound design, but
the emotional honesty comes from the vocal delivery and the simple, direct
lyrics.
11. You’ve called this song an anthem for the working-class hero. Why is
that theme so important to you, and how do you hope it connects with your
audience?
It’s important because I am a working-class hero—or at least, I've lived that
life. This theme is about acknowledging the daily grind, the sacrifices, and
the quiet dignity in just showing up every day. I hope it connects with my
audience by making them feel seen. It's a shout-out to anyone who works hard,
faces setbacks, and uses their passion (whatever that may be) to keep moving
forward.
12. Finally, what’s next for you and cbelchermusic? Are there upcoming
releases, collaborations, or live performances we can look forward to?
I'm already deep into writing and production for the next round of releases. I
have several other Hard Rock/Outlaw Country tracks coming soon that further
explore this blended sound. I'm actively looking to expand my live presence
around the Oklahoma area and beyond. Stay tuned to my Spotify and social media
for exact dates and release announcements!
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