Rick Clark: Staying True in the Music Industry from Juno to Dark Winds

In this episode, our guest, Rick Clark takes us on a journey through his remarkable career in the music industry, highlighting the power of integrity and authenticity. He shares how key relationships, like one with a well-connected friend, opened doors to opportunities with filmmakers such as Jason Reitman, leading to his involvement in films like Juno.

Throughout our conversation, Rick emphasizes the importance of owning his work and maintaining control over his publishing rights, even when faced with tempting offers from major labels. He recounts his experiences working on shows like Hell on Wheels and Greenleaf, where he insisted on supporting artists who retained ownership of their music.

With wisdom gained from decades in the industry, he offers advice to fellow creatives about staying true to their art and values. He also talks about his current projects, including a radio show where he continues to share his passion for music. 

This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of creativity, business, and the unwavering commitment to artistic integrity.

Guest Bio:

Rick Clark grew up immersed in the vibrant music scene of Memphis, TN, where genres like Rock, R&B, and Blues shaped his early musical experiences. His passion for music was ignited by his first concert, James Brown & His Famous Flames, in 1966, which inspired him to pursue a life in music. By high school, Clark was already working in the iconic Memphis record shop Poplar Tunes, surrounded by influential artists.

Throughout the 70s and beyond, Clark played live and in recording sessions with notable musicians, including members of Big Star and the Memphis Horns. He also hosted his own radio show on WLYX-FM and earned a reputation for his expertly crafted music mixes. His career expanded to writing for major publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard and producing music for various projects, from albums to TV shows like "Weeds."

Clark's diverse career includes producing and curating music for Sirius/XM radio, working as a music supervisor on films like "Up In The Air," and supervising the acclaimed AMC series "Dark Winds." His work has earned recognition, including a Guild of Music Supervisors Award. Clark continues to release his own music, blending cinematic sounds with jazz, blues, and disco influences.

About the Hosts:

We’re Sonnet Simmons and John Clinebell, 2 indie artists who have found success and creative fulfillment through licensing our music for ads, TV shows and films. 

We were once so disheartened and discouraged that our music wasn’t being noticed or valued through traditional methods. So we both started on a journey to find another way. For us, that “third door” was sync! And what we discovered is a lot better than we could have ever even imagined…[Find out more here]

Resources From This Episode:

2Indie - Visit our website for more resources and information on how to get YOUR music signed

Sync Society - Want to join our exclusive online sync community, with weekly LIVE networking and coaching calls?

@2indieofficial - Follow us on Instagram

Sync It! Music Licensing Community - Follow us on Facebook

@rickclarkmusic -  Follow Rick on Instagram