WTIC Interview Now Up!

"We're very proud of what you've done."
~WTIC Host

Clay's interview with WTIC-AM in Hartford, CT is now available at WTIC's website. The Clackhouse's Corabeth transcribed the interview for us:

Joining us now is somebody that I'm looking forward to seeing on the 12th. Christmas with the HSO.

The centerpiece of the event is Clay Aiken.

Thank you, what a lead in.

Clay you are the first concert in this convention center. Bistro seating, some folks in theater chairs. A really unique evening.

What an incredible career. Did you ever think this would happen to you?

Clay: Not at all, every thing that has happened to and for us has always been a big surprise to me/us.

DJ: A good friend of mine is a real fan. She bought your first CD and it was really quite good. But I think you have really managed to grow. Here you are trying something new with HSO.

Clay:It's about being open to opportunities. Not my initial plan for life but everything is open. We've really found over the last few nights that to do it with these symphonies is so much fun. So lush and so much music.

DJ: It has to be more fun but harder because you are getting one shot to do it right.

Clay: Oh no, more pressure

DJ: You're there riding this wonderful beast, this orchestra. That has to be a wonderful feeling.

Clay: I am amazed at how professional these people are. Mentions crescendos, etc.

Clay: I know Jingle Bells

DJ: Ah'm just a young singing boy from NC.

Clay: We have a conductor/musical director that travels with us and they rehearse the entire show in the afternoon. And I sit around and isten.

DJ: Let's talk about ATDW. You picked some really different songs to song and even the Christmas show, all done by some great people. Is it that intimidating?

Clay: With Christmas songs, it is anticipated that people will repeat songs that people recognize. But so many people have done it, it's not really a cover song. It's part of the American culture.

On ATDW I was apprehensive doing songs by people who had success with them before.

DJ: Brought up Islands in the Stream. But you did "Here You Come Again", a signature song but you went a different way with them.

Clay: We tried to change them up ,so we were true to the song but , blah, blah, changed to chill ballad.

(DJ keeps interrupting him, in a nice way.)

Clay: I was more comfortable doing them when we could change them up.

DJ: Talking about AIW. What's on that?

Clay: We recorded a Christmas album in 2004. There were a few songs that didn't make that album. And then there were songs that I had performed but that I wanted to record at some point and some new ones that we recorded.

DJ; still friends with AI

Clay: I'm still friends with Kelly Clarkson, Ruben, Kim Locke. Fraternity talk.

DJ: But Randy Jackson is not calling you?

Clay: We didn't have that much connection with the judges even when we were on the show.

DJ; Plus his concert, very close very intimate venue. Gave info to get table seatings and theater seatings.

DJ: Clay, you are helping us out on Friday. Salvation Army donation. $300 donation or more giving away tickets.

Where do we find you this morning

Clay: Just outside of Syracuse!

DJ: Pleasure to talk to you, very proud of what you've done

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible