Clay's Musical Revival Needs Your Support

Hi, my name is Clay and I make and perform music under the name The Manor Born.

In early 2020, after what I would consider a very musically rewarding 2019, I finally went on my first regional tour with even bigger plans to tour that summer promoting what was initially an EP titled “See You Next Year.” I released what in many ways is my most “successful” song to date, “Crooked Shoulders,” which got over 10,000 streams. I was on my way to my dreams, so I thought.

In March 2020, the world shut down due to COVID-19. I remember playing a show in Flagstaff when the first case in Arizona broke the news and talking about it on stage. Like the debut of the first iPhone, I didn’t think anything of it. I thought we ought to be more worried about the seasonal flu in the same way that I thought, “So what’s wrong with having buttons on your phone?”

Once we were required to quarantine, at first, like many of us, I thought the newly found time from being furloughed and laid off would mean that I learn new languages, read all the books, and record my magnum opus of an album. In six months, when this is all over, I’d just go right back to it.

I don’t need to tell you how that first year went in terms of depression and sadness, but during that time I sold 90% of my gear thinking that live music was over. Since then, I’ve been trying to crawl out of a hole spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I’ve worked, by accident, dead-end jobs thinking that I’ll just pursue a normal career.

Not to be dramatic, but nothing’s worked out. I applied to an art grant to be able to go record this album and document the process and got rejected. I don’t have a backup plan until right now, which is why I’m asking for your help in helping me pursue my dreams. When I was younger, I thought I’d give myself till 30 to pursue music, then 32, then 35. I’m 32 now. I know now that there’s no deadline for your artistic endeavors and that it doesn’t matter how old I am as long as the music is good.

4/8/2025 Update:

Hey Everyone!

I’m back home in Tucson now writing this. The fundraiser has pretty much stalled, which is no problem, I was being hopeful with my initial goal. We did get six songs fully finished and I’m awaiting the mixes from Saint Cecilia! I’m also waiting on a mix of an older song from one of my friends, so grand total the EP (now) is going to be 8 songs. Not quite the intended goal but a lot of the recording process is realizing that some of your old songs aren’t very good or that you need some help recording them due to them being a little funkier or weirder than the others.

I’m not pivoting this fundraiser to help me raise money to get new electric guitar gear so I can start putting together my backing band. I have an electric guitar, but I need an amp and pedalboard (with pedals), so that’s what I’m trying to do. Anything helps.

If you’d like a sampling of former work you can listen here.

Anything is appreciated and thank you for helping me get back onto my creative feet.