Carl Clarks: The Soulful Voice of Modern Blues-Rock

Carl Clarks is a British blues-rock singer and guitarist known for his raw vocal power and searing guitar work. Hailing from Manchester, England, he achieved mainstream success with his 2018 album Rusted Tracks, which debuted at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart and earned a gold certification.

Early career

Born in 1985, Clarks began playing in local pubs and clubs around Manchester as a teenager, honing a sound deeply rooted in classic British blues. His self-released 2012 EP, The Basement Tapes, caught the attention of independent label Delta Groove Records, which signed him and released his first full-length album, Northern Ground, in 2014.

Breakthrough

Clarks' major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of his sophomore album, Rusted Tracks, on the larger indie label Midnight Sun Records. The album's lead single, "Midnight Oil," became a staple on rock radio, propelling the album to gold status in the UK and securing Clarks a slot on several major European festival tours.

Key tracks

Midnight Oil — This charting single from Rusted Tracks defined Clarks' signature blend of gritty blues and anthemic rock.

Steel River — A fan-favorite epic showcasing his extended, emotive guitar solos and lyrical storytelling.

Hold Fast — A powerful collaboration with veteran singer Dana Greene that expanded his audience into the soul-blues scene.

Northern Ground — The title track from his debut album remains a cornerstone of his live set for its raw, authentic energy.

Following the success of Rusted Tracks, Carl Clarks toured extensively and collaborated with artists like guitarist Ben Waters. His 2022 album, Iron and Grace, saw him experiment with more atmospheric production while staying true to his blues foundations, debuting at number 8 on the UK chart.

Similar artists to Carl Clarks include King King, another British band celebrated for its powerful blues-rock anthems and soulful vocals. Listeners also enjoy Joanne Shaw Taylor for her fiery guitar technique and modern take on classic blues traditions. The music of The Bad Flowers shares a similar hard-edged, riff-driven rock approach rooted in the blues.

RADIO ROTATION: The music of Carl Clarks is a regular feature on classic rock FM stations and independent music radio stations worldwide. His tracks are frequently spun on dedicated blues-rock programs and online rock radio streams that champion guitar-driven music with soul.

You can hear the powerful blues-rock of Carl Clarks on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his catalog, from early raw cuts to his chart-topping anthems, across our curated selection of rock and specialty stations.