Emerging Canadian country artist Rich Cloke has released a new single called “You’re the One”, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this with you all. It’s a great song that will cause some serious toe-tapping.
Rich has been making a significant splash on the Canadian country industry. His music has been shared around the globe thanks to over 50,000 fans on social media and has achieved over 270,000 streams across digital platforms – and this number seems to grow by the minute.
“You’re The One” is a really fun song! It features a great country beat, a catchy melody, fantastic vocals, and lyrics that are filled with imagery. We had the chance to catch up with Rich to talk about his latest single, music, and how social media has helped propel his career.
Interview with Rich Cloke
Front Porch: Rich! Welcome to the Front Porch! We’re so excited to have you join us, and to introduce you to the Front Porch audience. Before we talk about your new single, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself.
Rich Cloke: I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario and currently reside in Burlington, Ontario.
I’ve always been involved in music from a young age. Throughout high school & university I played in a couple rock bands as a lead guitarist. I’ve been recording and performing as a country artist since 2014 which was the first time I was the lead singer and front man. I’ve always loved country music and its music that’s resonated with me but I’d never had the opportunity to pursue.
Since releasing country music in 2014 I’ve never looked back.
FP: Congrats on the release of your latest single “You’re The One”. Tell us about this song – what inspired the single?
RC: “You’re The One” was a song that was pitched to me from Anthem Entertainment. It happened to be the best song at that time for what I was looking for. I filtered through dozens of songs that I had written and songs that had come from publishing companies. I was looking for an upbeat, fun, and cleverly written love song. I’ve been in a relationship for a long time and I wanted the song to represent the positive side of love. Sonically speaking, it best represents who I am as an artist at this point in time. It’s what you can expect from me on future releases.
FP: This song has been out for about a month now and has already gained an impressive amount of streams. What about this song do you think resonates with listeners?
RC: I’m so grateful for the amount of streams, “You’re The One” has gained in a short amount of time. I think my fans are able to hear the authenticity in the music. Even though I might not have written the song, it’s a theme that resonates with me and I’m able to emotionally capture that in the music. My fans are smart and I believe the more authentic you are, the more an audience will continue to want to listen.
FP: With social media, artists are really finding success and a niche of fans through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, etc. Artists are no longer relying on being “discovered” by a record label. You do a great job connecting with your audience on social media. How conscious of your social media presence are you? Is this something you think that has benefited the music industry?
RC: I love social media. I think it’s a huge benefit to musicians as it allows an artist to connect with their fans in a meaningful way. Personally, I enjoy connecting with fans on social media. Thanks to social media, my fans and I have been able create a community built on loyalty and respect for each other.
FP: The country music genre has really evolved in the past few years, and has become much more approachable to the average listener – blending the lines of pop and country, or country and rock. What do you think about that, and what do you say to the people who are critical about this trend?
RC: I love it! In my opinion music is all about evolution. Country seems to be the only genre where this debate exists. I have a lot of respect for artists that mix and match genres. I myself pull a lot of influence from the rock world. Sure, I might be a country artist, but I listen to a variety of different music. If I can pull those influences into my sound and push the limits of my creativity, I will.
That’s the beauty of music.
FP: What’s next for you – A tour, new music?
RC: Oh yeh! The new record is coming in early 2020. I’ve spent the last few years writing in Canada and in Nashville and have put together a catalogue of music. We’ve selected a handful of songs that encapsulates who I am as an artist and I’m ready to share more of my story with the world! You can expect a variety of songs and emotions on the record that are inspired from a variety of styles and influences. We’re starting to line up shows for 2020 as well. This summer, I’ll be opening for one of Canada’s largest country acts; I’m excited to announce the details soon.
FP: Oh we can’t wait to hear about it! And really quickly, give us the top 5 songs you are really into right now?
RC:
- Morgan Wallen: “Whiskey Glasses”
- Jake Owen: “Made for You”
- Chris Young: “Drowning”
- Chris Lane: “Drunk People”
- Brett Young: “Catch”
Stream “You’re the One” by Rich Cloke
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
