Q&A with Williams & Clarke
By Chantelle Constable
CC: How did you begin singing together?
Williams & Clarke: We were two of the founding members of the Classical Crossover group Vox Fortis later to be known as Vox Fortura.
CC: What advantages and struggles have you found in being part of a duo?
Williams & Clarke: Being part of any collaboration or group requires great people skills. We worked out very quickly from being in the group what was the best way of operating with many different personalities and strengths. It is safe to say that the two of us recognized very early on the distinct skill sets we possessed and have to date made them work to our advantage, avoiding any personality struggles and rather listening to each other’s needs and how best to execute the tasks in hand. We get along very well. The advantages from being in a duo to that end are multiple. You can delegate more easily and share the burden and share the joy.
CC: What is your partnership like?
Williams & Clarke: As we mentioned earlier, we have very clearly defined roles beyond the performing aspect of our tenor and baritone collaboration. Julius is a fantastic musical arranger and choreographer and Rodney takes care of the administrative tasks and the day to day running’s. We definitely know our strengths and stay in our lanes to ensure a smooth operation.
CC: What sort of material can we expect on your EP? Describe your “brand” within the classical crossover genre.
Williams & Clarke: The Classical Crossover market is packed full of amazing performers each wanting to bring this genre to life. We feel very lucky and honored to be in the position to offer up a Classical Rat Pack as it were. The EP will showcase our versatility in various genres from Swing, Musical Standards, Classical Music and even Chanson while staying true to the vocal blend our individual voices create. We feel it is a great chance for us to add to the repertoire currently being enjoyed by artists in the genre.
CC: Describe your ideal concert: venue and audience.
Williams & Clarke: A concert with all the music we want to sing in it, a venue big enough to hold those interested in hearing us and an audience willing to listen. We’d love to perform with the major orchestras in the world like the London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic or Boston Symphony Orchestra maybe under the direction of Julius’ father. It would be cool to perform together either during one of the summer outdoor pops concerts or even feature in the BBC Proms in the holiday season. A concert where you can work with other talented musicians, with great musical arrangements, a focus on making music and artistry the best it can be is always the ‘ideal’.
CC: What one thing would you like your fans to know or remember about you?
Williams & Clarke: We stood together in our efforts to bring wonderful music to you. We are really passionate about music. Julius really get into it when he’s rehearsing music or choreographing, even worse when he’s had coffee. He also describes himself as a nerd and loves Star Wars and Harry Potter. Rodney is a stickler for detail and finer points, a perfectionist but has a huge fun-loving heart and wants to share his voice with the world.
CC: What are your individual musical backgrounds? When did you each start singing? Do you play any instruments?
Julius: My Father is a Conductor composer, and my mom is a Dr. but is also a consummate vocalist. I grew up in music. I got a violin for Christmas at age 3. I remember taking Suzuki Violin, and having my mother with me while playing and we had to stand on these funny floor pads with the footsteps. We went every Saturday to lessons. I also played the piano and was always with my father as well in rehearsals at Wesleyan University when he conducted the Ebony Singers. I couldn’t even reach the piano without standing under it and putting my fingers over my head to push the keys and play what I called monster music. But I remember learning all the Negro Spirituals in the rehearsals, and of course learning the wrong words as well. I also sang in Church in NYC at Abyssinian Baptist church with my family, and also in church in Hartford, Connecticut. So, it just went on from there. as my uncle said I had no choice to be what I am. I sang in school and had GREAT mentors in HS in Theater, Music, and Dance. Mr. Prenetta and Mr. Cicciarella specifically. There is a great system in The USA that has regional and state choirs where we compete and really get a chance to Learn and perform music at a very high level. From HS I was dancing as well. I studied Musical Theater at NYU, and Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music, I also received my Masters in Classical Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory.
Rodney: My parents are huge fans of music. They enjoy Classical music especially. In my early years at home, I recall hearing a whole range of music from Stevie Wonder and Aretha to Bach, Beethoven and even Queen courtesy of my older sister. I joined a cathedral choir at the age of 7 and sang lots of Church Music before joining singing my first solo concert at the age of 17, the bass solos in Handel’s Messiah. I enjoyed many concerts singing part of the BBC Symphony Chorus touring and singing in the BBC Proms. My great teachers at school put me in contact with the then Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Academy of Music, Prof Mark Wildman. He encouraged me to study and so I did. My parents remained supporters of what I did and to date, I’ve enjoyed many opportunities performing around the world. I play the piano to some degree and also enjoy conducting.
CC: Who are some of your influences?
Julius: I would say my first influences would be my parents and my family. After that, as I was young it would probably be Michael Jackson and anything that came from THE WIZ. I love Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire Movies, and of course, my FAVORITES are the NICHOLAS BROTHERS and Sammy Davis Jr. When I was 14, I started to succumb to my father’s influence and fell in love with Classical music through learning Verdi’s requiem, and the pure emotion of that piece. I also really enjoy the Tenor Lawrence Brownlee and theater Performer Ben Vereen.
Rodney: Singing in a Cathedral Choir had a massive influence on me. I learned how to be part of a team and more importantly how to develop my ear for music. At home, I loved listening and watching great performers on TV like MJ, Nat King Cole and Marvin Gaye. Later I was lucky enough to be able to listen to Classical performers like Bryn Terfel, Willard White, Jesse Norman (loved her Spirituals Album lots) and Pavarotti.
CC: What is your favorite part of this line of work? Your least favorite?
Williams & Clarke: Our favorite part is the creative process, and rehearsing actually. Some of the most magical moments happen while rehearsing, and getting the plan right, and sometimes also seeing what surprisingly comes from collaborating with other people and deviating from the plan. Of course, the adrenaline rush of great performances is also awesome.
The worst part is the uncertainty and having to deal with the unpredictable business side. Getting this right though is very important.
CC: If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
Williams & Clarke: That artists don’t always have to fit inside a preordained box. Also, that longevity is key – not one hits or flashes in the pan just for quick cash. It is always so satisfying and rewarding to listen to an artist grow over the years and chart their journey with developing musical choices.
CC: What exciting plans are in the pipeline for you?
Williams & Clarke: We are looking forward to planning a UK tour in the Fall. We are also thrilled to be introducing ourselves once again (post BGT) to the UK public.
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Photo Credit: Lily Barnes . https://www.facebook.com/
