Clayton Bellamy rocks the Ranchland Mall

Josh Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Clayton Bellamy at the Ranchland Mall
J. Davis photo

Award winning songwriter and country musician Clayton Bellamy visited Pincher Creek on August 22, delivering a free show on his tour to support his new album 'Everyone’s a Dreamer'. Bellamy demonstrated his musical prowess and strong sense of humour to a sizeable audience on a stage located by Mrs P’s restaurant in the Ranchland Mall. Personable and relaxed, Bellamy quickly developed a strong rapport with his audience immediately, delivering an engaging performance not to be forgotten. His new single 'That Ain’t Gonna Fly' is out now, complete with a music video filmed in Calgary.

He opened his set with 'Love Like That', off of 'Everyone’s a Dreamer', showing off the rock n’ country style that has won him many awards. His moved into 'Girls Who Like to Truck', off of 'The Road Hammers II', utilizing his country drawl and mild rasp in a very effective way. It became rapidly clear how much fun Bellamy has playing. Then, he broke out his harmonica to play his hit single 'Everyone’s a Dreamer'. Next, he slowed things down, with 'Love Can Be a Heavy Load'. He dedicated his next song to his old band The Road Hammers, playing 'Nashville Bound', off of their self-titled debut album. He closed things off, appropriately, with 'Adios, I’m Gone', before inviting the crowd to visit with him after the show.

Bellamy was just as charismatic off stage as on. He was quick to smile and generous with his time, seeming to genuinely enjoy conversing with his fans. Asked how his tour is going, he answered “Fantastic. I’ve been on the road since January... and I’ve been so well received everywhere I’ve went. This week we’re going across central Alberta, just doing these kind of radio win-to-get-in concerts, and it’s just been fantastic.” He explained that his song-writing process mostly comes about in two ways, being either based on personal experience or a story he has heard that he can relate to. “I really try and just make every song torn from the flesh. I think it has to be something that’s real. Sometimes I write the music first, sometimes I’ll write the lyrics first, and sometimes it all comes out at the same time.” He was then asked if he had any advice for aspiring musicians. “Get a real job!” he joked, before saying “The only way to Carnegie Hall is practice, practice, practice. Just keep writing, and do it for the right reasons. If you’re looking to get famous, you’re in the wrong business.”

For more information, head to Bellamy’s website at http://claytonbellamyband.com. You can also head to Clayton Bellamy on Facebook in order to like him and get two free songs off the new album.

Clayton Bellamy at the Ranchland Mall
J. Davis photo