Exclusive interview: the art of being dead - Stephen Clayton
IF HE were so inclined, Stephen Clayton could be forgiven for feeling a little smug.
While most of us only get to dream of performing with a band, or writing a book, Clayton has actually managed both, successfully.
As his debut novel, the art of being dead, is released, Clayton is actually far too busy to be smug as he continues work on his second book and prepares to call time on his involvement with Tractor and a music career that has spanned more than 40 years.
In this OutLoud interview, he talks about the psychological strands of his novel, listening to opera while performing rock, his love of literature, and John Peel.
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Clayton grew up in Rochdale where he teamed up with Jim Milne in the mid-60s to form The Way We Live. After the departure of a bassist and vocalist, they were signed to John Peel's Dandelion label in 1971, released an album, but then became Tractor with the later reissue of the album, A Candle for Judith.
While the band set its place in UK musical history for its psychedelic blend of rock, and leading role in the free festival scene of the 70s, Clayton kept harbouring dreams of becoming a writer.
But it wasn't really until he moved to Hebden Bridge with his wife Judith in 1980 that he really began to bring these to fruition.
With two written but unpublished novels behind him he began work on another, a dark exploration of a young man's determination to live life in emotional isolation. The result, the art of being dead, is now published by Bluemoose Books.
Clayton splits his time between Hebden Bridge and France.
the art of being dead, 7.99, is published by Bluemoose Books, ISBN 978-0955-336-744
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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