Lee Clark Allen released his first single, ‘I Won’t Tell Myself A Lie’ on 17 March, ahead of his debut EP, set to come out later in the spring. Known around the world as St Patrick’s Day, the date has an even more special significance for Allen, as his older brother’s birthday; the song is his present and affirmation of his admiration.
Lee Clark Allen grew up surrounded by music in Little Rock Arkansas, with the local annual Blues Festival, River Festival, and Juneteenth celebrations, as well as a number of gospel events and the Motown records of his parents shaping his musical tastes. This love of music proved vital when his parents split up, and also helped him overcome a speech impediment. His EP, ‘Little Rock’, has virtually been a lifetime in the making, and with I Won’t Tell Myself a Lie making an appearance on the Empire State Mix Vol. 7, his music is already heading in the direction he’d hoped for.
‘I Won’t Tell Myself A Lie’ takes its inspiration in the difference between those we agree to date, and those we pursue. In the song Allen focuses on the latter: he sings to an indecisive lover about his intentions: a meaningful relationship with a fling on the other side. The ‘Little Rock’ EP, on the other hand, takes its inspiration from Lee’s friend Riley, who convinced him of the value of making sacrifices to follow his art.
Lee Clark Allen has been compared to the likes of modern soul singers such as Gregory Porter, Leon Bridges and Aloe Blacc, as well as legends like Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole, and Teddy Pendergrass. His personal aim is to emulate John Legend, and not just become a talented soul singer, but also become an advocate for education.
‘I Won’t Tell Myself A Lie‘ is available now on SoundCloud, Facebook, iTunes and YouTube, and it will be available digitally and worldwide on March 23rd.
Find Lee Clark Allen online on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and SoundCloud.
Congratulations..