Clive Davis' Memoir Stirs Backlash from Kelly Clarkson

Clive Davis is well known for his uncanny ability to find and nurture talented artists within the field of music.  He has been responsible for skyrocketing the careers of artists like Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, and Kelly Clarkson. Last month, Clive Davis released a memoir titled “The Soundtrack of My Life”, which shed light on his 52 years as an artist manager in the music business. A Hollywood Reporter book review says the memoir focuses on his artists’ journey to do things the way they want, rather than listening to everyone else. The memoir received negative attention this past week across entertainment news platforms alike.  Kelly Clarkson claimed that Davis misrepresented her in his book, and she has demanded clarification. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, Clarkson took to social media to express her discontent with the alleged falsified information written by Davis.  As a response to Clarkson’s actions, a representative of Davis released a comment stating that Davis verified his chapter on Kelly Clarkson with five independent individuals.  In this article, Clarkson expressed that Davis discouraged her songwriting and personal projects numerous times in private and in public.  Additionally, she says Davis even told her she was a terrible songwriter.  It seemed like a classic case of two different accounts of the same story until Howard Stern, the infamous radio personality, stepped in.

In this article, Howard Stern took to the radio and expressed his disgust for Davis diminishing such a talented artist like Kelly Clarkson.  In addition, he added that music business professionals often diminish talent to depict themselves as artistic geniuses behind the artist.  Fortunately, Kelly Clarkson did not remain quiet about the situation and utilized social media to rally support on the common dispute between artists and their professional staff. Social media has allowed artists to voice their personal concerns inexpensively and effectively.  In just days, Clarkson was able to diminish the accounts of Davis’ “The Soundtrack of My Life”, a work that probably took him several months to complete.

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Elle Varner's "Perfectly Imperfect"

Elle Varner’s “Perfectly Imperfect” album released on August 3^rd, 2012.  She’s no where near “new” to music at all.  Both of her parents are songwriters and she actually often accompanied her parents to recording studios for sessions.  She even divulged that at a young age, her parents would even ask her opinions and suggestions on their music.  Visit her website at ellevarner.com.  Elle Varner was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the outskirts of the LA.  She attended Amazing Grace Conservatory, Hamilton High School under the Academy of Music and even received a spot in New York University’s Clive Davis Program of Recorded Music.  So understand, there’s no rookie behind “Perfectly Imperfect”, just a pearl gracefully leaving the mollusk to shine.

We all are familiar with “Only Wanna Give it To You”, her first single featuring J. Cole.  She actually started writing the song as a teenager and it’s one of her most loved hits from the album.  The clever lyrics switch from her potential interest in a guy to her obsession with shoes.  Her ability to grasp a concept and take each piece of the concept apart to create something catchy is also exhibited in her second single “Refill”. 

Her newest single release is “I Don’t Care”, paired with the video to the right. Her video shows unlikely couples, their love, and their obvious struggles.  Once again, Varner keeps substance in her music with great lyrics and composition, and reels us in for the kill with awesome melodies in her hooks. 

Her more soul-esque tracks include Not Tonight, Welcome Home, Sound Proof Room which all show off her range and skill.   

The percussion and strings in “Oh What a Night” is sick alone without her skilled vocals, and it definitely has potential to be a radio single. Speaking of strings, “Damn Good Friends” is just Elle and guitars in ¾ time.  She definitely pushes the limits and goes for what is different, yet beautiful.

“Stop the Clock” slows the album back down and utilizes awesome chords throughout the song, and the track “ticks” like a clock during her verses.  What more could you ask for?

The last and my personal favorite is “So Fly”.  This track discusses our society’s idea of outer and inner beauty.  It reminds me of TLC’s “Unpretty”.  The substance of this track overpowers the melody and the background. It’s awesome that she picked such a mellow accompaniment for a song with such a strong message and it will no doubt speak to the hearts of younger girls today. 

“Perfectly Imperfect” is a great album, with “radio” tracks to vibe to, rhythm and blues tracks to relate to, and just plain good music to hold on to. Elle Varner’s album can be purchased for $7.99 on iTunes and $6.99 on Amazon

-RashaunahAsya 

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