Watch

Read

Listen

Go

Play

Shop

Community

Play (Lists)

Clifford Proves He Is ‘Too Big Too Strong’ with Magnetic New Single

By Cynthia Gross

Last month, one of our favorite rising DMV-based artists at Alchemical Records, Clifford, released his latest single, “Too Big Too Strong.” The high-octane, electronic-infused track is magnetic and original, empowering audiences to embrace their untapped potential with confidence and style.

“’Too Big Too Strong’ was inspired by that moment when you’re able to say ‘YES! That’s why I didn’t give up!’” Clifford explained. “You’ve reached a point of clarity and validation to keep going. It’s the idea that we don’t even realize how great we are until our courage pushes us to the next level.” 

At the start of the song, the narrator is unsteady, attempting to find footing outside of the limitations of other people’s opinions. “Why is everybody so big to me / It feels a little bit intimidating to me,” Clifford sings. However, a burgeoning independence has already taken root, as evidenced by the lines that follow: “Just gimme some time I think I / Could grow up too big and too strong.”

The clear star of “Too Big Too Strong” is the rhythm-driven composition. Driving bass, swirling electronic drums, industrial synths, and grunge guitar combine to create a danceable, moody vibe that is in lockstep with the song’s thematic build. “Cuz I’m ’bout to explode right now / At my full potential right now / Yeah, you’re in the danger zone right now,” Clifford sings with the boldness and defiance of someone who has grown stronger and better.

Clifford notes that pre-chorus represents the protagonist’s “former self,” and the chorus and verse debut the protagonist’s “future self,” whom he describes as “someone who is stronger and no longer worries about the things they used to,” including “self-worth, validity, and acceptance from others.” “Too Big Too Strong” is a song about moving to higher heights, and Clifford’s adept handling of the subject matter carries a sincerity that audiences find believable and stirring.

“Too Big Too Strong” follows an impressive lineup of releases from the  Westminster, Maryland-based singer-songwriter, including “Close To Me,” and “I’m So Bored.” Fans of T.  Rex and David Bowie will identify with Clifford’s colorful, larger-than-life aesthetic that warrants many repeat and indulgent returns.

As “Too Big Too Strong” demonstrates, Clifford, a multilingual U.S./UK citizen living stateside, is a standout talent who has the ability to write hits for those of us who seek something more creative than the mainstream. He continues to deliver the best of unconventional music that pushes genre and boundary to a captivating effect. Stay tuned for Clifford’s exciting upcoming projects to be announced later this summer.

Listen to “Too Big Too Strong” below, and discover other great music on the Alchemical Records Multigenre Mixture on Spotify.

Cynthia Gross

Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.

Join the Alchemical Records Street Team to promote these and other artists, live music, and music community organizations & events while receiving cool perks from artists throughout the region.

More to explore

Foghat Sonic Mojo 2024 Tour. Fillmore Silver Spring, MD March 9
DMV

Foghat’s Roger Earl Refuses to Slow His Ride

By this point in his life, Foghat founding drummer Roger Earl has visited quite a few doctors. But what may be surprising is that the percussionist, 77, is quick to point out that many of the medical professionals who have worked on him also enjoy rocking out.

“Nearly all the doctors and surgeons I know, they all play something: trumpet, sax, violin, guitar,” Earl said recently. “There’s not too many drummers that are surgeons, there’s probably a good reason for that!”

Earl half-jokingly invites his surgeon-rockers to join him and the other members of Foghat onstage at the Fillmore in Silver Spring March 9, where they will be headlining the Rock and Roll for Children Foundation benefit for the Children’s Inn at NIH. Earl, the only original member of Foghat still in the band, will be banging the skins behind guitarist Bryan Bassett and other members Scott Holt and Rodney O’Quinn. “Slow Ride,” the band’s 1975 megahit, is all but assured to be on the setlist, along with tunes from Foghat’s most recent record, “Sonic Mojo.”

Read More »