THE HOURS: MORNING — A New Dawn for Cautious Clay

MUSIC

Aug 22

Cautious Clay returns with The Hours: Morning — a deeply conceptual, sonically rich new album released via Concord Records. The eight-track project blurs the lines between mixtape and emotional timetable, tracing the shifting moods, colors, and textures of the morning hours.

Conceived after relocating from New York to Philadelphia, the record reflects a new chapter of fluid creativity — one that draws equally from pop precision, jazz fluidity, indie-rock textures, and alt-R&B vulnerability. From the quiet stirrings of dawn to the restless energy of mid-morning, The Hours: Morning is both a meditation on time and a signal of evolution in Cautious Clay’s ever-shifting artistry.

Astrophe chatted to Joshua about inspiration, rituals, and the spaces where creativity takes root.

Outside of your art form, where do you draw inspiration from?

I would say painting and basketball are my biggest inspirations outside of music. Also stimulating conversations with other artists and musicians.

Where do you think your personal power comes from?

My power comes from my internal awareness.

Is there something you learned or believed early in your career that you’ve since outgrown or disproved?

Having the notion that creativity can be learned. I think it’s honestly just innate inside of some of us and not others.

Within your immediate circle — friends, family, chosen family — who inspires you the most, and why?

Probably my mother because she has such a strong sense of self, and doesn’t feel beholden to people but also honours the people that she feels connections with. She has a brave spirit.

What’s something you return to again and again — a book, a place, a habit, a memory?

Basketball.

When do you feel most yourself?

When I am truly laughing at something.

What’s the best advice you’ve ignored?

Don’t listen to what other people have to say.

How has your understanding of success changed over time?

I don’t think it has.

What’s a recent moment that surprised you?

It’s been a while.

How much of a role do other artists play in inspiring your work?

They definitely play a role. And it’s usually not a particular artist but more about songs and ideas that are brought forward that inspire - such as drum parts chord progressions or melodies. Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Lenny Kravitz, Los Tres Ases.

How instrumental is collaboration for you?

It’s important for sure but not always necessary, I like to collaborate.

Is there a specific vibe, genre or instrument that moves you?

40s-70s jazz, tech house, bachata, 3-part ballad harmonies.

What is the one thing you hope people take away from your music?

It depends on what songs or album they’re listening to but if it is Karpeh maybe a sense of tranquillity and reflection. Dead Pan Love maybe energized.

What is your favourite song to cover? (or sing at karaoke)

Under The Bridge – Red Hot Chilli Peppers

What is your most prized possession?

Probably my hard-drives + flutes.