Clark Datchler
Encyclopedia
Clark Datchler is an English
singer, songwriter
, musician
and record producer
. He first came to fame in 1987 as the lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in the band Johnny Hates Jazz
.
and Frank Sinatra
. Fred encouraged his son to learn to play piano, guitar and flute from the age of 7 years old. Datchler attended Downsend School, Ashtead and St. John’s School, Leatherhead where he started many bands.
He released his first single when he was 17, "You Fooled Him Once Again", on the London soul label Bluebird. The record featured Julie Roberts of Working Week
, and two members of the reggae band Aswad: drummer Angus "Drummie Zeb" Gaye, and bassist George "Ras Levi" Oban. The single was not a success.
Shortly after, he signed a music publishing deal with Warner Bros. Records
, and moved to LA when he was 18 to write for other artists. The following year he returned to London and joined the band Hot Club, signed to RAK Records
. His fellow band members were Calvin Hayes (later part of Johnny Hates Jazz
), Glenn Matlock of the Sex Pistols
, and guitarist James Stevenson
of Chelsea
and Generation X
. They released one single ("It Ain’t Me, Girl"), before Datchler was signed to RAK as a solo artist. He subsequently released the singles "I Don’t Want You" and "Things Can’t Get Any Worse", both produced by Mickie Most
(producer of The Animals
, Donovan
, Hot Chocolate and Kim Wilde
). However, success continued to elude him.
alongside production team Calvin Hayes and Mike Nocito in 1986. The band released their first single, "Me and My Foolish Heart", on RAK Records in that year. The single did not achieve success. However soon, as Clark began to write the songs for the band, a showcase was held at Ronnie Scott
's Jazz Club where the group performed in front of several record labels. They signed with Virgin Records
, and Datchler's best-known song, "Shattered Dreams
", was released in spring 1987. The single was a success worldwide, reaching #5 in the UK. It also reached #2 in Japan and the US (as well as #1 on the Billboard AOR chart). Several international hits followed, including the anti-war anthem "I Don't Want to Be a Hero
" and "Turn Back the Clock". The band's debut album, Turn Back the Clock, was released in January 1988 and reached #1 in the UK, going double platinum. Datchler wrote most of the songs on this album, including all of the band's hits.
Along with being signed to Virgin Records, Datchler signed a music publishing agreement with Virgin Music Publishing.
, drummer John "JR" Robinson and percussionist Paulinho Da Costa
. Also featured was guitarist Dave Gregory of XTC
. The album saw Datchler’s first environmental song, "Raindance" – one of several to follow.
The first single from Raindance was “Crown Of Thorns”. It was released in Britain in 1990 but was not a success. The Raindance album was released on Virgin Records in Japan shortly afterwards.
In 1991, Datchler went back into the studio to record some tracks with Rupert Hine
, producer of Tina Turner
, The Fixx
and Howard Jones
. The new album was titled Fishing for Souls. However, when the relationship between Virgin Records and Datchler deteriorated further, he left the label. Fishing for Souls was not officially released by Virgin, but was eventually made available as a bootleg.
In 2009, Datchler acquired the rights to the album. It was remixed by Stephen W Tayler
, digitally remastered and in 2010 it was released on Datchler's own label, Interaction Music.
In the mid 1990s, Datchler moved back to Britain where he based himself at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios outside the city of Bath. There, he taught himself to play the bouzouki, drums and percussion, and refined his abilities as a pianist, keyboard player, bassist and guitarist. He also began to experiment with combining world and folk instruments with contemporary instruments and modern grooves. The recordings he made at Real World eventually led to the beginning of the writing and recording of the album Tomorrow.
At the same time, Datchler studied the philosophy of indigenous peoples. He became a Green Party member, and focused his songwriting skills on social issues that concerned him.
In 1998, Datchler signed a music publishing deal with BMG Music.
In the 2000s, Datchler based himself in the USA. He decided to make an album with an environmental theme, and consequently began work Tomorrow. He played many of the instruments on the album as well as producing, engineering and mixing. He invited several notable musicians to record with him, including Phil Gould (drummer of Level 42
), David Rhodes (guitarist with Peter Gabriel
), James McNally (Irish whistle and bodhran player of Afro Celt Sound System), Hugh Marsh (fiddle player with Loreena McKennitt
), Phil Beer (mandolin player of Show Of Hands
) and Joji Hirota (shakuhachi player). He recorded much of the 12-track album in a state-of-the-art studio powered by solar energy. One of the songs was a new recording of his first hit with Johnny Hates Jazz, "Shattered Dreams."
The completed version of Tomorrow was released on InterAction Music in May 2007. This album was originally released under the pseudonym of Nightfoxx, but Datchler subsequently returned to recording and performing under his original name. In 2009 it was remixed by Stephen W Tayler
, digitally remastered and re-released.
Datchler also signed a music publishing deal with Stage Three Music, part of BMG Rights Management
.
In October 2010, Datchler received a BMI award in recognition of "Shattered Dreams" achieving over 3 million broadcast performances in the US alone.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
singer, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
. He first came to fame in 1987 as the lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in the band Johnny Hates Jazz
Johnny Hates Jazz
Johnny Hates Jazz is an Anglo-American Pop/Rock band, formed in 1986 by Clark Datchler , Mike Nocito , and Calvin Hayes...
.
Early career
Clark Datchler's father was Fred Dachtler, a singer and saxophonist in two popular vocal groups of the 1950s, The Polkadots and The Stargazers. He also sang backing vocals for The BeatlesThe Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
and Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
. Fred encouraged his son to learn to play piano, guitar and flute from the age of 7 years old. Datchler attended Downsend School, Ashtead and St. John’s School, Leatherhead where he started many bands.
He released his first single when he was 17, "You Fooled Him Once Again", on the London soul label Bluebird. The record featured Julie Roberts of Working Week
Working Week (band)
Working Week were a British jazz-dance musical ensemble, active in the 1980s and 1990s.Working Week were formed in 1983 by guitarist Simon Booth and saxophonist Larry Stabbins, who were previously in post punk outfit Weekend...
, and two members of the reggae band Aswad: drummer Angus "Drummie Zeb" Gaye, and bassist George "Ras Levi" Oban. The single was not a success.
Shortly after, he signed a music publishing deal with Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
, and moved to LA when he was 18 to write for other artists. The following year he returned to London and joined the band Hot Club, signed to RAK Records
RAK Records
Rak Records was a British record label, founded by record producer Mickie Most in 1969. Rak was home of artists like Herman's Hermits, Suzi Quatro, Mud, Kenny, Hot Chocolate, Smokie, Arrows, Span, Racey and Kim Wilde. Rak Records were distributed via a licensing deal with EMI, which bought the...
. His fellow band members were Calvin Hayes (later part of Johnny Hates Jazz
Johnny Hates Jazz
Johnny Hates Jazz is an Anglo-American Pop/Rock band, formed in 1986 by Clark Datchler , Mike Nocito , and Calvin Hayes...
), Glenn Matlock of the Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians...
, and guitarist James Stevenson
James Stevenson (musician)
James Stevenson is a UK punk / rock guitarist, at one time appearing with The Alarm, Gene Loves Jezebel, Generation X and Chelsea.-Music career:...
of Chelsea
Chelsea (band)
Chelsea are an English punk rock band, formed in London in 1976.Three of the four original band members went on to help found Generation X. More than two decades after its release, "Right to Work", Chelsea's debut single, was included in Mojo magazine's list of the best punk rock singles of all...
and Generation X
Generation X (band)
Generation X was a British punk rock band, formed on 21 November 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe.-History:...
. They released one single ("It Ain’t Me, Girl"), before Datchler was signed to RAK as a solo artist. He subsequently released the singles "I Don’t Want You" and "Things Can’t Get Any Worse", both produced by Mickie Most
Mickie Most
Mickie Most was an English record producer, with a string of hit singles with acts such as The Animals, Arrows, Herman's Hermits, Donovan, Suzi Quatro and the Jeff Beck Group often issued on his own RAK Records label....
(producer of The Animals
The Animals
The Animals were an English music group of the 1960s formed in Newcastle upon Tyne during the early part of the decade, and later relocated to London...
, Donovan
Donovan
Donovan Donovan Donovan (born Donovan Philips Leitch (born 10 May 1946) is a Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist. Emerging from the British folk scene, he developed an eclectic and distinctive style that blended folk, jazz, pop, psychedelia, and world music...
, Hot Chocolate and Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde is an English pop singer, author and television presenter who burst onto the music scene in 1981 with the number 2 UK Singles Chart new wave classic "Kids in America". In 1987 she had a major hit in the United States when her version of The Supremes' classic "You Keep Me Hangin' On"...
). However, success continued to elude him.
Johnny Hates Jazz
Datchler became a member of Johnny Hates JazzJohnny Hates Jazz
Johnny Hates Jazz is an Anglo-American Pop/Rock band, formed in 1986 by Clark Datchler , Mike Nocito , and Calvin Hayes...
alongside production team Calvin Hayes and Mike Nocito in 1986. The band released their first single, "Me and My Foolish Heart", on RAK Records in that year. The single did not achieve success. However soon, as Clark began to write the songs for the band, a showcase was held at Ronnie Scott
Ronnie Scott
Ronnie Scott was an English jazz tenor saxophonist and jazz club owner.-Life and career:Ronnie Scott was born in Aldgate, east London, into a family of Russian Jewish descent on his father's side, and Portuguese antecedents on his mother's. Scott began playing in small jazz clubs at the age of...
's Jazz Club where the group performed in front of several record labels. They signed with Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
, and Datchler's best-known song, "Shattered Dreams
Shattered Dreams
In 2009, French singer Quentin Elias covered the song in a single released on-line at such retailers as iTunes and Amazon.com.Track listing# "Shattered Dreams" [Original Die For Me Mix]# "Shattered Dreams" [Deep & Dark Mix]...
", was released in spring 1987. The single was a success worldwide, reaching #5 in the UK. It also reached #2 in Japan and the US (as well as #1 on the Billboard AOR chart). Several international hits followed, including the anti-war anthem "I Don't Want to Be a Hero
I Don't Want to be a Hero
"I Don't Want to be a Hero" is a 1987 song by the British band Johnny Hates Jazz. It reached #11 in the UK top 40 in August 1987 spending 10 weeks on the chart. It is taken from their #1 album Turn Back the Clock.-Writing and inspiration:...
" and "Turn Back the Clock". The band's debut album, Turn Back the Clock, was released in January 1988 and reached #1 in the UK, going double platinum. Datchler wrote most of the songs on this album, including all of the band's hits.
Along with being signed to Virgin Records, Datchler signed a music publishing agreement with Virgin Music Publishing.
Solo work
Datchler left Johnny Hates Jazz in 1988 at the height of his fame. He moved to Amsterdam and began work on a solo album called Raindance. The album featured some renowned musicians, including bass player Nathan EastNathan East
Nathan Harrell East is a jazz, R&B and rock bass player and vocalist. East holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of California, San Diego...
, drummer John "JR" Robinson and percussionist Paulinho Da Costa
Paulinho Da Costa
Paulinho da Costa is a Brazilian percussionist born in Rio de Janeiro, considered one of the most recorded musicians of modern times. Playing over two hundred percussion instruments, he has participated in thousands of recording sessions, Grammy Award-winning albums, hit songs, soundtracks, radio...
. Also featured was guitarist Dave Gregory of XTC
XTC
XTC were a New Wave band from Swindon, England, active between 1976 and 2005. The band enjoyed some chart success, including the UK and Canadian hits "Making Plans for Nigel" and "Senses Working Overtime" , but are perhaps even better known for their long-standing critical success.- Early years:...
. The album saw Datchler’s first environmental song, "Raindance" – one of several to follow.
The first single from Raindance was “Crown Of Thorns”. It was released in Britain in 1990 but was not a success. The Raindance album was released on Virgin Records in Japan shortly afterwards.
In 1991, Datchler went back into the studio to record some tracks with Rupert Hine
Rupert Hine
Rupert Neville Hine is an English musician, songwriter and prolific record producer, having produced albums for artists including Kevin Ayers, Tina Turner, Howard Jones, Saga, The Fixx, Bob Geldof, Thompson Twins, Stevie Nicks, Chris de Burgh, Suzanne Vega, Rush, Underworld, Duncan Sheik, and ...
, producer of Tina Turner
Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer and actress whose career has spanned more than 50 years. She has won numerous awards and her achievements in the rock music genre have led many to call her the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll".Turner started out her music career with husband Ike Turner as a member of the...
, The Fixx
The Fixx
The Fixx is an English rock band formed in London in 1979. Their hits include "One Thing Leads to Another," "Red Skies," "Stand or Fall," "Saved by Zero," "Sign of Fire," "Are We Ourselves?," "Secret Separation," "Driven Out," "How Much Is Enough?," and "Deeper and Deeper," which was featured on...
and Howard Jones
Howard Jones
Howard Jones is the name of:*Howard Jones , American football coach*Howard Jones , American metalcore singer*Howard M...
. The new album was titled Fishing for Souls. However, when the relationship between Virgin Records and Datchler deteriorated further, he left the label. Fishing for Souls was not officially released by Virgin, but was eventually made available as a bootleg.
In 2009, Datchler acquired the rights to the album. It was remixed by Stephen W Tayler
Stephen W Tayler
Stephen Tayler is a mixing and recording engineer, music producer, composer and sound designer who has contributed this collection of talents to hundreds of world-class albums for artists including Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, Peter Gabriel, Underworld, Duncan Sheik, Howard Jones, Stevie Nicks, Rush,...
, digitally remastered and in 2010 it was released on Datchler's own label, Interaction Music.
In the mid 1990s, Datchler moved back to Britain where he based himself at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios outside the city of Bath. There, he taught himself to play the bouzouki, drums and percussion, and refined his abilities as a pianist, keyboard player, bassist and guitarist. He also began to experiment with combining world and folk instruments with contemporary instruments and modern grooves. The recordings he made at Real World eventually led to the beginning of the writing and recording of the album Tomorrow.
At the same time, Datchler studied the philosophy of indigenous peoples. He became a Green Party member, and focused his songwriting skills on social issues that concerned him.
In 1998, Datchler signed a music publishing deal with BMG Music.
In the 2000s, Datchler based himself in the USA. He decided to make an album with an environmental theme, and consequently began work Tomorrow. He played many of the instruments on the album as well as producing, engineering and mixing. He invited several notable musicians to record with him, including Phil Gould (drummer of Level 42
Level 42
Level 42 are an English pop rock and jazz-funk band who had a number of worldwide and UK hits during the 1980s and 1990s.The band gained fame for their high-calibre musicianship—in particular that of Mark King, whose percussive slap-bass guitar technique provided the driving groove of many of the...
), David Rhodes (guitarist with Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
), James McNally (Irish whistle and bodhran player of Afro Celt Sound System), Hugh Marsh (fiddle player with Loreena McKennitt
Loreena McKennitt
Loreena Isabel Irene McKennitt, CM, OM, is a Canadian singer, composer, harpist, accordionist and pianist who writes, records and performs world music with Celtic and Middle Eastern themes. McKennitt is known for her refined, clear soprano vocals...
), Phil Beer (mandolin player of Show Of Hands
Show of Hands
Show of Hands is an English acoustic roots and folk duo comprising singer-songwriter Steve Knightley and multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer. In recent years they have been accompanied on tour and in the studio by jazz double-bassist Miranda Sykes.-Origins:...
) and Joji Hirota (shakuhachi player). He recorded much of the 12-track album in a state-of-the-art studio powered by solar energy. One of the songs was a new recording of his first hit with Johnny Hates Jazz, "Shattered Dreams."
The completed version of Tomorrow was released on InterAction Music in May 2007. This album was originally released under the pseudonym of Nightfoxx, but Datchler subsequently returned to recording and performing under his original name. In 2009 it was remixed by Stephen W Tayler
Stephen W Tayler
Stephen Tayler is a mixing and recording engineer, music producer, composer and sound designer who has contributed this collection of talents to hundreds of world-class albums for artists including Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, Peter Gabriel, Underworld, Duncan Sheik, Howard Jones, Stevie Nicks, Rush,...
, digitally remastered and re-released.
Datchler also signed a music publishing deal with Stage Three Music, part of BMG Rights Management
BMG Rights Management
BMG Rights Management is a music rights management company and a joint venture between the international media company Bertelsmann and the global private equity firm KKR...
.
Current activities
Datchler rejoined Johnny Hates Jazz in late 2009, and in 2010 they played live shows in Europe and SE Asia. He is currently working on a new JHJ album with Mike Nocito, which is due to be released in early 2012. They plan to tour later in the year.In October 2010, Datchler received a BMI award in recognition of "Shattered Dreams" achieving over 3 million broadcast performances in the US alone.
Albums
- Turn Back The Clock 1987 (w/ Johnny Hates Jazz)
- RaindanceRaindance (Clark Datchler album)Raindance is the debut album from English musician Clark Datchler.Datchler originally left the successful group Johnny Hates Jazz in 1988 to continue his solo career after previously releasing several solo singles before the joining the group...
1990 - Fishing For Souls 1992
- Tomorrow 2007
Singles
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| "You Fooled Him Once Again" | 1981 |
| "It Ain't Me Girl" (with Hot Club) | 1983 |
| "I Don't Want You" | 1984 |
| "Things Can't Get Any Worse" | 1985 |
| "Me And My Foolish Heart" (with JHJ) | 1986 |
| "Shattered Dreams Shattered Dreams In 2009, French singer Quentin Elias covered the song in a single released on-line at such retailers as iTunes and Amazon.com.Track listing# "Shattered Dreams" [Original Die For Me Mix]# "Shattered Dreams" [Deep & Dark Mix]... " (with JHJ) |
1987 |
| "I Don't Want To Be A Hero I Don't Want to be a Hero "I Don't Want to be a Hero" is a 1987 song by the British band Johnny Hates Jazz. It reached #11 in the UK top 40 in August 1987 spending 10 weeks on the chart. It is taken from their #1 album Turn Back the Clock.-Writing and inspiration:... " (with JHJ) |
1987 |
| "Turn Back The Clock" (with JHJ) | 1987 |
| "Heart Of Gold" (with JHJ) | 1988 |
| "Don't Say It's Love" (with JHJ) | 1988 |
| "Crown Of Thorns" | 1990 |
| "Raindance" (Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... only) |
1990 |