clay pigeon - The Aching Taste of Blue (Expanded) (2025)

In October 2020, James Clayton (aka clay pigeon) returned to Montreal, living alone for the first time and grappling with creative stagnation. Though initially hesitant to make a new record with producer Howard, a songwriting course reignited his passion and led to the creation of Here & Now, a song that marked a turning point. Building a makeshift studio, he rediscovered joy in music free from ego.

The following year was spent supporting friends' bands, learning to listen rather than lead. Eventually, the urge to record returned, and with a band of collaborators, they recorded an album during a joyful week in August. The project became deeply personal and transformative for James—culminating in a proposal to his partner and a renewed sense of creative purpose.

The resulting songs are tinged with sadness, reflecting his emotional state, but they brought healing and closure. Though he shares them with the world, for James, the real reward was making them.

clay pigeon is the musical project of James Clayton, born in Peterborough, Ontario, and now based in Montreal.

Performed by:
James Clayton - guitar, vocals
Owen Saar - piano
Sophie Ogilvie-Hanson - vocals
Leighton Harrell - bass
Rhys Climenhage - drums
Dylan Keating - guitar, pedal steel

Tracklist:
1-1 clay pigeon - Dark Blue [3:36]
1-2 clay pigeon - Jenny [3:59]
1-3 clay pigeon - Natural Disaster [4:16]
1-4 clay pigeon - Here and Now [4:21]
1-5 clay pigeon - Feel Okay [3:27]
1-6 clay pigeon - His Eyes [4:42]
1-7 clay pigeon - The Stoned Song [3:37]
1-8 clay pigeon - Bright Blue [3:18]
1-9 clay pigeon - Fine Line [4:34]
1-10 clay pigeon - Beat [4:24]
2-11 clay pigeon - Nearest Exit (Bonus Track) [4:20]
2-12 clay pigeon - Degen (Bonus Track) [2:43]
2-13 clay pigeon - Dark Blue (Acoustic) [3:46]
2-14 clay pigeon - Natural Disaster (Acoustic) [2:57]
2-15 clay pigeon - Natural Disaster (Alternative Version) [2:47]
2-16 clay pigeon - Here & Now (Alternative Version) [4:12]
2-17 clay pigeon;Fruit Snack - Fine Line (Fruit Snack Remix) [4:33]