Local Artist Spotlight w/ Clay and The Lost 40
Sometimes the best things come from unexpected pivots. For Clay Fulton, that pivot came in 2020 when he stepped away from his family’s restaurant and dove headfirst back into music. What started as a solo project at Carpet Booth Studios quickly evolved into something bigger—a full band with a locked-in sound that blends country, rock, and blues into what they call “roots rock.”
Clay and The Lost 40 have been making waves ever since, landing stages at venues like First Avenue’s 7th St Entry and earning a spot at this summer’s Blue Ox Music Festival. With a new EP in the final stages of production and a sound rooted in classic singer-songwriter tradition, this is a band worth knowing. We caught up with Clay to talk influences, the Rochester scene, and what’s next.
First, tell us a little bit about yourself and the band. How did you get started, and how did you land on your current sound?
Clay: I dove back into music in 2020. Before that I was involved with my family’s restaurant. This all started with a project at Carpet Booth Studios. After the project began I knew I wanted to form a band around it. By the time we started the second album, the lineup was solidified and our sound has been locked in ever since.
Who or what were your musical influences growing up? Have they changed over the years?
Clay: I think every musician is always looking for something new to listen to, so I think influences change as well. Growing up I was influenced heavily by my mom and dad’s record collection and whatever they were listening to in the kitchen and stuff like that. Some of those bands have stuck with me through the years like: Bob Dylan, JJ Cale, ZZ Top, Doc Watson, Neil Young and many more.
When did you first realize you wanted to perform live? Is there a specific moment that gave you “the itch”?
Clay: I played in my first recital when I was five years old. I was involved with the Suzuki classical guitar program. I think those early recitals gave me the itch to write and perform my own songs. A few buddies from school asked me to form a band when I was in the 6th grade and we played our first shows.
What has been your favorite live performance so far, and what made it special?
Clay: We have been so fortunate with all the cool venues and festivals that we have gotten to perform at. It makes it hard to choose. The first time we got an offer to play at the 7th St Entry at First Avenue in 2023 is still probably the most memorable for me. We brought friends and family with us and just being in that room feels so special with all the history behind it.
Clay Fulton & The Lost 40 – From Left to Right: Nick Novotny, Allan Palmer, Carly Hornstine, Clay Fulton, Peter Laack, and Mike Bentele. – Photo by Corrie Strommen Photography
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard you before?
Clay: We call ourselves a roots rock band. We pull influence from country, rock and blues but the base of our songs still feel like classic singer-songwriter stuff. If you dig bands like The Wallflowers, Dawes or Tom Petty then you should give us a listen!
What’s your songwriting process like? Where do you find inspiration?
Clay: My process usually starts with a small bit on my guitar and melody over the top of it. If I am feeling inspired by something going on in my life, then usually a song will develop out of that bit. Now that I collaborate with a band on a regular basis, I bring in songs that are taking shape and then my bandmates do what they do and make it into something I couldn’t even have imagined.
What are you currently working on? Any new music, upcoming shows, or projects you’re excited about?
Clay: We are in the mixing/mastering stage of our upcoming EP. It has four songs on it and we are very stoked about it. We have no scheduled release date at this time but keep an eye on our socials. We are very excited for how our summer calendar is taking shape, especially for our first trip to Blue Ox Music Festival!
What do you love about the Rochester music scene? What do you think it could do better?
Clay: I love how everyone cheers for each other in the Rochester music scene. I never feel a competitive edge or run into bands who think they are superior to others. That makes it all really feel like a true community. Networking is a huge part of success in this business so having folks that are willing to share contacts with each other is great.
Where can people find your music and follow along with what you’re doing?
Clay: We are on all major streaming platforms and you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook or www.clayfulton.com
Huge thank you to Clay for taking the time to chat with us. From Suzuki guitar recitals at five years old to headlining stages at First Avenue, it’s clear this is someone who was always meant to make music. With a new EP on the way and momentum building, Clay and The Lost 40 are definitely ones to watch.
Want to see them live? Catch Clay and The Lost 40 at the Rochester Thaw Music Festival!
