James J. Clarke is a Meath songwriter best known for his work with The Ambience Affair and Divan, both projects which have featured here over the years.
For his debut solo single, Clarke has released ‘The Dark of Night’ , “a deeply personal meditation on family, grief, and change” which he wrote and recorded at home while living alone during the pandemic and dealing with the loss of a parent.
The song comes with a video by Ian Maleney, who also produced the song with James, and mixed and recorded the track.
Watch here:
Written by James J. Clarke
Recorded and mixed by Ian Maleney.
Produced by Ian Maleney & James J. Clarke.
Video shot, directed and edited by Ian Maleney.
James J. Clarke
Lyrics
When i’m by your side,
I ache to get away.
For there comes a time,
When it’s too much to take.
It is calling out, as light subsides.
It is calling out, the dark of night.
Memories fade,
And words are meaningless.
And I am afraid,
Of the feelings I’ve suppressed.
It is calling out, as light subsides.
It is calling out, the dark of night.

Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.