As the New York City stop on Kota the Friend’s Flight Night Festival approaches, it is essential to remember the true purpose of the tour, and of the fltbys brand. That mission is clearly restated in a fltbys Instagram Post:
“Ever since 2008 we’ve been giving people the opportunity to get on stage, when no one else was giving the opportunity,” said Kota. “Fltbys has always been a young company of people who just want to do something but have no platform.”
Embracing the concept of connecting up-and-coming talent to their community, we will showcase a stacked lineup of opening acts in NYC, before Kota takes the stage at Sony Hall on July 22nd. Ace Clark will showcase his talents as a sincere songwriter, pairing his heady lyricism with soulful instrumentation.
Aside from his undeniable talents as an emcee, Ace Clark is an individual dedicated to his culture. Driven to share his observations and experiences as a black man in America with the world. A proud father and published author, Clark’s book Dear Black Boy provides 75 powerful affirmations to uplift black boys/men, and pave the way for a future filled with self-love.
“Dear Black Boy, you are the author, editor, and illustrator of your story”, writes Clark. This prolific artist share his wisdom with the world. He leads by example, writing with power and precision. Clark paints vivid pictures of his experience through rhyme and prose, knowing the details of his specific journey are full of universal lessons.
A New Yorker to his core, Clark spoke on his relationship with the city. “I’m from Brooklyn, NY. I also credit a ton of my growth to my teenage years spent in Queens. I’m a New Yorker who’s lived in almost every borough so the love runs deep.” That love is sure to reflect back on Ace Clark at Flight Night, as his city will be out in full number to support him on July 22nd.
Ace Clark’s Sound
Ace Clark’s body of work contains a living, breathing soul. Driven by spiritual instrumentals, and a clear vision of speaking from the heart, Clark’s songs reflect his purpose as an “urban documentarian”, and a human motivated by good intentions.
His most recent single, Red Flags features Flight Night creator Kota the Friend and personifies Ace at his very best. Over a classic boom bap beat, Clark and Kota trade verses. The pair explore the draw of toxic relationships, and how sometimes it’s easy to ignore “red flags” even when they are obvious. The track breathes life into a concept that seems simple until you’re in it yourself. And it is all tied together with Clark’s beautiful hook.
Ace Clark’s most streamed track on Spotify is a true classic: 2019 single Trouble. Backed by an uplifting, sample-forward instrumental, Clark’s polished vocals and incisive songwriting are very much at the forefront. Clark shares his struggles grappling with the devil, and attempting to come out the other side as a better man. “On the daily I see love, hate, hope, and mayhem/Can’t ever seem to bridge the gap like I’m Mike Strahan/stuck between faith and the battle with Satan/My light covered up the darkness like a damn spray tan.”
Aside from the Michael Strahan punchline being absolute heat, Clark’s candor is an endearing quality. Later on in his verse he shares, “Tired of fightin’ this, I’m fightin’ to try/When you strong for everybody, where you go to confide?” This question is one that artists for generations have asked, and the answer is usually simple. A true artist confides within their art, and Clark does so regularly.
Ace Clark on Independence
While Clark uses his art to combat demons, his struggles as an independent artist are more familiar. It can be challenging to compete with label artists. Acts who have seemingly unlimited resources, and the backing of an industry that is notoriously cutthroat.
“The biggest challenge of being an independent artist is not having the resources to contend with bigger acts,” shared Ace Clark. However, the co-sign of artists like Kota the Friend, Andy Mineo, and Beleaf show that Clark is 100% on the right path. Flight Night provides great exposure, and an artist with talents like Ace Clark is sure to capitalize on that.
Flight Night
Ace Clark will showcase his talents to a sold-out audience on July 22nd at Sony Hall. Flight Night is a true homecoming for a number of NYC artists who came up with fltbys.
“Flight Night is a family reunion. Being on a lineup with peers I admire such as my brothers Kota the Friend and Hello O’Shay. It just reminds me of the village and the journey. Being able to enjoy Sha Summers and the rest of the family is the icing on the cake. I remember being on Flight Night years ago so this is a full circle moment.”
Ace Clark’s immense talents as an emcee will be on full display. Limited tickets are available for the second night of NYC Flight Night (Saturday, July 23rd.)
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