(The Root) — Gary Clark Jr. may not be a household name, but the talented blues guitarist struck a chord with the 2012 Essence Music Festival audience in New Orleans. The Austin, Tex., native is wrapping up production on his major label debut, which is slated for release on Sept. 11 and will be the fifth album in a previously independent discography that includes 2011's Bright Lights.
"[This is] my first major label album so they're calling it my debut," he told The Root, "but I've been around for a minute."
Suggested Reading
Clark also spoke about tinkering in the studio, Nas' guest appearance on his single "Bright Lights" and playing alongside D'Angelo and the Pointer Sisters at the Essence Festival.
Watch the interview below:
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.