Prodigal Son, Clay Hodges, Riverbounce and Return
Savannah artist, rapper comes home, films music video at free concert this weekend
Hostess City native son, Clay Hodges, is no stranger to the grind. The Johnson High School graduate was writing and rapping before he could drive. He honed those skills to release his first album “Diamond in the Rough” in 2012 at age 19. Twelve years and six albums later, Clay Hodges is still at it, now up-and-coming on the Atlanta music scene.
On Saturday, September 14, Hodges comes home to curate and perform in “Riverbounce Music Show” an evening of entertainment at The Stables Savannah, 7 Rathborne Drive.
The event kicks off at 9 P.M. and goes to midnight featuring spots from artists Cue Trap-A-Lot, Karleh, CJ The DJ, and acclaimed rapper, Yung Damon! plus backing band, The Creatives of Atlanta. Flavors Fully Loaded Bistro truck brings signature tacos, wings, burgers, and vegan options.
The event is free and open to all.
For Hodges, the occasion is both homecoming celebration and means of taking care of music business. The night, with a crowd of people, illuminated stage, and guest performers, provides strategic ambience for a video shoot.
“Yung Damon! and I collaborated on a track “Riverbounce” that drops this week, and we wanted to do a video for it,” explained Hodges. “Initially, we planned on doing a bonfire, but that was going to cost way too much with permits and getting the city involved. We pivoted and thought, why not just plan a free show and film the performances?”
Hodges continues that “Riverbounce” is an uplifting song that emphasizes the many different sides of Savannah, “it’s a bop, something you can twerk to.”
Yung Damon!, also born and raised in Savannah, and like Hodges, ventured to Atlanta and larger markets for greater opportunity as artist and rapper. Since living in Atlanta, he’s worked on tracks with features from Ty Dollar $ign, Gucci Mane, Diggy Simmons, and Alley Boy. In 2021, his song “Triggered” created international buzz when a surprise outpouring of positive reviews lauded him as heavy-hitting rap artist armed with incisive lyrics and keen delivery. Both Hodges and Yung Damon! are currently in the studio, separately, working on new material for release next year.
“My family is still in Savannah, and I’m back and forth between both cities,” considered Yung Damon!. “What I’m really looking forward to is sharing new material in Savannah. I think it’s a collaboration between two dope Savannah artists that’s really unexpected. It feels good to be part of the song and production.”
The “Riverbounce Music Show” also happens at the end of 912 Week, a celebration of all things Savannah, though Hodges prefers calling it “Pote Week,” a truncated version of C-Port, another long held nickname of the Hostess City. He envisions the event as a genuine way of bringing different people together for an inspiring, high level music experience that concludes a week honoring Savannah.
Hodges explains that each featured artist will perform about a 30-minute set with MC Bunkin Payne from Atlanta keeping the show on track.
“Bunkin Payne is like Jamie Foxx,” said Hodges. “He is hilarious, a comedian, and he plays drums, keys, and sings. His talent will keep everyone entertained between sets. And I can’t wait for people to hear the band, The Creatives of Atlanta, so talented. The best way I can describe it is like Wu Tang Clan. We all are individual artists, but we come together to support each other.”
In its full iteration, explains Hodges, The Creatives of Atlanta include three keyboard players, two drummers, a bassist, saxophonist, backing vocalists and dancers, but for this performance, a drummer and two key board players will play with the artists.
Hodges, who studied music business and recording at SAE Expression College in Emeryville, California, considers his experiences returning to Savannah after school, then leaving once again in January to work in Atlanta.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s been a beautiful transition,” said Hodges. “I originally came to work on a film job, just for a month, but that rolled into more film work, and that opened new doors in the entertainment industry. Of course, there were ups and downs. When I first moved, I went through a shuffle of job positions, had a relationship break up, and a car crash all in one week. But it’s all a blessing, really, it builds and prepares you for what’s next.”
Currently, Hodges and The Creatives of Atlanta are wrapping up a six-week residency at Blue Martini in Atlanta while preparing for a new one at Legends Distillery in Cummins, Georgia. The group also plays every Friday at Rose Bistro and Champagne Bar.
“I am so excited about going home and sharing this music with everyone, introducing new people to new people, bringing them together,” considered Hodges. “And making music with these incredible people I am blessed to work with. It’s going to be a night to remember.”
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