Exclusive Interview
Oct 22, 2025
Produced by: Rudy Manager
Edited by: Rudy Manager & Andrej Aroch
Ant Clemons - Grammy-Nominated Songwriter Behind Kanye West & Justin Timberlake
Ant Clemons is a Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and producer behind records like Kanye West’s “All Mine” and “Better Days” with Justin Timberlake and Kirk Franklin. In this Studio Talks interview, he explores his craft, the mentors who shaped him, and an honesty first approach to making music while introducing his new project, HAPPY 2 BE HERE WITH YOU. This interview was conducted by Rudy Manager via video call on October 17, 2025.
“Study the greats and be greater.”
- Ant Clemons
How did you first get into music, and how did that evolve into songwriting and production?
Absolutely. I grew up listening to music like everybody else. I grew up in the church, and my mom and dad were always singing around the house, so there was always music playing. I listened to Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, a wide range of hip hop, from old school to whatever was current then, and a lot of Radio Disney. My parents loved having Radio Disney on. My sisters, Amber and Ashley, and I were always singing in the house. Growing up, I wanted to be Michael Jackson. I thought, “How can I be my version of the greatest artist of all time?” By studying the greats, I realized songwriting was the vehicle to get there, and I fell in love with it on day one.
Was there a specific moment when you chose to start writing songs, or did it evolve over time?
It was an evolving process. It starts as something fun you do with your friends, then you take it a little more seriously, and one thing leads to the next. Before you know it, you look back and realize you’ve climbed a ladder you didn’t even know you were building.
How did you improve your songwriting when you were just starting out? Did you have any mentors or was it trial and error and putting in the work every day?
I put in a lot of work, but, by the grace of God, I also had amazing mentors. One of my first mentors was Shameka Marie. In Philly, she told me, “Hey, you’re really cool, but do you know there’s a whole world of songwriters?” She pointed me to people like Ester Dean and James Fauntleroy, who were behind so much of what I loved. When she opened that door, I lost it learning about all the songs James had done and what writers like Ed Sheeran and Jon Bellion had written. That’s when I became a real student.
I studied Eric Bellinger, Verse Simmonds, and Sevyn Streeter, and I dug into the records my favorite writers were creating for other artists. Through mentors like Shameka, and in LA with my brother BongoByTheWay, my brother Jeremih, and my brother Ty Dolla $ign, it reached the point where James Fauntleroy became my number one mentor. I talk to him almost every day. Through repetition, prayer, and hard work, I’ve been able to align with the people I’ve met on this journey, and it’s the greatest feeling in the world.
Do you have any creative routines before you start working on music?
I have an in studio routine. I always pray before every session, then I turn on Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker so I feel like I’m just a kid at home. I watched it every day as a kid, and it helps me feel comfortable, like I’m right at home.
What’s the secret formula for writing a hit record or a hook?
For a hit record or a hook, my best advice is to study the greats and be greater, as Michael Jackson said. The formula has been in front of us for years. You know what a great song sounds like, so apply the things you love to your music and let the people tell you how it makes them feel.
What kind of music do you listen to in your free time?
James Fauntleroy, Michael Jackson, and whatever’s current. I’m always listening to what’s around, but I love going back to the music that made me fall in love with writing.
What’s your opinion on the state of music right now, and where do you see it going over the next few years?
It’s an interesting space, but I believe the real and the honest are getting their platform and light. In the next few years, I see a resurgence of true artists, craftsmen, and craftswomen of the art. The people who genuinely love it are the ones who’ll rise to the top.
Let’s talk about your new project HAPPY 2 BE HERE WITH YOU. How did this project come together? What was the inspiration behind it and what was the process?
Absolutely. A few years ago I dropped my debut project, Happy 2 Be Here, and by the grace of God, it earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album. It’s been a while since I released songs on digital streaming platforms, so I wanted to come back with an update on where I’ve been in that story and how I’ve grown.
HAPPY 2 BE HERE WITH YOU is a blend of great feeling records rooted in R&B, with lush sounds and chords. It’s about capturing a feeling I thought was missing in music: the essence of being truly excited to be in a moment and sharing that moment with someone.
For people who aren’t familiar with your work, what song or track would you recommend they start with from your discography?
I’d recommend “Better Days,” a song I had the pleasure of making with Justin Timberlake and Kirk Franklin. During the 2021 inauguration for President Joe Biden, I performed it with Justin and students from Stax Music Academy, filmed in Memphis, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I’d start people there because its message of hope and belief in tomorrow is something I carry every day, and I hope any fan discovering my music takes that and runs with it.
Is there a project you worked on that’s especially close to your heart, and why?
I hate to be cliché, but HAPPY 2 BE HERE WITH YOU is that project for me. A lot has happened in my life over the last few years that I’ll touch on in future projects. I could be anywhere in the world, and you could be anywhere in the world, but you’re here with me right now. I always want people to know I appreciate the time we have while we have it.
What do you hope listeners take from the project?
That moments aren’t forever, but as long as they’re with you, they can be.
What advice would you give to new songwriters who are trying to work with established artists and get placements?
I’d say work linear. That was some of the best advice I got when I was starting out. Network with people you actually have access to, because everyone you want to reach wants to work with a version of you that you haven’t become yet. I’m not saying don’t shoot for the stars, most of the time, being yourself and building with the people around you is what works.
The songs I made with my friends are the ones that changed my life. Those are the records superstars ask for when they say, “I want something like this,” or, “Give me a song that feels like this.” You only get those songs by gaining experience right where you are.
Where do you see yourself one year from now, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I see myself in the best physical shape I’ve ever been in. I’ve been extremely focused and disciplined about taking care of the temple God’s given me and making sure I show up the way I’ve always wanted to. I’ve been blessed to be in a position of influence. In my career, I have a lot of plans and I’m excited for everyone to see where I am a year from now. Just know you’ll be seeing a lot more of Ant Clemons than you have in the past.
Are there any new artists you’re listening to?
I have a few. My boy Justin-Lee Schultz is amazing. He’s a prodigy who plays every instrument, and he’s phenomenal. I’m also a huge fan of a group of women individually, and I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with each of them. April Mae Juniper is a phenomenal talent. GoGo Morrow is someone I listen to, and I tell everybody to stop what they’re doing and listen to her music. I’m also listening to Tayler Green and LeA Robinson. Those are the artists I’m really excited about right now.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just watched an amazing interview with Young Thug where the interviewer asked, “What’s your earliest memory?” I thought that was such a cool question, like a little interview cheat code, so I want to bless you with that. My earliest memory is of my dad putting me in a cart at BJ’s warehouse and pushing me past a statue, a figure, and a wall of VHS tapes. I remember seeing Michael Jackson’s HIStory Volume 1, a collection of his greatest hits. We went home. My dad put the VHS in, and I watched it as a little kid. That stuck with me.
Do you remember how old you were at the time?
I might’ve been three or four, super young. I remember my dad pushing me in the cart, the store lights, and even the smell of the place. It had a distinct mix, like a hardware store and a grocery section in one, a supermarket slash megastore vibe. I remember seeing that Michael Jackson statue and thinking, “What is that? Who is that?” I fell in love with the possibility of what music could be right then.
Follow Ant Clemons on Instagram: @antclemons
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