Chris Clark is an emerging country music artist from Elora, Ont, whose 4-H tenure spans more than a decade. His 4-H journey began at the age of 10 when he joined the 4-H Dairy Club in his hometown of Elora, Ont. Despite not living on a farm, Chris spent much time with his family who owned dairy farms throughout Wellington County. Over the course of Chris’ 4-H tenure, he participated in the goat club, judging club and the dairy club, where he rounded out his career competing at the Scotiabank Hays Classic, now known as the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic. Chris shared that competing in the Scotiabank Hays Classic is one of his best 4-H memories. He spoke fondly of the one-of-a-kind experience and the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests.
Reflecting on his time with 4-H and the program’s impact, Chris was quick to recognize the leadership, teamwork, confidence and public speaking skills he built through 4-H. “You don’t know it at the time, but public speaking becomes second hand through judging competitions, and it also teaches you reasoning and rationalization,” says Chris. He also noted the opportunity to network with others from across the province as an invaluable experience for youth, especially in rural areas. As a father and both a partner in a civil engineering firm and now an emerging artist, Chris sees the way his 4-H skills translate in so many aspects of life.
“I remember Chris well. It was my first time leading the Eramosa 4-H calf club, and it was Chris’s first club. He was young and somewhat shy, but as his time in our club progressed, so did his abilities as a member. He was extremely polite and thoughtful and was always willing to help others. He was never afraid to ask questions,” says Chris’s 4-H Leader, Tim May. “I knew he was going places, but I never dreamed he would become a country music sensation! I’m proud to have played a small part in who he is today, and I know that his love for 4-H has had a hand in shaping his career path. I get to say, “I knew him before he was famous.””
Chris’ first memory of singing dates back to the church choir in grade two. His teacher at the time brought him to the front of the group to sing into the mic and this was the first moment of confidence where he realized someone thought he had a great voice. Over the years he continued to share his voice, singing in the car for his family or joining in on karaoke. Following one of his karaoke performances, someone from the audience approached him about a karaoke competition and he decided to enter. After placing fourth in the provincial competition, Chris had the opportunity to compete nationally where he placed 15th. The following year, Chris took a trip to Nashville, where he spent some time on music row and officially got the “music bug”. Flash forward to 2024 when Chris turned 40, he decided, “If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it now.”
After an impromptu performance at a local venue, several videos merged boasting about Chris’ talent and he officially began his journey as an emerging artist. Chris started working with a talent agency that connected him with Anthem Entertainment, one of the world’s largest music companies. Chris travelled to Nashville to work around industry moguls Gilles Goddard (Anthem Entertainment and 2024 Lifetime CCMA Award recipient) and John Willis (Producer, Artist) who has worked with several artists including Kenney Chesney, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift. Chris worked with Anthem to select the right songs and then crafted how to produce them with John.
When asked about the biggest challenge he had to overcome thus far, Chris shared that, “Recording in studio is a lot harder than it seems. There is a lot of pressure to get it right with only a few chances.” Despite the pressure, Chris successfully recorded six songs and has since released his debut single, “Where I Can” followed up by “Bronco” on all major streaming platforms and has recently released Where I Can on Canadian radio in the fall of 2024.
Chris’ goal is to continue to invest in himself and his future for him and his daughter. In the short term, his goal is to perform 20 shows in 2025 either as an opener or the main act. Chris shares, “I strive to be a musician who is approachable and never turns down the opportunity to take a picture with someone.” That means if you see this fellow 4-H’er out and about or at a show, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself!
When asked to share a piece of advice for youth interested in a music career, Chris said to, “Keep practicing and be dedicated to it as practice makes perfect.” With today’s digital world, he also encouraged youth to not be afraid to put themselves out there and show your talent.
“As an artist, it’s important to tell your story and where you came from and I feel so privileged to be considered as an ambassador to 4-H,” says Chris. You can learn more about Chris and his music at www.chrisclarktunes.com or find him in Instagram/TikTok @chrisclarktunes or on Facebook at Chris Clark Music