HUMANS WE HEART: MEN’S DENIM CAMPAIGN EDITION
We believe good days start with great jeans—and great music doesn’t hurt either. So we asked a few musicians we love to talk personal style and inspiration, plus show off our latest denim collection. See what Raleigh Ritchie and Cautious Clay have to say (then meet the rest of the bunch over here).
RALEIGH RITCHIE, SINGER-SONGWRITER
What’s the last song you had really stuck in your head?
“Are We Still Friends?” and “A Boy Is A Gun” by Tyler, The Creator. Those two from the new album are constantly in my head.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
My band and I all huddle up in a circle, and one of us tells the group that we’re grateful for each other and we’ve got each other’s back. Then we count 1, 2, 3, and shout “Stadium!” because wherever we’re playing, no matter how many people are there, we’re gonna treat it like a huge venue.
Your Instagram bio says you have a PhD in “sadboi.” Please explain.
I don’t have an actual legal PhD in sadboi, but I feel like I’m well-versed in sadboi behavior. Sadboi-ism is the craft of accepting sadness as a valid emotion and knowing that you can make something good out of it. I’d like to write a whole thesis on it one day. So the Insta bio is more of a statement of intent, rather than what I’ve actually accomplished. [laughs]
How would you describe your personal style?
I like to wear things that are low-key but make me feel good. People sometimes think of comfort as a negative thing in fashion, but I think a combination of how something looks and how it makes you feel is most important—how it changes the way you walk, the way you carry yourself. I like to wear things that help me feel confident, strong and capable.
CAUTIOUS CLAY, ARTIST
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Voluntarily? [laughs] I went to a KC and the Sunshine Band show with my mom when I was very, very young—it wasn’t my idea, but I remember liking it. The first concert I actually got a ticket to for myself was Jet—it must have been about 2007.
How do you get new songwriting inspo?
I just like to travel, or talk with my friends who are also artists, photographers, designers.
What’s been your “I’ve made it!” moment?
I haven’t really had a crazy moment like that—but I’d say the closest thing is when I became friends with John Mayer. A friend of his came to my show, and then we linked up on Instagram and started talking. He invited me to his studio and asked me to do a show.
Tell us how you like to wear your jeans.
I cuff the bottoms, add an interesting belt and tuck in a tee on top.
How will you wear it? Shop our just-in denim right here.