North Carolina rocker Clay Howard puts his own spin on Tripping Daisy’s 1995 hit as he prepares to release his 11-track covers album, Unnecessary Covers, on November 27.
What started as an unexpected snowstorm and a little musical nostalgia has turned into a full-length album for North Carolina rocker Clay Howard. His upcoming 11-track release, Unnecessary Covers, arrives November 27, bringing together a collection of personal favourites spanning six decades of music.
The project began when Howard found himself snowed in after returning from a fan club cruise to Mexico. Originally planning to record a new album of original material, he instead found inspiration in Neil Sedaka’s “Laughter in the Rain.” One cover led to another, and before long, an entirely different album had taken shape.
The latest taste of Unnecessary Covers is Howard’s energetic rendition of “I Got A Girl,” originally released by alternative rock band Tripping Daisy in 1995. Working alongside longtime producer and former Daughtry drummer Joey Barnes, Howard delivers a lively interpretation that celebrates the spirit of the original while adding his own personality.
Clay Howard Unnecessary Covers – The Story Behind the Album
Despite a packed performance schedule that included more than 50 shows over the summer, Howard and Barnes found time to bring the album to life through early morning and late-night recording sessions.
“We squeezed in recording sessions whenever we could, early mornings and late nights after shows, through a summer when I played over 50 shows between June and Labor Day,” Howard explains. “Apparently, my idea of taking a break from singing is… more singing.”
The album brings together 11 songs spanning six decades, with Howard choosing each track simply because of his personal connection to it.
“And that’s how I accidentally recorded a cover album, titled, appropriately, ‘Unnecessary Covers,’” he says.
Nearly Four Decades of Making Music
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and now based outside Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Howard has spent nearly four decades making music. His career includes projects such as Stratocruiser, Camel City Yacht Club, and Clay Howard & the Silver Alerts.
His 2026 album, A Little More Nothin’, earned international independent radio airplay, with its title track reaching the Top 10 on the Radio Indie Alliance chart.
Beyond the stage, Howard works as Regional Director for the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center, helping entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses.
“I get to write, record and release music, I play for thousands of people every year and the songs I release still bring me joy,” Howard shares.
Listen to Clay Howard’s “I Got A Girl”
Clay Howard’s Upcoming Shows
- October 24: Radford Homecoming – Radford, VA
- October 25: The Deck – Jamestown, NC (4–7 p.m.)
- November 27: Ramkat – Winston-Salem, NC (8–11 p.m.)
- December 19: Gas Hill Drinking Room – Winston-Salem, NC (Album Release Show)
- December 26: Ziggy’s – Greensboro, NC (8–11 p.m.)
Unnecessary Covers arrives November 27 on CD and digital platforms.
Connect with Clay Howard:
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram