Project Release: Clove Music
Arts at the Palace

Rented A Room | Studio Session (video)

Clove | Artist In Residence Interview (video)

Last month, Arts at the Palace welcomed early career artist Clove, a singer-songwriter from Syracuse, NY, for a three-day creative residency that culminated in a moving and intimate showcase on May 24. Leaning on her raw lyricism and emotionally resonant performances, Clove brought her signature vulnerability to the Palace studio and left with a new song, a fresh sense of clarity, and a deeper connection to her artistry.

Clove, who has been singing for as long as she can remember and writing songs since the age of twelve, describes music as a constant in her life. Raised in a musical Puerto Rican family and deeply rooted in her faith, her upbringing in the church laid a strong foundation for her artistic journey.

As she moved through high school, songwriting became both a creative outlet and a source of healing, allowing her to process emotions and experiences that felt too complex to name. Rather than focusing solely on love and heartbreak, Clove writes candidly about themes like self-esteem, body image, friendship, and growing up - hoping to offer others the same sense of connection and healing that music gives her. (Listen to Easy)

Throughout the residency, Clove collaborated with producer and longtime friend Stephen Phillips (aka PHEN). In just three to four hours, the duo co-wrote a brand-new song titled Rented a Room - a piece that stunned the audience with its haunting lyrics and unmatched harmonies. The song premiered at the live showcase the following evening. “That was the highlight of the weekend,” Clove reflected. “It reoriented me and reminded me why I love writing so much. The best way I can describe that weekend is a deep breath.”

What made Clove’s Artist in Residence experience so meaningful wasn’t just the studio access or the performance, it was the chance to pause, focus, and reconnect with her creative core. “I've been so busy with school, graduating, and health issues. I felt like I didn’t have time to just focus on music for more than a couple hours,” she said. “But I got to spend an entire weekend focusing on it.”

The Showcase invited the audience into a rare opportunity to witness the creative process up close. “There’s something about an intimate performance in front of a small crowd that is so special,” she noted. “When you get to play music that you worked so hard on for people who care… that’s one of the most rewarding parts of being a musician.”

Clove’s residency was the first creative retreat of its kind for her, and she’s hopeful it won’t be the last. “I think it's every artist’s dream to be offered a weekend stay in a small town where they can focus on making content for their brand, recording music, and writing,” she said. “I hope to be back next year and utilize the weekend even more, leaning fully into writing new music.” (Watch Interview)

As Arts at the Palace continues to support local and regional artists through residencies, collaborations, and showcases, Clove’s time in Hamilton is a reminder of the value in creating space - physically and emotionally - for artists to grow, connect, and share.

You can follow her journey on Instagram @clovemusic.

Clove Music | Live From The Palace Theater

Mark Shiner Quartet | Live From The Palace Theater