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At 22, singer/songwriter/guitarist James Clay has already led a very full life. He's worked full-time since age 13, has been married three years, has two kids, and a recording contract with Inpop Records. But it's been a hard road to get there. When he was 10, Clay's mother took him and his siblings away from their dad to join a cult-like sect of families who interpreted the Bible legalistically. Though Clay's father tried to meet up with his kids soon after they left, he soon fell out of the picture as he spiraled into a long bout with depression. Here's more about Clay's tumultuous adolescence and his road to reconciliation, as reflected in a new self-titled CD comprised of gritty vocals, chunky guitars and expository lyrics.

What was family life for the Clays like before your parents parted ways?

James ClayMy dad was a great father, the kind of dad who understood so well what a young boy wanted to do because he loved his toys too! My mom and I had similar personalities, which caused us to butt heads a lot, and it made for an interesting dynamic. Everything she did was out of a deep personal conviction and I have to respect her for that, even if I didn't always agree. I still have to respect the fact that she stood up for her convictions and what she thought God wanted.

What were those convictions and how did they break your family apart?

ClayMy mom had been married before, when she was 17, for six months. Much later, after she married my dad, she felt—through reading the Word and teaching from others—that since she'd been married before, her second marriage was adultery. We'd gone to a faith-based church and I'd always believed the Bible for what it said, but this was such a sudden change. With her newfound conviction, I went from a normal kid who played video games and went to public school, to home schooling and the main focus of my life being on what the Bible said. We left home and stayed with another family that was of this same belief, and it was really odd because they took us in like "those poor kids don't have any father."

What was your dad's reaction during this period?

ClayThere was six months where there was no talking between either side, but then after six months, he came and visited us. But then, his parents—my grandparents—both died within months of each other, and his whole world came crashing down. It was a really hard time for my dad. He got very depressed and reclusive. He didn't reach out and try to contact us, and I was upset by it. I felt like not only was I taken away from him, but he didn't do enough to get a hold of me. I wanted him to come get me and take me back home. God had to heal me from being bitter against my dad. I was 16 or 17 and it was supernatural. I had to forgive him for not being there through some really through formative times. It was totally the God-given gift of forgiveness that brought us back together now.

What was your world like at that time away from him?

ClayThe trappings of dogmatic religion really turned me from God. I saw the Word used as a club rather than an encouragement. There were a lot of phases we went through, like not using electricity on Saturday, and obeying strict dietary laws: What the heck? I can't eat pepperoni on my pizza? It seemed so surreal for me, someone who's been eating pigs his whole life! The women covered their heads and wore long dresses. I like modesty, but I don't know if it's necessary to be so extreme in the way you make it. To them everything was a salvation issue. If you didn't use the name Yahweh or another Holy Name correctly, then it would be questioned. There were so many fights about pronunciation and all these dogmatic rules became points of isolation.

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