Clayton Craddock’s Deep Cuts
Heterodox takes on music, culture, and the narratives shaping our lives — digging into what’s rarely questioned.
Welcome to Deep Cuts — a space where I say what others won’t.
I’m Clayton Craddock — a father, drummer, writer, and independent thinker. I’ve spent decades performing in Broadway pits, studios, and stages across the country. But behind the drum kit, I’ve always been paying attention to more than just the tempo. I’ve been watching the culture shift, questioning the stories we’re told, and thinking about how music, media, politics, and power intersect.
This newsletter is where I unpack it all — with clarity, curiosity, and no filters.
I write about:
The music you didn’t know you needed to hear — from overlooked drummers to forgotten grooves that shaped generations
The hidden dynamics behind culture and creativity — especially how race, money, and media shape perception
The systems we rarely question — from education to entertainment to the politics of identity
Life as a working musician — and what it really takes to stay relevant, independent, and true to yourself
If you’re tired of surface-level takes and the same voices echoing each other, you’re in the right place.
This isn’t about following trends. It’s about asking better questions, sharing deeper truths, and challenging the mainstream narrative — through the lens of someone who’s lived inside both the industry and the margins.
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Clayton Craddock is a drummer, writer, father, and independent thinker. He’s the creator of Deep Cuts, a newsletter delivering heterodox takes on music, culture, society, and the narratives that shape how we live and think.
With decades of experience performing in Broadway pits, national tours, studios, and creative workshops, Clayton brings a rare perspective to the intersection of art, truth, and independent thought. His work goes beyond rhythm — it cuts into the structures beneath the surface.
He’s also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and C.R.A.D. Global Ventures, a creative enterprise dedicated to empowering musicians and storytellers through education, media, publishing, and bold cultural commentary.
