Jack Clarke (far right) is shown with country music artist, Cody Johnson and producer, Trent Willmon.

Jack Clarke (far right) is shown with country music artist, Cody Johnson and producer, Trent Willmon.

<p>Jack Clarke working music magic in a Nashville recording studio.</p>

Jack Clarke working music magic in a Nashville recording studio.

NASHVILLE — Country music is heartfelt and comes in a variety of shades, making it a unique art form.

It’s not surprising that everyone focuses on the singer and the band. After all, they’re the people in the limelight.

While performing a song is a huge part of the business, there’s a team of professionals behind the scenes that partner with the stars to bring the songs you love to life.

On Nov. 9, the 56th annual Country Music Association Awards will be held in Nashville, and Maysville native, Jack Clarke, will be there. Clarke has achieved success in the music industry and has been nominated for his collaboration with Cody Johnson on his hit single, “Til You Can’t” as the mix engineer.

You might be wondering exactly what a mix engineer does. Clarke combines all the different sonic elements of a song into a final version, along with managing recording sessions to capture the perfect sound quality of the songs you hear on the radio.

Clarke is excited at the prospect of possibly winning a CMA award.

“It’s good to be recognized,” he said.

Clarke, a 1997 graduate of Mason County High School, played the double bass in the string orchestra under CJ Hunter.

“I was just really into music as a kid and started out playing the guitar,” Clarke said.

At the time of his graduation, there were only a few colleges that offered four-year music industry audio programs. He chose Middle Tennessee State University and while in college started working as a sound check at a rehearsal facility in Nashville.

The experience of setting up musicians’ gear for their sessions gave Clarke the opportunity to see what was happening at the different studios. Clarke was able to both learn and network within the industry which set him on a course to meet music producer Trent Willmon, who eventually put him in contact with Cody Johnson.

Clarke explained that a recording and mix engineer runs everything technical that happens in the studio.

“I’m the guy you see behind the table in the studio,” he said.

Clarke enjoys the Nashville music scene.

“There’s intense competition here, and Nashville is known for its full band tracking sessions,” Clarke said.

When asked about future musical industry goals, Clarke said, “I’m staying in my lane for now. Being a mixer is at the top of the food chain. I’m glad to be doing it full-time more than anything else.”

Clarke hasn’t forgotten his roots. The studio engineer recently donated his time when he brought his talents and expertise back to Maysville to install the new sound system at the Russell Theatre.