Whether he is in the institute or not Toronto based music artist James Clark is a doctor of pop. His prescription is simple, three minute blasts of medicinal music. “A wealth of songwriting talent.” says renowned music writer/ ex-MuchMusic VJ Michael Williams in Cashbox Canada.

 When he wasn't listening to his parents' early rock and roll and country and western records, James, persuaded by his guitar playing older brother, settled in behind the drum kit and discovered the artists that would influence him, Lennon & McCartney, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. Their influence can be heard on the last three James Clark Institute full length releases: 2016's "Yesterday's Misadventures" (an album which ended up on many a year-end best of list), 2021's "The Colour Of Happy" (released during that strange lockdown moment in history) and "Under The Lampshade", (released in November 2023). All three of these critically acclaimed albums were produced by Canadian icon, Moe Berg (TPOH, TransCanada Highwaymen).

Producer Moe Berg adds "James takes the power pop traditions of The Beatles, Jellyfish and Split Enz and combines them with the high IQ lyrics of Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. The result makes him one of Canada's greatest unsung songwriters".

The current James Clark Institute lineup consists of James on lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, harmonica; Tom Gibson on electric lead guitars; Tim Gall on bass, Greg Condie on keys; Marysia Gonzalez on harmony vocals, percussion and Dean Carl Glover on drums and harmony vocals. Can you say "Poptastic"?!