INTERVIEW:
Chloëbeth
___________
THE wonderful Chloëbeth…
has been chatting about her new song, Take Control, and what its story is. I ask whether we will see any new material next year and if there are tour plans ahead. Chloëbeth discusses her favourite music and albums that hit her hardest – she recommends a rising artist we need to follow closely.
I was eager to learn whether her Classical training/background aids her current music and what she wants to accomplish by the end of the year; how she spends her time away from music and the advice she would give to artists coming through – she ends the interview by selecting a great current track.
__________
Hi, Chloëbeth. How are you? How has your week been?
Helloooo. I'm not bad, thanks. Ups and downs ya know - how it goes! Hope you're all good.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Yeah. Well. I'm Chloëbeth - a singer and songwriter from West Yorkshire. If you've never listened to my music before, I guess you can expect relatable lyrics and catchy melodies…with deep meaning behind the sometimes 'mainstream' sound. But, all my songs differ quite a lot in the genre. I'm full of surprises.
Take Control is your new track. What is the tale behind it?
The tale behind my new track Take Control is about certain lads who feel threatened by a girl's independence, confidence or success. The message is about being yourself and not letting a lad use and abuse you or put you down.
I mean; I'm not particularly a mad feminist at all: I'm a laid-back gal but just seeing some guys in the club or on Instagram stood there posing made me wanna write a song about how pathetic some guys are (as well as some girls of course!). It's not a bitter song, though. It's just about embracing your true self and beauty inside and out and not letting anyone put ya down!
Might we see more material in 2019? How far ahead are you looking?
Oh, yeah. Definitely more stuff coming in 2018, never mind 2019! This is just the beginning.
Can you reveal what sort of music you grew up around? Who did you idolise?
I grew up around all sorts. I remember, as a proper-young kid, my dad used to listen to dance and Trance in the car...and The Clash - whereas my mum was into musicals. But, like; I sang on my first bassline song when I was sixteen. I used to like chavvy music too as a young teen - when I was fourteen – but, at the same time, I loved Rock music! Pretty, juxtaposing genres floated my boat to be honest. As well as chavvy beats, I was also really into Nirvana as a young kid. I loved them.
Also; I idolised Mariah Carey as a kid. Her voice is outstanding. I used to look on her website all the time at high-school instead of doing work. Haha.
How did your Classical training prepare you? Do you incorporate any of that teaching into your current work?
My Classical training has prepared me in so many good ways as it trains your voice to really reach new heights: I can sing any genre well now and can sing in seven different languages as, during my Classical training, a lot of the Classical songs I was practicing and singing in competitions and exams etc. were in Italian, Latin; German, Spanish etc. I think my Classical training has helped me have the range/purity of vocals and control that I have today.
Yeah. I guess you'll hear glimpses of my Classical high voice in the odd note here and there. Kind of like the tone in Hannah Reid’s voice (lead singer of London Grammar).
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
By the end of 2018, I hope to achieve recognition as a singer and songwriter on a much larger scale.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Being invited in to do a Live Lounge to premiere a couple of my songs for BBC Radio is a good memory. Also; I love the way I can just sit down unexpectedly when I’m all alone and write a song so effortlessly that I feel could really make it.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Visions of a Life by Wolf Alice
Amazing album. A few songs on there really touch me deeply when I listen to them - to the point where this sensation comes over my mind and body like, just, pure dept. I don’t know how to describe it but I feel like I’m different and I go into this numb sort of state where I feel that something is going to happen in my life that’s going to be really unique.
Blink-182 – Blink-182
That will always mean a lot to me as I grew up listening to that on my C.D. Walkman (Discman) and it just reminds me of being so young and boys at the time. (Just) nearly every song on there touches me massively.
Nevermind by Nirvana
Love that album too.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
I’d love to support The xx and my rider would be, hmmmmm. I was gonna say a big ass bottle of apple-flavoured vodka but I’m in recovery sooo that, probs, wouldn’t be a good idea. Haha. A more sensible rider would be loadsa fruity Haribo sweets and Chinese food. Ha.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Advice to new artists coming through would be: stay true to yourself; don’t copy anyone; have faith and keep going! Try not to give too many f***s about what people think of you.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
No tour as of yet but, hopefully, someday soon!
How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?
It’s very important being on stage and playing my music to people as, if people connect with the songs I’ve written, it’s just that feeling of like, yeah man, they’re diggin’ this! I just want people to connect and enjoy the words and music that enters their ears - and make them relate or, like I said, feel connected and good/opened up about sh*t.
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yeah. I recommend you check out Kennedy Power. She’s my good friend and an amazing songwriter.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Yeah. I do get time to chill. I used to unwind by getting absolutely off my head far too much and dangerously but that ain’t healthy for my mental state and never progressed me in any way shape or form. In fact; it strips me of everything good in my life. Sooo…I’m trying to avoid that if I can. I love watching cooking programmes (haha) and spending time going on scenic walks outside embracing nature - or spending time with animals like dogs.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
A song. Hmmmm. Play Silk by Wolf Alice. The beginning guitar and opening verse gets me every time, wow! Thank you xxx
___________
Follow Chloëbeth
