Busting with Talent & A Developed Sound at only 14 CHOLE WILDER Is One To Watch | We Talk Teenage Lullabies & Pink Motels
CLOE WILDER is an indie-pop singer-songwriter from Clearwater, Florida. At just 14-years-old, Cloe has a voice beyond her years, creating melancholic, yet incredibly relatable songs. From an early age, her artistic talents started thriving as she started taking piano lessons, which consequently helped her to discover her passions for singing. In December 2018, Cloe started her YouTube channel where she began to cover songs by Halsey, Alessia Cara, Billie Eilish, Sasha Sloan, and more…
She kicked off 2020 with the release of “Crying When I Shouldn’t” mixed and mastered by Grammy Award winners Rob Kinelski and John Greenham (Billie Eilish) and co-written and produced by Eric Scullin. Cloe followed it up with her second release of the year, “You & Lonely”, in June. The song is co-written by Cloe and produced by Jayme Silverstein (Alicia Keys, Miguel, Estelle). Cloe’s single off of her upcoming EP “It’s True”, is out now, and was the first song she wrote for the project. Cloe's debut EP, 'Teenage Lullabies' features the single "I Wanna Be Alone With You" and is available now.
When you started releasing music two years ago, did you anticipate to reach over 500K streams on Spotify or has this been a big shock for you?
I’m in shock, but it feels right.
Your voice and musical abilities seem developed. Are people surprised by your age when they meet you after they hear your voice?
Every single time, but I like it. It’s a compliment.
You have such a bubbly and upbeat attitude in interviews and in behind-the-scenes clips, yet your music is melancholic and wistful. Do you use your lyricism and music to express the darker and more contemplative corners of your mind that you might not present in your daily life?
Subconsciously, yes! The way that I write is a more accurate reflection of the way that I think.
What is your process for songwriting? Did this process differ when you co-wrote alongside other song-writers for your latest EP ‘Teenage Lullabies’?
If I don’t have a concept in my mind, then I do a lot of talking until one comes up. I almost always do a melody pass, unless we’re writing on acoustic guitar. We all mumble melodies and lyrics until we hear ones we like and take it from there. My process for song-writing is consistent, even when there are other co-writers because I’ve figured out my process with their help.
Aside from music, do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies?
Honestly, I don’t do much else. Music is my favourite thing about myself, so I’ve let it consume me. I’m in high school, so the boring truth is that when I’m not writing, I’m doing homework.
How do you balance school, friends, and your music career?
Honestly, I’m not good at balancing the three. I get caught up in the music and lose sight of them. I have to remind myself that school and friends are important too. I just have to deal with school, but I’ve learned to surround myself with the right people. My social circle has shrunk, but I feel better.
How did it feel working with Rob Kinelski and John Greenham who have also worked with Billie Eilish?
I felt so cool.
What made you decide to create videos to accompany your voice covers when you started your YouTube channel?
It felt that it was the right way to introduce myself. It was casual and it wasn’t as serious as original music. I wanted people to hear about me, but only a little.
What was it like filming at the famous Pink Motel in California for “I Wanna Be Alone With You”?
That’s by far my favourite location I’ve filmed at. It was like playing a character.
Now that you’ve just released your debut EP do you think you’ll still be doing voice covers of other artists or do you plan to just focus on your own music for now?
I’ll keep doing casual covers, but I plan to focus on my own music!
How did you come up with the title “Teenage Lullabies”?
It’s a lyric in my single, “It’s true.” “I don’t make friends, ‘cause I’ll break them, what a teenage lullaby.” I knew that was the title pretty early on.
What is your favourite part of making music? Is it the songwriting, or the collaboration, or creating videos and content?
I love songwriting. That’s me in my truest form.
Do you enjoy doing virtual performances through social media or do you find it difficult to connect to your audience?
I do enjoy virtual performances, but performing to a screen can feel cold sometimes. However, it’s the best alternative and I’ve had more fun with them than I thought I would. I just imagine I’m performing in a really, really small venue.
Who are some of your favourite artists at the moment?
At the moment, I’m listening to Phoebe Bridgers, The Cure, Fleetwood Mac, Arctic Monkeys, Frank Ocean, The Smiths, and The 1975.
If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be?
Lana Del Rey!
One of the comments under your YouTube video for “You & Lonely” says “Covid works hard but Cloe works harder!” How has the pandemic been for you musically?
Productive! I had no excuses to make anymore. I couldn’t help but write and reflect. I knew I wanted to release an EP in 2021, but I needed to get a better hold on myself musically. I took the time and did that. Now, I’ve never been more comfortable or confident.
What is in the pipeline for you now that your first EP is officially finished and released to the public?
I’m going to ride this EP wave for a while. I’m so proud of it, so I want it to have its moment. I’ll keep doing live streams, virtual performances, and I’m working on even newer music!
Interview | Aly Blanchette