by emily harris
photo by jesse deflorio
Cloe Wilder is a pop-star beyond her years. Still a teenager, her discography matches that of the dream-like quality of Marina and the Diamonds and Lana Del Rey. Having recently released her first single of the new year, “We’re Not Special,” Cloe is creating a powerful name for herself. We had the pleasure of speaking with her about the newest release and her future plans!
Congrats on the release of your newest single, “We’re Not Special!” How does it feel to finally have this track out?
Cloe: “Thank you! This song feels like a deep breath and I'm so happy that it's alive now.”
Can you talk about the inspiration behind this song — both lyrically and sonically?
Cloe: “I wrote ‘We're Not Special’ with Sam Nicolosi back in September. It's written as if I'm speaking to this person about all of the reasons why we're exactly like everyone else. There's nothing we can say or do that will give us a better shot at this. It's this complicated mess that makes us hurt. Maintaining relationships can feel so useless to me sometimes. Nothing feels special yet and I think that's okay. It has a warm, earthy tone. We went with that messy and doubled vocal style, which I love.”
You also released an accompanying music video! What was the filming process like for you?
Cloe: “Jesse DeFlorio directed the video and it really held true to my initial narrative. I loved working with him. It was my first video ever shot on film and I don't think I ever want to do anything else. I think it captured the softness of the song itself.”
This is the first track you’ve released since your EP in 2021! What can we expect from a newer, and longer, body of work from you?
Cloe: “Yes! My album's coming later this year! I can hardly wait.”
You’ve also been featured in Spotify-curated playlists! How does it feel to be placed among other great female popstars so early into your career?
Cloe: “Being connected to these amazing female artists is one of my favorite things! I'm in good company.”
How has being so young in the industry affected the way you write and record your work?
Cloe: “Since my age is already hanging over my head, I think I've learned to be extra honest and write exactly what I want to write. There's no point in trying to please anyone.”
What song of yours would you recommend someone to listen to if they’re looking to get into your sound?
Cloe: “Definitely ‘We're Not Special.’ It's some of my favorite writing I've ever done.”
Who would you coin as your musical influences?
Cloe: “Lana Del Rey made me want to be an artist myself. She's always been an influence of mine. More recently, Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, and so many more.”