cloe wilder — MUSIC — Unclear Magazine

by emily harris

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.”

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For those who don’t know you yet, what would you tell them about yourself and your music as a bit of an introduction?

Cloe Wilder: “I’m a 13-year-old singer-songwriter, which tends to make people uncomfortable. I’m working at being as vulnerable as possible because I’ve always respected those artists. The first reaction to my music is commonly ‘did you write this?’ — yes! I write everything and I’m very proud of that. I have yet to get an understanding of my music, but I hope to continue shocking people.”

You just released your new single “Save Me”. Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?

C: “This song was listing reasons as to why I understand, but also why I’m okay. My family and friends had never known my music or expression to be that devastating, so as I began to write and release, they began to worry. This song is an acknowledgment to what’s wrong, but also to what’s right.”

Do you find that you have the same process when creating songs or does it change often?

C: “I don’t, which was surprising to me. The more I write, the less consistent the process is. Maybe that will change because this career is so young and fresh.”

What do you hope listeners take from your music?

C: “I want listeners to understand that songwriters don’t only write these songs for themselves, or because they hope it’ll result in fame… and that the majority hope to help you. I wouldn’t write these songs if I didn’t understand or feel them.”

Is there anything else we can expect from you in the near future?

C: “YES. I already feel as though I’ve done so much, but in reality, this is barely the sunrise — that’s what I’ve been told. You can expect consistent singles and an eventual EP!!”

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