Part of a growing wave of Singer-Songwriters emerging from New England, Chloe Selavka is off to a running start with her debut single, “Sweet” out now on all streaming platforms.
Inspired by the sounds of Dodie Clark, Taylor Swift, and Phoebe Bridgers, Chloe Selavka’s music is a lyrical blend resulting in music for anybody sad, in love, or both. Massachusetts born and raised, the 18 year old enjoys writing about the complex people and relationships around her. Her new track, Sweet, is a song about pure, selfless, and simple love. She was inspired to write the song after a long rom-com binge that lead her to realize love is not nearly as complicated as it seems. She is very happy to be following her heart today, and encourages anyone who’s ever believed their dream is impossible to give it a shot. Chloe is currently still living in Massachusetts, writing her secrets into staff lines.
We took the time to talk with Chloe Selavka about her music and journey so far as a singer-songwriter:
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
When did you start to get interested in music?
Music is in my bones. My parents met in their high school band, and it all started from there. I started dancing at three years old and I always felt a connection to the music. I joined theater when I was about 10 and that was what really solidified my love for music and the stories it could tell. I started writing shortly after that and fell in love with it.
If you were an advertisement what would your slogan be?
For myself? Probably “Courageous, but I will be crying after this because it was emotionally taxing”. For my music, probably “The truth is there, somewhere, under all the metaphors”.
Which is the part you enjoy the most about music?
That it means different things to everyone, and that there is music for everyone. There is always more to discover in the world of music, in even just a piece of music. We will never run out of music to discover and fall in love with. We will never run out of lyrics that are deeply personal to the artist, but also resonate with us in a way that makes it feel like the song was written about us.
Most artists say that through their art they learn more about themselves, heal injuries… In which aspects has music helped you?
Music and writing helps me come to terms with things that I normally couldn’t face. It allows me to view the scariest discoveries about myself and about the people in my life as beautiful things. It has helped me realize that even the worst endings can be seen as art. Presenting a painful real life event through colors or sounds or alliteration makes it all much more bearable.
Your new single “Sweet” has a vibey stripped down feel. What inspired this release?
I wanted to get my foot in the door in the music world and “Sweet” was one of the songs I’ve written that I feel is the best representation of me. Wordy, romantic, a little bit fantastical, and it feels like a hug when you listen to it. I felt like the world could use a little bit of love right now.
What was the songwriting and production process like for “Sweet”, how did the song come to life?
“Sweet” started as just a chorus posted on my Snapchat story that I ended up really loving. I was just thinking about the term “minimum wage” and how much I would love to play with it in a song. The production for “Sweet” was something I had never experienced before so it was full of new small adventures. I owe a lot of the final product to Dan Searl at Lit Honey Productions(@lithoneyproductions), because I walked into that recording studio with a very rough idea of what I envisioned “Sweet” to be and walked out with something I loved. I’m very grateful for his help.
Do you consider that nowadays there are more or less opportunities for new artists? Why?
More. Or maybe just more room for dreamers in our current world. When I was younger I was told by many people that my dream to be a songwriter should be just that, a dream, not a reality. While “Sweet” is just the beginning, I feel much more encouraged by everyone around me to pursue this career. With the pandemic it’s obviously hard to get your music heard in person. But there are so many opportunities online, and communities of people willing to give small, young artists a chance. I truly believe that if you are meant to be doing something, if you carry on with kindness and persistence, you will end up where you want to be.
What would your idyllic life as an artist be like?
I love writing music and I love performing and traveling. If I could do those three things for the rest of my life I can honestly say I think I’d be content. The occasional trip to the library would be cool too.
What should the 2021 artist be doing?
Telling honest stories and being their authentic selves. I think the world could benefit from some straight up authenticity and vulnerability, to let people know they are not alone. There’s nothing I hate more than disingenuous lyrics. The day people stop writing for critics or for what they think people want to hear will be the best day in music.
