After establishing herself with a wealth of warm and woozy efforts these last few years, UK-based artist Claudia Fenoglio is back once again to deliver her dreamy new single 'Forever'.
Lifted from her highly-anticipated debut EP, which is set to drop soon, 'Forever' makes for a beautifully rich and endearing listen. With her light yet passionate voice layered across a sprawling folk-pop production from start to finish, she is quickly cementing herself as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I would have to say the guitar is my first and only love! I can play a little bit of piano but I always gravitate towards the guitar. My dad has always played and got me into it when I was younger, and I took lessons throughout school. However, I would never practise what I was meant to be learning that week and used to just play and sing Taylor Swift songs on it! Looking back, I wish I had practised a bit more as I’ve always wanted to be able to shred!!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up, I remember listening to a lot of Paul Simon, Dixie Chicks and America in the car. My dad was in a country and blues band so me and my sister would pick up all the songs he would play at his gigs. Having family in Nashville meant that I really got into country music from a young age, and Taylor Swift has therefore been my biggest inspiration for as long as I can remember. Throughout high school I also had a big Bon Iver phase, and would listen to him whilst reblogging pictures of forests on tumblr lol.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it had to be Chasing Lights by The Saturdays!!! I was the biggest Saturdays fan when I was like 10 years old and even met them at their HMV signing. It was the best day of my life!! I think Una was my favourite because she played guitar.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This is such a hard question but I think it has to be Not Strong Enough by boygenius. It’s so catchy but beautifully written at the same time. The lyrics are clever and I love the play between self- assurance and self- doubt. It’s also just a great song to sing in the car.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really as melodies and lyrics come to me really spontaneously. I don’t really sit down and say, ‘I’m going to write a song’, I just wait to be inspired a lot of the time. That being said, I guess I have to surround myself with a lot of inspiration, so I’m always making playlist of songs that I want to influence my own music. Even down to the specifics, such as a certain guitar tone or a moment when the drums come in perfectly.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m loving an artist called Phoebe Go, she’s making some really beautiful indie music and it’s great. Samia’s album ‘Honey’ is also full of every emotion so I’ve been loving that too. Also, ‘How We Move’ by Billie Marten is so so good.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
HAIM. I’ve always dreamed of being the fourth Haim sister.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think just being able to take any emotions I am feeling and turn it into art. If I’m going through something that's making me upset or anxious, I just know that I can make a song out of it and be creatively fulfilled in the end.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I do not like the lack of funding in the arts which makes it difficult to pursue music full time. It’s also frustrating to see music and creative subjects not taken seriously in schools and a lack of resources across these subjects.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’m still learning so much, however I’ve learnt to not let things slide if you're not happy with them. Be vocal and honest about something if you don't like how something sounds when speaking to producers or sound engineers etc, and also don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s also really daunting performing live and recording etc, so just make sure you're happy with everything and take your time.
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Claudia Fenoglio's new single 'Forever' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.