Having already made a name for herself collaborating with Scandinavian production outfit Twenty Committee these last few months, Nottingham-based singer Chloe Rodgers has now returned to share her wonderfully sweeping new single ‘A Delphian Lullaby’.
Known for her sublime voice, ‘A Delphian Lullaby’ looks to showcase more of her incredible tones on this broad and ethereal new release. With its light and atmospheric production married elegantly to her own euphoric vocal performance, this new offering sees her as a truly wondrous and captivating talent.
So with her new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I suppose my answer should be the guitar as that’s the instrument I play but in all honesty I only learned it so I’d have something to sing along & write to. I really love the harp though! & the accordion! I’m so in awe of anyone who has mastered those instruments.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Strong emotion! I’ve been depressed for a lot of my life and I’ve gotten sooo many songs out of it. I’ve found it really difficult to write in periods of time where I haven’t felt any kind of intense emotion. Despite all the obstacles we’ve had this year it’s probably the first year I’ve ever experienced intense happiness and I’m finally starting to be able to write decent happy songs! It feels great!
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I had a massive emo phase... In my early teens (13-16) I listened to loads heavy metal, pop-punk, anything they played on Kerrang radio really! but I don’t think I was being true to myself. Pretending to love those genres of music allowed me to make friends after being bullied for years so I sorta convinced myself it was what I liked. There are plenty of songs of those genres that I really do genuinely love but in general I’d say it’s not hugely my thing. It was only after leaving school that I started to branch out and find out what I really loved.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I don’t think there really was any one song really. If I had to pick one it would probably be Complicated by Avril Lavigne, I had such a massive crush on her when I was little! But it was mainly my papa (grandad) that made me want to be a singer, he was always singing and making up songs for me. He had such a gorgeous voice.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m currently listening to lots of Whisky Moon Face and Billie Eilish. Whisky Moon Face are a stunning combination of french jazz, & Russian & Irish folk I’d say? They’re absolutely incredible musicians and the singer does such unique things with her voice that I’ve never heard anywhere else, ‘When These Bones’ and ‘Dead Dog’ by them are some of my favourite songs ever. They deserve so much more recognition than they get. & Billie Eilish just has the most heavenly tone I’ve ever heard and her lyrics bring me to tears. Bloody stunning!
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Ooooo quite a lot. I’ve written a good few songs about love interests and one about losing my papa. I’d say the song I’m happiest with that is about people in my life is one I have written recently about two of my best friends, Yana and Ella. It’s basically about how much I love them and want them to be happy. Hopefully I’ll be able to record it soon!
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Hmm, I think the weirdest things I’ve experienced have been whilst busking with my friend Mollie. We’ve had massive grapes, churros and free haircut vouchers put in our money tubs which was kinda weird but cool! We’ve also had a fully grown man ride past us on his bike, chuck his chewed up cob at us and about “shurrup you’re sh*t”! There was also a drunk guy who used to watch us everyday that would try to scare anyone off who tried to approach us & ride his bike in circles around us which was reeaaally annoying. There are plenty more weird busking stories but I’ll leave it there for now.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
People. I think trying to make my friends feel loved & sticking up for the little guy is probably what most of my energy goes into besides music. I do love drawing & calligraphy as well though.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I have no idea! I’ve been asked to formulate a back up plan my whole life but I’ve always felt like if I don’t end up earning a living through music then it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. I was quite clever in school & my mum always said it was a waste that I didn’t put my brains into uni but I hated doing my a-levels with a passion & there weren’t any subjects that I felt passionate enough about to be worth getting into loads of student debt for and to spend years of my life. I don’t even like studying music, all the rules and deadlines and pressure just suck the life out of it for me.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
I’d say start by entering little competitions and doing open mics and you should get roped into a music scene to build your way up through. Make sure you’ve got some good material first though and social media platforms so people can keep up to date with where you’re at. I won a little competition in notts a few years back and it helped me so much with getting booked. Just don’t give up!!
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Chloe Rodger's new single 'A Delphian Lullaby' is available now. Have a listen to it in the player below.