CHLOE LILAC
By CLARA SEELY-KATZ
Musician and lyricist Chloe Lilac is the dark, grungy singer to add to your playlist if you are also completely over trying to seek male validation at the expense of your own well-being. She is an inspiration who is unafraid to explore the hardships of being a teenage girl and all of its pain and beauty. Be sure to give Lilac a listen because she is going to be the next big thing.
PHOTOGRAPHER: EMMA MARIE JENKINSON
If you had to describe your aesthetic in five words only, what would they be?
1. Timeless (I hope)
2. Simple
3. Grungy
4. Dark
5. New York
What initially got you into music? Was it a childhood passion or something that came to you growing up?
Music definitely started as a childhood passion for me. Ever since I found out I could do it as a job, it was game over for anything else. I dedicated all my time as a kid to music and songwriting. Not much has changed. I wonder what little me would think about my life now.
Who is your personal favorite singer/band to see live?
I recently saw Beach House live, and it blew my mind. They are so amazing live. It was by far the best live set I've ever seen. They had all these lights; they sounded better than the recordings. It was just crazy.
Which venue that you've played is your favorite?
I think my favorite venue I've played is Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It's this insane art exhibit mystery, and in the center of it in this treehouse area is the stage. It's so cool. It's hard to describe. It changes all the time. When I played there, it had a murder mystery theme and was a giant house that had all these magical passageways through it.
PHOTOGRAPHER: EMMA MARIE JENKINSON
Do the majority of your songs come from your head or your heart?
I'm not sure. I think the majority of my songs come from my heart. I've never been very in touch with my head.
If someone were to listen to three songs of yours, which three should they listen to to get a grasp on who you are as an artist?
The first three songs a new listener of mine should check out is Lilys Backyard, then 19, then How Does Your Girlfriend Feel About It. The rock influence in all of those songs reflect the new direction my music is heading the most.
Your song "Here's Your Song" was one that I found especially poignant and personal. How does it feel to write about things like that and put them into songs for anyone to hear?
Putting out personal songs is pretty cathartic for me. Here's Your Song was especially cathartic because it was a story I didn't know how to tell with just words. Putting how sad and angry I was about that friendship ending into a song felt so great. I can't think about other people listening to it, though. It freaks me out when I think about it too hard.
PHOTOGRAPHER: EMMA MARIE JENKINSON
What is the most difficult part of the songwriting process in your experience?
I think the most difficult part of songwriting is trying to say everything you're feeling in just a few lines. Feelings are so complex, they're very hard to communicate in just a few words. You have to really pick and choose what you find important and what to throw away.
If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Alex G. I think he's so talented in not only his lyrics but his production. He's so good at making his songs almost sound haunted. He has that Elliott Smith thing going on but with these almost decayed sounding synths on top. Also, I love his use of live instruments in his production.
What is the hardest part about being a young woman in the music industry, in your opinion?
I think being a young woman in the music industry is hard because of the incredibly high standard we're held to. We not only have to look great always, but we have to also be exceptionally talented and charismatic. Then when a man does something gross, we're expected to just turn a blind eye and keep quiet. Anything you do as a woman in entertainment, especially, is sexualized.
As someone who has a rapidly growing audience, do you think it is important to utilize your platform for spreading information and resources to your fans? (e.g., your recent post in regards to the horrible things happening with roe v. wade right now).
I think it's incredibly important to spread information as an artist. People love to separate activism from music; I think that's the weirdest cop-out. Music has always been about activism and rebellion. If it affects me or it's something I'm passionate about, I'm going to talk about it.
What is your dream venue and/or city?
My dream venue is Madison Square Garden in NYC. I'm gonna sell it out one day.
If you could tell your 17-year-old-self one piece of advice, what would it be?
The advice I would give 17-year-old me is to liberate yourself from the male gaze. I was so dependent on male validation when I was 17. It inhibited my ability to be myself and develop healthy relationships with the close people in my life. Not to mention it messed with my music.
What is one thing you are excited about in the coming months, something that makes you happy to be alive?
I'm not sure if there's much that makes me happy to be alive, but I'm pretty excited to keep making music and touring!
PHOTOGRAPHER: EMMA MARIE JENKINSON
What do you do in times when you lack inspiration, when you feel down or feel helpless and hopeless? What would you tell other people to do to regain inspiration and creativity?
When I feel down, I take it easy on myself. Give myself time to really feel all my feelings. Make all my favorite food. I really make sure I'm careful about how I talk to myself. I try to get myself to go outside and see people, but if that doesn't happen, it's okay. My advice to people struggling is that it'll pass. Please be kind to yourself and don't push the feelings away! Just sit with yourself.
What else can you tell us about what we should expect to see from you in the future?
You can expect a whole lot of new music. Also, a lot more visual stuff, tours, world domination, merch, etc.!
Chloe Lilac’s current listens and inspirations
Listen to Lilac’s latest music here
