Chloe Berry's song "Unbecoming" first caught my attention on TikTok, it just has so much emotion and I feel like the song tackles a subject we don't hear enough about, nostalgia for your past self. I talked to Chloe about her songwriting process and the challenges she's faced in her career.
How did you get started in music?
Chloe Berry: I've been writing songs ever since I can remember. I was influenced a lot by my family-- my dad is a part-time DJ, and my Uncle and Grandpa are amazing singer-songwriters. I really got started releasing and getting into the grind when I met my partner, Spoonuel, in my senior year of high school. We started really producing my songs (which had always just been in Garageband before), and I really decided on pursuing music because I was in love with everything it entails.
Tell me about your song "Unbecoming" what's the story behind it?
Chloe Berry: My song "Unbecoming" is about growing up and looking back on your younger self. It is about nostalgia in general-- which I find is the source of most of my daydreams-- and how sometimes you can get stuck on the past. I wrote it after I turned 21, and I was feeling particularly nostalgic for the younger me. This pandemic has been an experience and surely aged everyone mentally, so this song came to fruition from that and all the changes in my life that had come with time.
What has been inspiring you lately?
Chloe Berry: Lately, I have been inspired by my amazing musician friends. Going to their shows and seeing what everyone is accomplishing on social media has really made me want to create as much as possible. I am lucky enough to have always lived in New York City, and music seems to always find me here.
What has been the biggest challenge for you in music?
Chloe Berry:I think my biggest challenge in music and sometimes life, in general, is being self-critical. I oftentimes would build up these expectations for myself and my music that I held no one else to. I get competitive with myself and obsessed with making a better song than my last, which I think takes away from what the creative process ought to be. I think really honing in on what makes you love doing what you do is the key. There shouldn't be pressure or expectation when creating-- even if social media tells you so.
What keeps you motivated?
Chloe Berry: Besides surrounding myself with amazingly creative people, I try to stay motivated by just experiencing art. I love visual arts and, of course, listen to as much music as I can to stay motivated. I love seeing what other people can do with just a little imagination, and it makes me aspire to create and share more.
What artists have you been listening to lately?
Chloe Berry: I have been listening to Snail Mail so much and also have been listening to Mitski before I see her perform in July!!! I also just started listening to Sir Chloe-- who I already love.
What's your best piece of advice for women in music?
Chloe Berry: I have so much advice for women in music, but most importantly would be to stand your ground. When I say that, I mean don't let other people talk you out of your ideas or preferences. We have to be so assertive compared to men in this industry to just get by. I've had lots of men in the industry try to tell me what I know and who I am as an artist-- don't let them change you!
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Emily Treadgold
