Hot Property: Chloe Clark
Chloe Clark is gorgeous, funky and talented as hell! The Durban-based singer, songwriter and pianist, who is no stranger to the KZN theater scene, is about to take the local music industry by storm with the release of her debut album.
I got to chat to the lovely lady about her musical background, her take on talent shows and of course her new album.
You joined your first band at the age of 11. Who were your musical influences back then?
Wow, that was quite a few years ago! I grew up in a little farm town and wasn’t exposed to a massive amount of music besides classical and the good old mainstream, but there are a couple that I can remember that I was rather fond of… So I would have to go with Dido, Avril Lavine (I definitely wanted to be a rock chick then!), Lighthouse and POD.
You have a BA Degree in Music from UKZN. Has this formal qualification helped you to further your singing career in any way or is it something to fall back on at a later stage?
It has definitely helped my career as I have been able to make amazing connections and work with some of the most talented humans in South Africa through studying. It is also very helpful to have an understanding of music and it is important to challenge and grow yourself as a musician.
You are no stranger to the stage having performed in various theatres around Durban. Where do you feel more at home? On the stage or in the recording studio?
Definitely on the stage. Something inside me comes alive when I have a captive audience. The studio is very important as it gives one a product and it is where the creative process is challenged while creating your sound for the stage.
You made it to the Top 30 in Idols South Africa. Would you recommend the talent show route to young aspiring artists looking for their 'big break’?
I would encourage aspiring artists to take any and every opportunity and make the most of every experience in order to follow your goals and dreams. Don’t rely on the talent shows as your ‘lucky break’ but rather use them to create a name for yourself and meet other amazing people in the industry.
We often read about young talent leaving our shores for greener pastures. How easy would it be for you to pack up and leave for abroad should an exciting career prospect arise?
I am always up for an adventure and if an amazing opportunity arose I would definitely jump at it. South Africa does however have my heart, but one must always leave space for adventure.
What can your fans expect from your album? Is there a specific message you would like to convey with it?
I alongside my amazing produces (Greig Bedford and Burton Naidoo) have worked hard on creating something new and unique. As I studied jazz there is a strong jazz influence on a few of the numbers. We also tried to add an additional extra ‘funky’ element and hope to get the musical juices in the listeners brains flowing.
If you had to swap lives with an international celeb for one day who would you choose and why?
Shucks. I would probably go with Zooey Deschanel, and more specifically her character Jessica Day from New Girl!
