Brisbane artist Clea today serves up another dose of ethereal dream pop in new single 'Cool Days'. The track is lifted from Clea's forthcoming debut album, due out later this year. Accompanying the track is a stunning visual shot on 16mm film, which Clea had a
strong hand in bringing to life. In support of the release, Clea will be embarking on an east coast tour, headlining shows in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Tomatrax caught up with Clea to ask a few questions.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I was madly in love with photography, film and even obsessed with athletics at a young age, music was always in the background, a way of desensitizing from the world but was never the main focus. I think that's where I developed my introspective style, it was not until I was 17 years old that I started performing gigs other than in my bedroom. As the gigs frequented my passion for music bloomed and surely enough became my ultimate creative output.
When did you write your first song?
When I was in grade 4. I can still remember it to this day. It was about a boy who was too cool for school and yet he wouldn't stop flirting with me haha.
What was the inspiration behind the video for 'Cool Days'?
The idea was inspired by the shapes and colours that can be found in our everyday surroundings. Jen, the director and I created a Pinterest board of amazing photographs that helped crystalize our desired visual representation of the song. We resonated with the images that had strong subjects and compositions but were set in ordinary settings. I love transforming the simple into the sublime.
You've said how 'Cool Days' is a song about "appreciating the pleasures within the mundane of day-to-day life", do you find this a challenging thing to achieve day-to-day?
Absolutely. I practice everyday to be in a frame of mind and place where I can enjoy the full journey. I can't rely on receiving my satisfactions purely from the large and exciting experiences, otherwise I'll be waiting and longing for a large portion of my life.
You play a big part in putting together your videos for your music, when writing do you have an idea on how the visuals to the song should look?
Not necessarily, for me the writing always comes first, which then informs the visuals. When I formulate a music clip idea I listen to the song many times then allow my body to move till it feels right, I then try and capture ideas from those movements.
You have a debut LP coming out, how will the LP compare with your previous work?
There will be similar quirks and chimes to previous work but ultimately it will differ in many ways, mainly because I feel I have grown and evolved as a musician since, so naturally my music will follow.
What will the album be titled?
Can't say just yet! I'll give you a hint...'Red' (nothing to do with T-Swift)
Was it hard to pick what made it onto the album?
It was surprisingly easy...when you listen to songs over and over a natural pattern of what fits and what doesn't seems to become obvious.
You'll be touring in support of your latest single, what can fans expect from your show?
Synchronised dance moves, 110% heart on the line and of course shinny pants.
Do you ever listen to your own music?
Just after the songs/albums completion it's all I can listen to! A bit vain I know...haha. But once the songs are released I rarely even give them a spin.
What other music do you listen to?
At the moment I'm listening to Alvvays, Japanese Breakfast, Grizzly Bear, Air and as always The Beatles.
What do you have planned once the album is released?
The plan is to get right back to it and make another album! Of course I also intend to play as many shows as humanly possible and promote the album like there's no tomorrow.
CLEA'S 'COOL DAYS' TOUR
Fri 3rd Aug - Waywards, Sydney
Sat 4th Aug - Workers Club, Melbourne
Fri 10th Aug - Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
