HYPE FILES - The Forest Claudette Interview
Australian recording artist Forest Claudette is on a mission of giving the world a new sound and solidify his spot for future generations to be inspired by. With a unique take on R&B and Pop music, Forest's music has been described as comfort for the restless mind. Thanks to an opportunity to attend an experiential-learning-focused high school in the U.S., Forest honed his songwriting skillset, and tapped into different sounds that he could blend to make his own.
Forest Claudette made his debut earlier this year with the single, "Creaming Soda" and has been riding high since. Steadily building his catalogue, Forest has caught the ears of prominent members of the music industry, and his fanbase has been quickly catching on to what he's about.
Just ahead of the release of his debut EP, "The Year Of February", we caught up with Forest Claudette to chop it up about his debut EP, getting his start as a musician, developing his songwriting, Australia's music scene, and more!
Tune in below.
Thanks for coming through! How has 2022 been treating you?
Thank you so much for having me! So far 2022 has been really special. I’ve been in the U.S., I’ve spent time with friends and family, and of course I finally released music 😌
For those unfamiliar, how did you get your start as a musician?
Well I come from a musical family, so I feel like my start was sort of as soon as I could hold an instrument. I think I always sang growling up and my mom taught me violin until I got to high school. There I started learning guitar and I’d say that was the beginning of contemporary song writing for me.
You’ve spent a lot of time exploring Soul artists from the U.S. Which artists and albums did you love to keep on repeat?
I feel like I should say that while I adore soul from the 60’s and 70’s, I feel like I’ve barely m scratched the surface of what those eras hold. But at the moment it’s Aretha’s album “I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You” and Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher” that album has such extravagant peaks of joy and sorrow.
What’s the music culture like out in Australia, by the way?
It’s amazing and I’d say it’s probably a little underrated. Like people should really know Sampa The Great and Genesis Owusu. I feel like they create music to such a high standard and not only that but the visuals and general attention to detail, I’m always in awe of them.
Your songwriting is very raw, diaristic, and experimental. How has music been your refuge over the years?
When I think back to some of the highest and lowest moments in my life, I can more often than not tie them back to music. Whether it’s something I was writing at the time or an album I had on repeat, music is always an integral part of how I process my emotions.
Describe the moment you knew you needed to tell your own story?
I don’t actually think there was one for that. I’m not really sure if I’m one of those artists who’s capable (yet) of telling other people’s stories. I’d say I’m more focused on how the experiences I’ve had could mirror that of my peers. I guess I try to consider lots of perspectives when I write, but that’s probably got more to do with my irritating obsession with “truth”.
So, you’re days away from releasing your debut EP. How are you feeling about putting your art out to the world?
I feel so excited. It’s been a long time coming, so to finally be able to share a body of work is really quite surreal. The support so far has been amazing, I just can’t wait to play these songs in front of folks.
What was the most challenging part of putting it together?
Probably the waiting. Some of the songs are 2 and 3 years old, while others were finished just this year.
What was the most fun part?
For me creating has probably been the most fun part of the project, particularly the co-writes. Some of the folks I’ve been fortunate enough to work with have had huge impacts on how I see the world around me. We’ve laughed, I’ve cried and I think I’ve made some friendships for life.
Music is in an amazing space right now, blending and meshing genres, as well as telling timeless stories in new ways. How do you see your music making positive contributions?
This is something I think about a lot. I always attempt to be aware of the impact that music can have on people, especially young people like myself. I feel a responsibility to ensure that whatever I write about, whether it’s positive or negative, I’m being authentic and am putting out the energy and ethics I believe in.
What do you enjoy about being a musician the most?
I feel like music has granted a sense of freedom to me that I would be really struggle to find elsewhere.
How have you honed your creativity over the years?
I feel like in the past I’ve somewhat stifled my creativity for fear of hurting people’s feelings or the idea that maybe I wouldn’t do a concept justice. Thankfully I’m slowly growing out of that, and I owe it in large part to my singing teacher. Other than that I’ve developed some techniques for making song writing a little easier for myself and whoever I’m working with.
As a relatively new artist in the game, what are you looking forward to the most about your career?
It’s gotta be live shows. I’ve only had a taste but the interaction with people, being able to see the emotions stir in people is just so special. And sharing all of that with my band mates and dear friends is just unreal.
Anything else we should know?
Nah, not that I can think think of, thank y’all so much for the time x
