“It’s about being afraid that you’re not being young the right way. When I turned 17, I wanted everything to change.”

January 26th, 2024 | Christine Bradshaw

“17 came racing in with a shotgun held up at my head”, Cloe Wilder sings wistfully over bright, poppy guitar strums. In her latest single, "Fake ID," Cloe delves into the angst of youth and the all-too-common anxieties that come with their fleeting nature and cultural expectations. As we delve into her musical process and journey thus far, Cloe Wilder welcomes us into her world, where each melody and lyric is a reflection of her personal growth and introspection.

You've been compared to artists like Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers. How do you feel your music has evolved since you started, and in what ways do you differentiate yourself from these influences?

That is such a compliment, thank you! I’ve gotten to a point where I let the music evolve right in front of me. It’s truly out of my control, which I love. I can hear myself get older in every song. Naturally, I think there’s something in the music that sets me apart. Whether it’s the way I sing or my newfound style of writing, it’s all become this unique extension of me. 

Your songwriting has been praised for its depth and maturity despite your young age. Can you walk us through your process of transforming personal experiences into lyrics and melodies?

My writing process is a real comfort to me. It’s pretty amazing to think that we pull songs out of thin air. I like sitting outside with my guitar and singing until a line jumps out at me. Other times, I know exactly what I want to say. There’s always an element of storytelling, especially now that I’ve grown with it.

Your new single 'Fake ID' is based on a real-life act of rebellion when you were 17. How did this experience shape the song, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?

“Fake ID” was born out of angst, which made it super fun to write. I had written the line, “17 came racing in with a shotgun held up at my head” earlier that day. I knew I had to use that. I had already been trying to get a fake ID. It was my only act of rebellion. I just wanted one. Although that is the real story, it’s still a little symbolic for me. It’s also about being afraid that you’re not being young the right way. When I turned 17, I wanted everything to change. 

You’ve mentioned Lana Del Rey and Bon Iver as influences. How do these artists inspire your music, and are there any particular elements from their work that you incorporate into your own?

I truly grew up on Lana Del Rey. When I started writing songs, I was only influenced by her. The places she referenced, the tone she used; her music has a look to it. I was obsessed with that; I still am. As I got older and started to expand on my songwriting, the Bon Iver landscape started to influence me sonically. That alternative folk space felt so right to me. I feel the closest to these new songs. 

Your lyrics are known for their intimate and dream-like quality. How do you tap into your emotions to write, and what role does vulnerability play in your music?

I’m an insanely sensitive person, so vulnerability in songwriting was never an issue for me. I wanted to make sure everything still sounded pretty, no matter how upsetting it was for me. In a weird way, I think that’s where the dreamy quality came from. 

You’ve just released that you’ll be joining Charlotte Sands on her upcoming tour, what are you most excited about, and how do you prepare for the unique challenges of performing live?

I’m excited for every single thing about tour. I love being in the chaos. Playing shows almost every night, meeting people who really care to listen to you, seeing new places everyday… I love everything about it. I really can’t wait to connect with everyone again. That’s exactly where I always wanted music to take me. I don’t really prepare much for touring. I’m still so dazzled by everything that it doesn’t worry me. I’ll just pack a ton of dresses, some Throat Coat, and hope everyone likes me. 

 What message do you want to convey to your fans, especially those who are navigating their own adolescence and look to your music for guidance or inspiration?

My teenage years have been so confusing to me. I’m terrified of the future. I’m regretful and emotional and I never know if I’m doing the right thing. If anything, I hope these songs provide a sense of understanding. I want to say, “I get it.” Because I do; and it’s so weird.

As you continue to develop as an artist, how do you envision your sound and style evolving, and are there any new directions you're particularly excited to explore?

I really want to keep writing in the folk space. On the other hand, I’m just excited to see what happens. I want to find my place in this new music. I think that sense of comfort is what I’ve been growing into this whole time. 

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