Rising London powerhouse vocalist, Chloé Bodur has just dropped her debut single, 'Glory,' offering an influx of sultry vocals and rich guitar melodies. Her music resonates deeply with listeners from all walks of life, embodying elements of isolation, empowerment and liberation.
We chat to Chloé about the artistic process of 'Glory,' the obstacles she's had to overcome so far as a young artist, and the messages she conveys in her music. Ayla Dhyani writes.
You’ve just released your debut single ‘Glory.’ Tell us a bit about the artistic process of creating the track.
‘Glory’ was originally a voice memo recording of me and my band jamming at my drummer’s house. We were all just playing around and the boys had no idea I was recording. I probably have about 500 little ideas recorded as voice memos on my phone, but this one in particular, I thought had potential. So I just went home and recorded myself singing a poem I’d written over the best 5 minutes of the recording and it all fell together from there really. It happened by accident.
What would you say is the strongest message you are conveying to your listeners in your music?
It varies with each song. Sometimes I write from personal experience, but sometimes I’m just trying to set a mood and tell a story from no personal experience whatsoever. With ‘Glory’ though, I wanted to narrate what myself and a lot of people in my situation seemed to be going through at University. I think that once the novelty of freshers and instant noodles wears off, people tend to feel lonely being away from their family and friends at home, especially if you’ve left a relationship behind too. It can all feel quite isolating. I’ve had people in their fifties interpret the song in their own way, though. They’ve said that the lyrics related to their own life and yearning to find a ‘Glory’ that they’ve lost along the way. It’s nice to know that the song is resonating with a variety of people.
Making your way in the industry as such a young artist, what are the biggest hurdles you’ve had to overcome so far?
I think mainly just not having a clue what I’m doing. I don’t have a manager or a label so I’m kind of just learning how things work as I go along. It’s all moving at a steady pace though, so its not like I’ve been chucked in the deep end just yet.
How has your upbringing influenced your artistic approach?
Neither of my parents are musicians but they always played good music in the house. My mum said that I used to mime to Aretha Franklin in the bath when I was a toddler and my dad strictly listens to Elvis, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. I think you can hear the influence from those kinds of genres in my songs now.
Have there been any significant changes following your move from London to Brighton?
Musically, a lot has changed since forming my band. Living away from home has forced me to grow up a bit, but nothing really has changed.
Tell us a bit about your upcoming projects.
We filmed some live sessions last year that will be out soon. There’ll also be a music video for ‘Glory’ as well as two new singles which we’ll be performing at our first headline show in London on March 16th.
What do you anticipate for the future?
Nuclear war? I have no idea. Hopefully not nuclear war. Once I know there’ll be know nuclear war, I’ll start being selfish and have a think about my own future.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
Nai Palm because she is a goddess. I wouldn’t even have any input. I’d just sit and watch her write in awe.
What moves you?
‘Dance With My Father’ by Luther Vandross. If it ever comes on I have to leave the room or turn it off. If not, I’ll be crying for about 3 hours and that ain’t cute.
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