What is your name?
My name is Chloe Lea McShane
What is your genre of music?
I spoke to an artist with a blue tick about this a few years back, I don’t like to be pigeon holed because of my versatility as a singer/songwriter because I appreciate a wide range of music.
Give us a little bio about you.
I studied at Bimm Brighton about two years ago, and though I had the worst time of my life, it definitely taught me how to be thick skinned and not to take any bullshit, in even the most unforeseen circumstances. You have to be incredibly wary of who has your best interests at heart. Play the game.
What made you go in to music?
I didn’t really aim for it, I just loved singing and writing poems from a young age, growing up wasn’t always easy when my parents divorced I needed an outlet and sometimes screaming Christina Aguilera songs was my best bet even by the disdain of my dad’s dog howling up the stairs.
Are you a signed artist?
I’m signed to my soul, being signed doesn’t make you a more credible artist, and you have to love your craft and the process. Enjoy your development and work hard and then see results happen.
Tell us more about your music and track ‘Poor Little Rich Girl’
I was alone in my flat at the time, feeling depressed, earning money from escort work, and not very happy at all. I’d had some experiences, met some people as you do, done some things I wasn’t proud of and reflecting back.
What was the writing process like?
I started humming a melody from out of nowhere, used my iphone as a recording tool, taking only a few hours to write the entire song. Later I asked a guitarist to help me with a few ideas and we ended up co-writing at Blue Studios Dalston. I had fun experimenting with different sounds, I wanted the song to sound fun even though it had a darker story behind the words.
What was the recording process like?
Tough, everyone was very enthusiastic and it was very difficult to tell a drummer to be quieter, bless him. Overall working with the reload’ guys was and still is a really great learning experience! Unfortunately in my band there were too many opposing personalities, and when you work with people whose minds are purely monetary related, the passion for the music isn’t quite as it should be. Sorry not sorry xx
Who do you show first your songs that you have written?
Usually a guitarist.
Will you be releasing a new single soon?
I hope to, I’ve been a bit up in the air recently so I’m just getting used to not being homeless right now and prioritizing food before art. Eventually before Christmas I hope to be back in the studio x
Will we see an EP or Album this year?
Probably not this year, maybe next year I’ll start putting a few more songs together
Do you have any gigs or tours coming up?
I’d love to support someone on tour eventually, I really like Lucy Rose!
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I play a little piano, but don’t read music, make chords up as I go along and hope for the best.
Who are your influences?
Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Lana Del Rey, Coldplay, Lucy Rose
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Everyday life, hard times, relationships, sometimes travelling, it all really depends on my mood and where I am.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In a studio on a day by day basis collaborating with musicians, producers, songwriters and other artists.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I like coffee shops, reading the occasional self help book, consulting psychics, browsing the shops or networking.
Would you be up for collaborating with new artists/bands – if so how could they contact you?
Of course, follow me and DM on twitter or hit my private email chloe-x-mcshane@msn.com
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
‘Youre Not Alone’ A cover by Jamie Woon floating around YouTube back in 2011. That’s when I really started connecting to music and thought actually yes I can definitely give this a go, you don’t have to be be 5,11 with a toned stomach, with perfect hair and makeup, there are people out there who can truly appreciate talent for talent.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be graceful.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Always be friendly and kind, but remember to think about the purpose, always go back to that, because everything else is decoration.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I don’t have one, I just think to myself on mornings when I’m feeling lazy and un motivated to just get up like a voice telling me ‘Cmon Chloe!’ and I’m fine. A new day is a Blanc canvas, you can paint it with any colors you want, take it and run with it!
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Annies Burger Shack is always a goodun for a proper burger even if you’re vegan or vegetarian, they have open mic nights, quizzes, and they are all about community. Best iced mocha coffees too.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
The words! The audience, engaging with the audience, their body language is important when you’re trying new songs and charisma – so you don’t seem boring. Lol.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes I am always on Twitter and I upload all my new music to Soundcloud
