Chloe Bodur - Static Flow (Single) + 10 Questions
Today - 28th October - singer, songwriter and producer Chloe Bodur releases her new single ‘Static Flow’ ahead of her forthcoming EP ‘Mavi’ due out on November 10th. Magnifying her sonic range, ’Static Flow’ highlights Chloe’s glossy vocals across a down-tempo, teaming up with cousin JD. Reid (slowthai, Mabel) on production. Opening the door to a new dimension, the 23-year-old explores the contradicting sides of her many contrasting personalities.
Born in North-West London, Chloe’s inspiration is a fusion of her Sri-Lanken and Turkish parents, as well as her musical heroes Anita Baker, The Neptunes and an array of other 90’s/00’s R&B legends. Chloe wears her heritage, power, and sensuality on her sleeve, proudly citing Hindu Goddesses ‘The 10 Mahavidyas’ as a spiritual muse and huge inspiration to her aesthetic. Recognised a leader of the UK’s Alt-R&B renaissance, Chloe is an important figure in the new generation of artists, empowering a multifaceted skill set with a growing list of production and songwriting credits to her name.
“I feel like there's so many different sides to my personality and so many versions of myself that exist and that different people in my life know different versions of me. The title ‘Static Flow' and various other lyrics like "I'm a giant, I am shy..." were written to represent these contradictions and the inner conflict that these different sides of me cause.”
Chloe sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Weirdly it kinda started with T-Pain’s ‘Buy U A Drank’ lol. Music was always playing in my house so I’ve loved music since I was a baby and used to make up little songs and poems as a kid. But when I was about 10 I was dancing to T-pain (very 2k10) and my Mum thought I was a good dancer for my age and asked if I wanted to go for dance classes. I said yes and that’s how it all started. I danced for years as a kid, eventually about 8 hours a week and then I taught briefly as a teenager, I think that’s partly how I fell in love with music and performing. When you learn choreography you have to focus on all the different beats and moments of light and shade in a song. It made me listen to music differently and appreciate it so much more. I listened more intensely than I would have otherwise and it gave me a real insight into rhythm and dynamics and how those things hold so much power in music.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Nick Hakim, Flying Lotus, The Neptune’s, SZA, Rosalía, James Blake, Kendrick, Steve Lacy, Kaytranada….there’s too many to name!
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
I’ve really missed playing live music. Without that instant validation you get from a happy audience at a show it can feel like there’s nobody listening to you sometimes. Even though I know there are - seeing numbers isn’t the same as seeing faces. I don’t love social media and it’s been sad that that’s been the only way to connect with people that listen to me. I miss the noises people make at shows when they’re enjoying the song and just the energy in the room. It’s my favourite part of being a musician so going so long without it has been really difficult. I know that first headline show back though will be a special one!
4. How would you describe your sound?
Luxurious, sensual, alt-RnB.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I felt really proud of myself for filming my music video for Watch Me. I was so scared to dance and be in front of a camera like that. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get through it so to overcome those fears and do it and for it to turn out so well was a super proud moment for me and a big milestone. I feel ready (and excited) to do that again and again and again now!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Just make music that you enjoy for you! Don’t try and impress or imitate anyone else. Do what makes you happy and what makes you proud! Accept that you’re never going to be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s ok. I mean some people don’t like Beyoncé? So fuck it.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
JD Reid has some incredible music coming out soon. I can’t wait for people to hear it. It’s one of the most unique and authentic projects I’ve heard.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Today I was listening to Snoh’s new album, I love the song In Your Eyes from that. I love everything produced by the Neptunes lol. Sault and Nick Hakim are always on rotation too.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love cooking and going out for dinner, going to the cinema and going out-out. Mainly dinner though.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Assuming you don’t mean equipment lol I’m gonna say…Socks - if my feet are cold I can’t focus..Hoop earrings - I am nothing without them! Finally, a drink - mostly lemon & ginger tea with honey (and honey straight from the pot on the side) but sometimes just straight rum or whiskey on ice if I need the confidence for a more performative vocal take.