(Interview by: Matthew Van Rooyen)
Chloe Star is a fast-rising alt-pop artist from Los Angeles who now splits her time between LA and London. She has quickly gained attention for her honest lyrics, emotional delivery, and a unique sound that mixes her Persian and Indigenous heritage with influences from artists like Amy Winehouse, Nirvana, Janis Joplin, and YUNGBLUD. Since her debut in 2023, Chloe, now 28, has made a name for herself as a singer-songwriter, visual artist, and advocate for her community. She has been featured by outlets like Rolling Stone (which highlighted her song ‘Bad Habit’ in their 2025 Best New Music list), CLASH Magazine, 1883 Magazine, EUPHORIA, and EARMILK. She has also performed at major events, including LondIn this interview, Chloe on Pride, New York Pride Festival, Back Lot Bash in Chicago, Out & Abt in New York, and The Dinah in California. Her latest single, the love anthem ‘You Say,’ was released on April 24th through Chloe Star Records and premiered on NOTION Magazine after the music video for ‘call you back.’ The track features strong lyrics, high energy, and production by JP Clark, with mastering by Eric Emery.
talks about what inspired the song and her journey from writing in her journal on her family’s reservation to creating songs for anyone who has ever been ghosted, left on read, or told “I’m on the way” by someone who never shows up.
How have your Persian and Indigenous backgrounds influenced the confident and bold sound of your alt-pop music?
My culture plays a huge role in my confidence, my sound, and my journey. I grew up surrounded by traditions, with storytelling being one of the most important. I was taught how vital it is to share who you are and where you come from, and I carry that with me every day. My Native culture and Persian background are both powerful and unique in their own ways, and I live in acknowledgment of that.
Of all your influences, like Amy Winehouse, Nirvana, Janis Joplin, and YUNGBLUD, who has shaped your songwriting style the most?
I’d say Amy Winehouse. She wrote a lot about her relationships and experiences with love, and I find myself doing the same. That said, I feel like I draw from all of them in different ways.
How did it feel to break out in 2023 and get featured in Rolling Stone for ‘Bad Habit’?
UNREAL.
What was the energy like when you performed on the main stage at London Pride, New York Pride Festival, and other big events like Back Lot Bash and The Dinah?
The energy was insane. London Pride was a movie! I never really had any of those experiences before so it was an unreal moment seeing people sing along to my songs. I was on a high for weeks after!
Walk us through your songwriting process for a track like ‘You Say’, do the lyrics or the melody usually come first, and what does that process look like?
The melody comes first – it usually starts out as a bunch of gibberish and once the melody is secured then the lyrics come very organically. I usually start mumbling on the mic to the rough track and whatever comes out naturally is how the writing process starts. It is honestly a really magical experience to have it all come together the way it does. I kind of just let the creative process take control rather than myself.
How did working with producer JP Clark and mastering engineer Eric Emery help highlight the electric guitar, energetic melody, and your vocal range on ” You Say “?
Working with JP is always so much fun—he really understands my sound, what I want, and how I want my story to be told. He’s incredibly talented, so it’s an honor to collaborate with him. Eric is a wizard when it comes to mixing—he polishes everything and makes it sound super crisp.
How does ” You Say ” show a more subdued and vulnerable side of your creativity compared to earlier songs like ‘call you back’?
“You Say” is about being ghosted and feeling forgotten, while “Call You Back” is about being cheated on. I think being ghosted is such an awkward, uncomfortable experience—it hits differently than being cheated on. Cheating brings more anger, more of a “fuck you” energy, whereas ghosting feels like quiet rejection. I think “You Say” lets the listener sit in that uncomfortable, vulnerable feeling with me.
With your career taking off so quickly as a singer-songwriter, visual artist, and tribal advocate, what has been the biggest challenge in staying true to yourself?
Honestly there hasn’t been any challenge at all. I am exactly who I am creatively so there is no struggle at staying true.
If you could spend one perfect day off between Los Angeles and London recharging your creative spirit, what would it look like?
It would be friends and family time. I always recharge with family and friends by getting back to my roots. I love being around those that know me and understand me the best. I could be doing anything with them it really doesn’t matter as long as I am in their presence.
If you could fast-forward five years and describe the perfect “I made it” moment, whether onstage, in the studio, or off-duty. What would that day look like?
It would be touring the world and playing live music.
Stream ‘You Say’:
Follow Chloe Star:
Linktree – Instagram – Facebook – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Spotify
