stayc main image

DJ Khalil - The Secrets to a 5x Grammy Award Winning Career as a Music Producer

May 18, 2023

Anyone within the hip-hop scene knows the name, DJ Khalil. He gained popularity for both his music-producing and DJing skills. The other day, Sonical.ly had a chance to sit down and talk with DJ Khal

Read more
stayc main image

Ed Sheeran Successfully Defends Himself in Copyright Trial

May 7, 2023

Copyright infringement cases are very much on the rise in the music industry. Recently, Ed Sheeran was on the receiving end of one. Fortunately for him and the music industry as a whole, he won. Who

Read more
stayc main image

How AI Technology Impacts Artists’ Rights

April 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (aka AI) is not a new thing. It has been used for various purposes like social media algorithms and Siri on your phone. However, for the first time, AI is being used in

Read more
stayc main image

Who is Kiana Ledé?: The Story Behind the “Jealous” Singer

April 28, 2023

From Kidz Bop idol to R&B and pop singer, Kiana Ledé has fully planted herself within the music industry. The release of her latest single “Jealous” featuring Ella Mai adds to her growing achievements

Read more
stayc main image

Breaking The Silence: A Look At Mental Health In The K-pop Industry

April 23, 2023

In the past few years, the K-pop culture has experienced a number of suicides, which has devastated the Korean entertainment industry. Sulli from f(x), Jonghyun from SHINee, Goo Hara from KARA, and

Read more
stayc main image

Breaking Down The Genius of SZA’s Album ‘SOS’

April 20, 2023

Since SZA has released her latest album ‘SOS’, it has made a lot of buzz in the music industry. The album has received positive reviews for its combination of R&B, pop, and hip-hop and featured.....

Read more
stayc main image

Korean Indie/Pop Rock Bands You Need To Know: Day6, The Rose, & HYUKOH

April 20, 2023

With K-pop bands like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN, Korean music has been on the rise over the past ten years. But Korea’s music culture doesn’t stop there....

Read more
stayc main image

Show Me The Money: South Korea’s No. 1 Rap Competition

April 10, 2023

Read more
stayc main image

WONHO: Rising Success After Departure From Monsta X

April 8, 2023

In October 2019, member of the K-pop group Monsta X, WONHO, faced allegations of drug usage, resulting in his departure from the group. Fans were disheartened by the news of him leaving and wondered..

Read more
stayc main image

BMI’s Court Case Win Helps Songwriters in the Live Music Industry

April 1, 2023

Songwriters, composers, and publishers have long been underpaid when it comes to the live concert industry. However, a successful court case may be the first step to changing that.....

Read more
stayc main image

How Has Social Media and Music Platforms Influenced and Evolved Music Creators?

March 28, 2023

Society has always placed a high value on music. As technology starts to become more part of our lives, social media and music platforms have become more and more prominent in the music business....

Read more
stayc main image

The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Put The Spotlight On Songwriters

March 28, 2023

The Latin GRAMMY Awards are changing it up this year for songwriters! On March 21, 2023, The Latin Recording Academy released a press release announcing various additions and changes to the awards...

Read more

Clairo: Redefining Pop Music with Vulnerability and Innovation

stayc main image

Clairo, born Claire Cottrill, has emerged as one of the most authentic and innovative voices in contemporary music. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter first gained attention in 2017 with her viral hit "Pretty Girl," a bedroom pop anthem that resonated with a generation navigating self-discovery and vulnerability. Since then, Clairo has continued to push boundaries, crafting music that blends introspection with innovation, and earning her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

The Rise of a Bedroom Pop Icon

Clairo’s journey to stardom began in her Massachusetts bedroom, where she recorded and uploaded music that felt intimate, raw, and unfiltered. "Pretty Girl," accompanied by a lo-fi DIY video, was a watershed moment. The song’s unapologetic simplicity and relatable lyrics struck a chord, amassing millions of views on YouTube and propelling Clairo into the spotlight.

Her early music, rooted in the bedroom pop aesthetic, quickly set her apart in an industry dominated by polished, high-production pop. Clairo’s ability to connect with listeners through her honest storytelling and understated sound became her trademark, resonating particularly with young, digital-native audiences.

Musical Evolution: Immunity and Beyond

In 2019, Clairo released her debut album, Immunity, produced in collaboration with Rostam Batmanglij. The album showcased a significant leap in her artistry, incorporating elements of indie rock, R&B, and electronic music. Tracks like "Bags" and "Sofia" became instant classics, praised for their emotional depth and experimental soundscapes.

Immunity also marked a shift in Clairo’s lyrical themes, exploring topics like queer identity, mental health, and the complexities of relationships. The album received widespread critical acclaim, earning her a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

Her sophomore album, Sling (2021), revealed a more introspective and acoustic side to Clairo’s music. Inspired by her experiences with chronic illness and a desire to slow down in an increasingly fast-paced industry, Sling was a deeply personal project. Produced with Jack Antonoff, the album featured lush instrumentation and a nostalgic, folk-inspired sound that drew comparisons to legends like Joni Mitchell and Carole King.

A Voice for a New Generation

Clairo’s music goes beyond catchy melodies; it’s a vehicle for conversations about mental health, LGBTQ+ identity, and societal expectations. As a bisexual artist, she’s been open about her journey with self-acceptance, often using her platform to advocate for inclusivity and representation.

Her transparency extends to her struggles with mental health and autoimmune diseases, topics she addresses both in interviews and her lyrics. By sharing her experiences, Clairo has created a safe space for fans to feel seen and understood, fostering a community of listeners who value vulnerability and authenticity.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Clairo?

As Clairo continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate her next chapter. Whether it’s experimenting with new sounds, collaborating with other artists, or exploring different creative mediums, one thing is certain: Clairo’s artistry will remain rooted in her unique ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

In a music landscape often characterized by superficiality, Clairo stands out as a beacon of authenticity. Her willingness to embrace imperfection and explore uncharted territory has not only redefined pop music but also solidified her as one of the most important voices of her generation. With her ever-growing influence, Clairo is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world—and beyond.