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Forest Claudette, a rising star in the music industry, has been making waves with their deeply personal and evocative songs that delve into themes of identity, vulnerability, and self-discovery. In a recent interview at South by Southwest (SXSW) with Ezzah Rafique, Forest opened up about their experiences, creative process, newest single, "Kobe Beef," & upcoming EP “Jupiter.”
Hailing from Australia, Forest found themselves enchanted by the vibrant atmosphere of Austin during their first visit to South by Southwest. Reflecting on their experiences in Austin, Forest expressed their appreciation for the city's beauty and the warmth of its people, drawing parallels to their upbringing split between Australia and North Carolina.
“We are overwhelmed by the amount of people giving us their time and energy here,” they share
Forest's performance at SXSW has been met with overwhelming support and enthusiasm from audiences, despite initial uncertainties about the reception. With multiple performances lined up throughout the festival, Forest and their band have been thrilled by the opportunity to connect with new listeners and share their music.
The conversation shifted towards Forest's recently released single, "Kobe Beef," which serves as a precursor to their upcoming EP titled "Jupiter." Forest recounted a memorable incident during a live performance of the song, where a listener abruptly left the venue upon hearing a specific lyric referencing non-binary identity. Despite this, Forest remains committed to authenticity in their music, aiming to create a space where listeners can feel seen and understood. "Each song on this upcoming album is a chapter of my story," they explain. "It's about confronting the challenges and celebrating the triumphs along the way." Through their music, Forest invites listeners to join them on a transformative journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Credit - Lissyelle Laricchia
"Kobe Beef" and the forthcoming EP, "Jupiter," explore Forest's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, particularly regarding their gender identity. Forest collaborated closely with producer Alex Truman to capture the essence of their experiences over the past few years. Each song on the EP reflects different facets of Forest's emotions and struggles, wrapped in metaphorical storytelling that invites listeners to explore their own identities. "I'm overwhelmed by the love and acceptance I've received," they confess, gratitude lacing their words when speaking about the fans' response to his single. "It's empowering to know that my music resonates with others on a deeply personal level."
Amidst the whirlwind of SXSW, Forest finds solace in nature's embrace, envisioning the perfect setting for listeners to immerse themselves in their music. "Night time or dusk... near a body of water or a tree," they muse, painting a serene backdrop for introspection and connection.
As the conversation draws to a close, Forest offers a glimpse into their upcoming EP, "Jupiter," and the transformative journey it represents. "Jupiter is sort of triumphant, but it's very serious to me," they share, hinting at the emotional depth and authenticity infused into each track. With anticipation and excitement, Forest invites listeners to embark on this musical odyssey—a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and resilience.
Listen to ‘Kobe Beef’:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAhtZUS8twM&pp=ygUaa29iZSBiZWVmIGZvcmVzdCBjbGF1ZGV0dGU%3D
On the heels of a stellar SXSW run with performances at the Indie + R&B evening and Sounds Australia Presents, breakout alt-R&B singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Forest Claudette releases their atmospheric new single "Gold." The buoyant track arrives ahead of their upcoming EP Jupiter, which will be released on May 3rd. Introspective yet confident, with dense instrumentation, raw lyricism, and soulful vocals, the new track is another carefully calibrated level-up for the enigmatic artist.