Q&A: Chloe Berry Shapes the Music Industry with “Blueberry Jam” & More
☆ By SAACHI GUPTA ☆
WITH FRUITY VOCALS, POPPY TUNES, AND DEEPLY PERSONAL LYRICS — Chloe Berry's music captivates the listener by setting an airy, dreamy mood. Raised and currently based in New York, the 20-year-old part-Asian singer had been writing songs in her bedroom for years before finally sharing them with the world. With a rapidly growing audience and discography, Berry has managed to dazzle the industry with her infectious and meaningful tunes.
Apart from being a songwriter and musician, she is also a visual artist who enjoys creating art to accompany her music. Her debut EP, Blueberry Jams, is brilliantly bold and fun, touching upon themes like restlessness, relationships, and mental health. Created with her partner and longtime collaborator Spoonuel, it is a bittersweet record full of emotions, and clearly only the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey.
The singer hopes she can impact the music industry with her work, and create change in the long term. Talented, hardworking, and determined — with a constant urge to experiment and grow — Berry doesn't realize that she has already succeeded in doing so.
Read on to learn more about Berry's journey as a musician, her influences, and Blueberry Jams, out now via Spirit Goth.
LUNA: You started playing music when you were very young. Who were your inspirations back then?
BERRY: When I first started playing music, I think my biggest inspiration was Fiona Apple. I was obsessed with her song “Paper Bag,” and I really related to a lot of the struggles she’s been through. Her music overall has just been very influential in motivating me to channel my emotions into creativity.
LUNA: When did you first realize that you wanted to play music professionally?
BERRY: It wasn’t till my senior year of high school that I even realized that was an option. I was really driven by what other Asian musicians like Mitski and Beabadoobee were doing, but I never thought anyone would listen to my music. When I finally was able to get the courage to play in front of more people, it felt really good. I also received a lot of encouragement from friends and family. From there, I just decided I would keep releasing and playing my music, and I would see what would happen.
LUNA: How has your music progressed over the past couple of years?
BERRY: I think my music has stayed true to myself, but I definitely think I am able to be clearer with my lyrics and meanings now. I have also had the chance to collaborate with some really amazing musicians on this EP. I think that has really helped me to implement more experimentation in my music.
LUNA: What is your favorite part about creating music?
BERRY: I think my favorite part about creating music is the catharsis. I am a very introspective person, so getting some of my thoughts out feels really good. I also feel so much gratitude when people respond to my music. I think my main thing is being able to communicate through my music. I grew up a really shy kid and using my art to speak for me has always been my source of relief.
LUNA: Tell us more about your debut EP, Blueberry Jams! What are its themes, moods, and styles?
BERRY: Blueberry Jams was created during the pandemic, so a lot of it pertains to feelings of restlessness and relationship troubles. I feel like the songs have a bittersweet feeling to them, which was how I’d been feeling most the pandemic. I was happy to have a lot of time for music and spending time with my boyfriend, but it also put a lot of strain on my mental health. I had a lot of time to dwell on things and learning to move past my worries was a big struggle for me, which the EP tackles.
LUNA: Who are some artists who have influenced the EP?
BERRY: I think the EP touches on indie rock and bedroom pop. I was listening to a lot of Snail Mail and SALES. I was also really getting into Fugazi/The Evens and that influenced a lot of the mood of Blueberry Jams.
LUNA: The visuals for your music are beautiful, poppy, and appropriate. How involved are you in the visual side of things?
BERRY: I am also a visual artist, so I do mostly everything myself. I film my own music videos with my producer and boyfriend, Spoonuel, and do all my own cover art. With the “Breakfast” music video, I got to work with some amazing professionals who brought all my ideas to life and more. I was able to bring my own costumes and trinkets from home for the video, and they made it so magical-looking. It truly is my favorite video ever.
LUNA: How have you been keeping yourself inspired lately?
BERRY: I have been listening to tons of music to stay inspired musically. I also am in school for music business, which keeps me motivated. I have met some really cool musicians via the Internet, and seeing all the amazing creative people out there really inspires me. I also think with everything happening in the world, we need some relief through art.
LUNA: What are your goals for the future?
BERRY: My main goal is to keep making music, but I also want to have an impact on the industry and the scene. I hope my songs can be an inspiration for somebody out there one day. I want to continue using whatever platform I have to speak up for what we want the future of the music scene to be. I’m hoping — when shows come back — to implement ideas to create a safer environment and question who has the power in the industry.
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SPOTIFY
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From Pavietra 🕊️ https://t.co/BXVgWlZud8 -
slowthai by Rosie Matheson 🤩 https://t.co/z7SDfFQ5iF
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RT @i_D: Ian Kenneth Bird photographs young punks on Polaroid: https://t.co/MKT0tMUqO9 https://t.co/a0tTl12ML5
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RT @AnOtherMagazine: #DreamHome – this isolated idyll in the mountains of Lanzarote 🌵 📸 via Nowness, photography by Clemence Blr 🔁 https://t.co/GUusdxD0cg
