Cloe Wilder is wise beyond her years. At just 18 years old, the Florida-born singer-songwriter is quickly making a name for herself as one of this generation’s most promising young storytellers. Pulling inspiration from acclaimed artists like Lana Del Rey and Bon Iver, Cloe’s music is a breath of fresh air with notes of heartbreak and adolescent nostalgia weaved throughout. Having recently toured the US supporting acts like Spencer Sutherland and Charlotte Sands, Cloe introduces us to her brand new EP, I Spent My Summer On The Road, out today.
“I Spent My Summer on the Road is my own little coming-of-age scrapbook,” she explains. “I’ve been working on these songs since I was 15. I said everything that I wanted to. I talked about music, medication, relationships, and how it all affected me. I wanted to illuminate that side of myself and I’ve never felt closer to a project.”
To celebrate this milestone release, Cloe Wilder unveils her Schön! curated selection, including an underrated artist she loves, a song that she wishes she wrote, and more.
Hey Cloe, what are you up to right now?
Hi! I’m on a plane headed to Atlanta, opening for Charlotte Sands at The Masquerade tomorrow!
If someone asked you what your origin story was, how would you describe it?
I went to my first writing camp when I was 12. I think that’s when it all started.
Describe your style in 3 words.
Edgy, romantic, ethereal!
What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?
Definitely my great-grandma’s pearls. I wear them at every show.
Which living person do you most admire?
Honestly, my mom.
What was the last book you read?
The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
If you could play any venue, which one would it be?
Red Rocks is my dream.
Where are you happiest?
I love being on stage. I love being at home, on Clearwater Beach and I love being in LA. Those are a few places that make me feel completely happy.
Ideal 3-course meal?
Literally any two courses followed by ice cream.
Who would play you in the story of your life?
I love Riley Keough!
What’s one song that you’d like to listen to the first time again?
“Hallucinogenics” by Matt Maeson.
An underrated song/artist you love?
I’m obsessed with Chappell Roan.
The track that describes your coming-of-age story?
“Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore.
An album that you’d put in a time capsule?
Born to Die by Lana Del Rey.
A lyric that you love and the song it’s from?
From “If We Were Vampires” by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit; “If we were vampires and death was a joke / We’d go out on the sidewalk and smoke / Laugh at all the lovers and their plans / I wouldn’t feel the need to hold your hand.”
A track that reminds you of a happy moment?
We listen to “Dancing Queen” every day on tour right before my set. That one makes me feel like I’m about to go on stage.
A song that you discovered recently that you love?
“Paint” by The Paper Kites.
Best record to get you out of a funk?
“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.
What’s the last song you searched for on Spotify?
“The Spins” by Mac Miller.
A song you wish you wrote?
“I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie.
Cloe Wilder’s new EP “I Spent My Summer On The Road” and the music video for “Take It In” are out now.
photography. Jesse Deflorio
