ChloA Watson and her new single “Reality”

Tell us about yourself and your music

I was born and raised in Las Vegas and have two older identical twin brothers, a mom and dad, and two dogs. I went to a combination of public, private, and online schools. I spent a lot of time reading during my childhood and teenage years. My grandma was born in the 1920s and I hung with her a lot when I was little and was influenced by her generation of music. I also liked to play the piano, guitar, and cello for fun and made up my first song at age 7. I did a music piano program called Simply Music out of Australia that emphasizes playing the piano and composition and accompanying oneself with singing. This got me started and I would write and sing all kinds of songs. I took some of these songs and entered them into my local PTA “Reflections program”, and this inspired me into entering more into international and larger contests. This recognition encouraged me to write more. Songwriting to me has always been me fooling around on the piano or guitar and just having words spill out of my mouth. I’ve never been able to sit down and write the lyrics out, so when they just come out, I think it becomes more personal because in some way it’s subconsciously how I’m feeling to an extent.

Talk to us more about your latest release

I released “Reality” in March on all platforms including Spotify and iTunes with my iTunes profits benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My song “Reality” is how we all feel about life from time to time. I took the small concept of when life gets to be too overwhelming, or you just feel like you’re trapped in a situation whether it be at work, school, or just anything in general and dramatized it to the words “I feel like I’m drowning”. As for the melody, I paired my voice with an elegant piano, cello, and violin with a little bass. I tried to keep “Reality’ natural with just a modest background for the voice to be put on display. Lyrically, I tried to normalize common emotions and feelings, making “Reality” a relatable song for anybody. I try to keep my vocals raw combined with the gentle piano background in hoping that “Reality” will translate into an authentic, heartfelt song helping people get through whatever may be going on with them during trying times.

What inspired you to write this release?

I was inspired to write “Reality” since feeling overwhelmed was a pretty common emotion, I thought most of my fans could relate to and it helped me get through some tough times I had going on myself. I think it’s how we all feel about life from time to time. I took the small concept of when life gets to be too much pressure, or you just feel like you’re trapped in a situation whether it be at work, school, or just anything in general and dramatized it to the words “I feel like I’m drowning”.

Describe the writing and recording process

Songwriting to me has always been me fooling around on the piano or guitar and just having words spill out of my mouth. I’ve never been able to sit down and write the lyrics out, so when they just come out, I think it becomes more personal because in some way it’s subconsciously how I’m feeling to an extent. Usually, before I record a song, I like to perform it first live as much as possible. From there I can get a feel for what works instrumentally and from the crowd’s vibe. Next, I’ll go to the studio and lay down some tracks and different fun sounds and then work with my producer to help complete my vision of the song.

Any plans to release a video?

Any plans to hit the road?

For now, with the pandemic still happening I am not sure about touring, but I am planning to perform one of my new originals “YOU” live through tele streaming at our performing arts center’s Composers Showcase hopefully this summer. If concerts are allowed, I am hoping to have a small one in the fall at a venue called The Space run by Monday’s Dark Mark Shunock.

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

I believe Martin Scorcese said the more personal you are, the more creative the work, and this is something I strive to do and think this will organically help you stand out.

Who have you been listening to lately?

Lately, I have been listening to Bruno Major and also am a huge fan of the Beatles album “Abbey Road”.

Who are your biggest influences?

I was a young lover of old musicals and would watch them constantly growing up. When I was about 8 years old, I had just finished playing young Cosette in a concert version of Les Mis. I fell in love with all the music. The actress playing Eponine, Ellie Smith, was also running for Miss Nevada, and as part of her pageant was trying to organize a concert with Musical Director Bill Fayne to raise money for charity and the theme was the Great American Songbook. I fell in love with so many of the songs and decided to perform “What a Difference a Day Makes” made famous by Dinah Washington who has remained one of my biggest influences along with Frank Sinatra. As for more modern inspirations, I love Frank Ocean, Adele, Norah Jones, and Amy Winehouse.

Tell us about your passions

When I was younger, I was obsessed with reading, and I’ve recently taken it up again. Moreover, I’ve been reading like a crazy woman. I probably read 3-5 books a week. My favorite genre is historical romance fiction or just romance in general. I could read forever.

What else is happening next in your world?

Well, I will be starting my senior year of high school in the fall so I am currently catching up on my junior year of schoolwork as did online school this year and studying for my SAT. My family got a new puppy named Lola. We also have a huge 1-year old mastiff mix named Bruno and it’s been fun to watch the two play together!