EXRON EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: CLOZEE

Perhaps one of the most iconic women in the electronic music world right now is French DJ/producer Chlóe Herry, better known as CloZee. Her music blurs the lines between reality and an imaginary haven of musical beauty in a genre she most fittingly calls World Bass. Inspired by her environment and our innate connection to one another, she is back with her second studio album release called Neon Jungle. In this interview, Exron Music chats with CloZee on the creation of her latest album, self-discovery during quarantine, and what it means to be a #BLM activist.

Exron Music: In these recent years your music has blown up and can be heard all over the world. When did you feel like you had your true breakthrough in the music scene? What do you owe your success to?

CloZee: I think when ‘Koto’ came out in 2015 on Otodayo Records. I definitely gained a lot more attention online, especially thanks to the upload on Mr Suicide Sheep (YouTube Channel).
The other event is I think my first North American Tour in Sept-Oct 2014. I realized that I could finally have a career with my music, which was very doubtful when I was only playing in France. My style not being really represented in Europe, I needed to play in front of a North American crowd to know I was in the right direction and be inspired to work even harder.

Exron Music: When starting the CloZee project, did you have a specific aura in mind for your brand or did you let your music production take control? 

CloZee: My music and inspiration took the control. But generally, I want my music to be positive, motivating and to tell some kind of story.

Exron Music: Your first track off your new album, “Winter is Coming” is being referred to as the entrance of the rabbit hole into the world of Neon Jungle. What kind of new experience are you curating for your fans in your upcoming album?

CloZee: I just want the listeners to enter this imaginative world, as it is their secret place, where they can dream, be safe, be free, feel confident and loved. We all need a little escape, and especially now. Neon Jungle was created for this.

Exron Music: From your album’s first two tracks, “Winter is Coming” and “Air” to their music videos, it seems as if fans are transported into one colorful dream. Where did you draw your inspiration from when creating this lush fantasy for Neon Jungle?

CloZee: One of my main inspirations comes from nature: landscapes, organic shapes and sounds. The name Neon Jungle has both an electronic and organic feel, visually and aurally, so it was to me a great description of my music, as well as the vision for this next album and the tour that will follow its release (I wanna bring a small jungle on stage). I often imagine myself in nature environments (jungle, forest, mountains, beach..) when I’m composing music, and I just wanted to accentuate this even more for the visuals and name of this album by creating the Neon Jungle.

Exron Music: We love your recent collaboration, “Bam Bam” with Opiuo. Can we expect more artist collabs on the new album? 

CloZee: There are 4 collaborations on Neon Jungle: ‘Air’ with Sauvane, ‘Us’ with The Kite String Tangle, ‘Nuages’ with 9 Theory, and ‘Long Live The Chill’ with Sir Bishop. More collaborations planned for the future as well, but I have to keep them secret.

Exron Music: You have been playing several livestreams since quarantine has begun. How has the way we consume music change your perspective on how you want to deliver it and connect to your fans?

CloZee: The main reason I’m doing livestreams is because I know how they can help people to go through quarantine, because of the absence of shows. Doing sets in front of a camera is definitely not my favorite, as I love the real connection and energy of a crowd, but it was fun to watch your own show online (when it’s a pre-recorded show), with your fans, and interact on the chat or on zoom. It’s something that can never happen in real life. So in a way, it was interesting to experience the same thing all together, and I learned a lot analyzing my own performance and figure out how to make it better and more creative each time.

Exron Music: What have you learned about yourself during this time in quarantine? What lessons or habits will you carry on once the world returns back to normal?

CloZee: I’ve learned that I need live music and travels so much in my life. Not only to play shows, but be inspired by other events, feel the music in a crowd, connect with people… nothing can replaces that. Livestreams are ok to pass the time during quarantine, but I need that connection and real energy that is live music and touring. I’ve been struggling writing music since quarantine began for that reason, and music is usually the way I can meditate, escape the reality of our world etc. We don’t even know when we’ll be able to go back on tour, and the industry and venues are suffering a lot. So it’s hard to stay positive during these times.

Exron Music: In light of our social climate, you have a very active voice on social media in regards to the #BLM movement. What is it about this movement that hits home for you?

CloZee: Everything about this movement is fundamental. We are talking about human rights, justice, and fight against racism. My music is deeply inspired by so many events, cultures, and movements in this world… Unity, Freedom, Love, and Respect: this is what my music is about and this is what we are fighting for right now. The CloZee project wouldn’t be here without the Black Culture, so it was for me a must to use my platforms online to share about the movement and show my full support.

Listen to the full album below and get your Neon Jungle merch here.