Clairo, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter known for her lo-fi sound and introspective lyrics, has been trending recently with over 200+ online searches. This surge in interest comes as she embarks on her latest tour, where she unveils fresh creative influences and dusts off fan-favorite songs that have been absent from her setlists for years. Here's a deeper dive into why Clairo is making headlines and what fans and newcomers alike can expect from her latest artistic endeavors.
Who Is Clairo?
Clairo, born Claire Cottrill, first gained attention in 2017 with her viral hit “Pretty Girl,” a bedroom pop anthem that resonated with a generation growing up in the age of DIY music. Over the years, Clairo has grown both musically and personally, breaking into the mainstream with albums like Immunity (2019) and Sling (2021). Her music often explores themes of mental health, relationships, and self-reflection, and it’s this vulnerability that has earned her a dedicated fanbase.
But why is Clairo currently trending? Much of the attention centers around her ongoing Charm tour, where she’s showcasing a new side of herself — one that’s inspired by unexpected muses and a renewed sense of artistic freedom.
New Inspirations: The Beach Boys, Twiggy, and Silliness
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Clairo opened up about the inspirations behind her latest tour and album, Charm. According to the singer, she has been drawing from a wide array of influences, including the legendary harmonies of The Beach Boys, the iconic 1960s model Twiggy, and, notably, a sense of "full-on silliness."
This eclectic mix of muses signals an evolution in Clairo’s artistry. While her earlier work was often melancholic and introspective, this new phase seems to embrace a lighter, more playful side. In the Vanity Fair interview, she explained how tapping into silliness has been a liberating experience, allowing her to shed some of the weight of public expectation and reconnect with the simple joy of making music.
The influence of The Beach Boys, known for their lush harmonies and sunny vibes, could suggest that fans might hear a more expansive, upbeat sound in her live performances and upcoming projects. Meanwhile, Twiggy, a symbol of youthful rebellion and beauty, hints at a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic that Clairo might be channeling into both her music and stage presence.
A Tour With Surprises: The Return of “How”
As part of her Charm tour, Clairo has been delighting fans with not just new material but also the return of older songs that haven’t been performed live in years. One such surprise came at the Charm tour opener, where Clairo performed “How” for the first time in six years.
“How,” a track from her early releases, holds sentimental value for many of her long-time listeners. The unexpected inclusion of the song in her setlist speaks to Clairo’s willingness to reconnect with her roots while also pushing forward creatively. The performance was met with excitement from fans who had been longing to hear the track live, further fueling the buzz around her tour.
This blend of new and old material demonstrates Clairo’s versatility as an artist. She's not only willing to explore fresh influences but also honors the music that initially launched her career. It’s a delicate balance that few artists can manage, but Clairo seems to be pulling it off with ease.
The Charm Tour: A Coast-to-Coast Experience
Clairo’s Charm tour includes a series of residency-style performances on both coasts of the United States. According to KCRW’s giveaway listing, one of the most anticipated stops is her show at the Fonda Theatre. These residencies offer an intimate setting for fans to experience Clairo’s evolving sound and stage presence up close.
Residencies are often seen as a sign that an artist has reached a certain level of maturity and confidence in their career, and for Clairo, this seems to be a moment where she’s fully coming into her own. The smaller, more personal venues also allow for a deeper connection with her audience, something that’s always been a hallmark of her live performances.
From nostalgic tracks like “How” to new songs influenced by everything from 1960s fashion icons to surf rock legends, the Charm tour is shaping up to be one of Clairo’s most exciting projects yet.
Conclusion: A Promising New Chapter
Clairo’s latest chapter in her career is generating significant buzz for good reason. With her Charm tour underway, she’s not only revisiting older material that fans have cherished but also embracing new inspirations that promise to take her music in exciting directions.
Her candidness in interviews about the creative process — including her newfound love for silliness and the influence of iconic artists like The Beach Boys — offers a window into her evolving mindset. As she continues to experiment with both sound and style, Clairo remains an artist to watch, and her current residency shows and tour performances offer a unique glimpse into where she might be headed next.
For fans of Clairo’s earlier work, there’s a sense of nostalgia in the air, but there’s also the thrill of watching an artist who isn’t afraid to take risks and have fun along the way. Whether you’re attending one of her shows or following along online, Clairo’s trajectory continues to be one of the most exciting in music today.