Everyone is different and everyone has things that bring them down and that’s ok.
Hello Chloe, what are you working on at the moment?
Hello! Well, I just released my song Do It Alone and am gearing up to release the video, and play a show early next year!
You channel 90’s pop and soul influences in your sound – who are you listening to at the moment?
This year I have been LOVING Ctrl by SZA, that’s been on repeat. But I also am really into Like You Like That by L Devine, and Rae Morris’ new stuff is incredible.
You were nominated for BBC Sound and Brit Awards at just 18. Whilst exciting, that must have brought a certain amount of pressure. What did you do to deal with it?
It’s was very exciting but it did mean I had a lot of live up to and I knew everyone was watching. I have a huge family and therefore, a big support group who each have their own individual lives and ambitions. I guess being around all of them so much (I still lived at home at the time) and seeing them fulfill all their career and education goals put mine into perspective: just because it’s on the TV and in fancy parties doesn’t make it any more valid or important than any of theirs. We all made each other equally as proud so it never got to my head too badly. I was very lucky to have that and to be reminded that however things turned out, I’d always have that support network back home.
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?
I would say this year has been pretty hard for me. Releasing music not only without a label but without a manager and also after a few years of being away has created an immense amount of pressure. I don’t have anyone to share the load with. The bad news and the good news comes STRAIGHT to me, with no manager to buffer it or dilute it or sit around and brainstorm with. It’s also quite scary to be the only one liable if things go a certain way, or when it comes to the funding side of things or the general reaction from the public. It’s been amazing in a lot of ways. Being able to have complete creative control, and do things without any interference or restrictions from a major label or manager has been liberating. But the highs and lows are definitely more extreme, and it’s taken a lot of inner strength that I didn’t even know I had!
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
Definitely, spring weather. I am so fair skinned that I burn in anything above twenty degrees – I burnt in March once. And some of my favourite days have been the most simple! I love being surrounded with the people I love and also eating a lot of good food. I used to live near Telegraph Hill in south London and my favourite thing to do would be wrap up warm, walk up to the hillside cafe and get breakfast and a coffee, then go sit in the park, look at the view and have a chat! Then head home and get a takeaway in front of a movie with a glass of wine. I AM LITERALLY ABOUT THE SIMPLE LIFE. I think being from a big family you can’t afford to all go out and do something mega and expensive, so you just learn to enjoy the things that are available to you and that you can do together.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I’m grateful for my family! I don’t know what I would do without those idiots. My mum is the ONLY person I tell everything to and the only one I trust to give me advice.
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
Being aware of what does and doesn’t work for you. Everyone is different and everyone has things that bring them down and that’s ok. The key is knowing the things that affect you negatively and figuring out coping mechanisms that work for you.
What do you eat to stay healthy?
I always make sure I have a big breakfast and drink lots of water! Sometimes if I skip breakfast, I’m wondering why I feel so low on energy in the afternoon. It’s important to make sure you’re well fed and hydrated, cos both of these things affect how you feel within yourself and your energy levels.
Do you have a daily routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
Ha, I definitely make it up as I go along. I love rock climbing and I did a beginners course last year which was SO MUCH FUN. I don’t have the attention span to go to the gym or go for a run, so exercise to me has to be an activity that I love doing for the fun of it.
Here at The Mind Map, we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the playground every day and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
My school had loads of trees and bushes around the outside of the playing field, and I remember running through them like tunnels and making secret dens right at the back of them where no one could see us. We used to think that we had found a totally undiscovered hideout that no one else in the world knew about.
What three songs lift your spirits?
I Would Die 4 U – Prince
Baby Be Mine – Michael Jackson
Do It – Rae Morris
What is your favourite self-help book, or motivational quote?
A quote that I always say to myself over and over again whenever things get a bit hard is “it’s always darkest before the dawn”. It helps me remember to trust my struggle, and that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel!
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
I always say it’s important to take time out for yourself as often as you can. Whether it’s ten minutes a day, or once a week, having a bath with your phone switched off or sitting down and reading your favourite book. It’s important to take time out and focus on you. It isn’t selfish, it’s critical!