From a childhood steeped in soulful blues to navigating the bustling landscapes of New York City and the glittering allure of Los Angeles, Claire’s path has been a tapestry woven with diverse influences that define her distinct sound. With the release of her latest EP, Stardust, Claire returns to her musical roots with a raw, authentic approach that resonates deeply with listeners. Beyond her music, Claire is a passionate advocate for mothers in the music industry, championing initiatives like Mamas in Music. With a career fueled by passion, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of musical expression, Claire stands as a beacon of creativity and empowerment in today's ever-evolving musical landscape. Read on to learn more about Claire London.

Where are you based?
Currently between Nashville and Raleigh.

What inspired you to start writing music?
When I first fell in love with music as a child, I knew early on that it was going to be a big part of my life. Singing came first, and that inspired me to begin songwriting, which quickly became a vital part of my self-expression. Making music feels more like who I am versus what I do, and an outlet for my feelings and experiences like no other.

Who are some of your musical influences, and how have they shaped your development as an artist?
My influences are pretty broad and eclectic, and they have certainly evolved as I have, but I’ve always been drawn to soul and blues, which is really at the root of everything I do. Much of my previous work falls into more of a dark/moody pop space, and there are a lot of artists who really influenced me in the development of that sound, but over the last few years, I had been feeling a strong pull to go back to the kind of music I first fell in love with as a kid. I wanted to strip all the electronic elements away and go back to something more raw and authentic for this new EP — just live instruments and my voice. Artists like Fleetwood Mac, Jack White, The Black Keys, The Civil Wars, and the bluesy side of Chris Stapelton really inspired this new music and the direction I’m going in now.

Congratulations on your new single "Black Leather!” Could you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and how it fits into the narrative of your new EP, Stardust?
“Black Leather” started out with a simple, bluesy guitar riff that immediately inspired a melody idea. As I was writing the lyrics, I knew I wanted to build it into something that had a fusion of blues and rock with a sultry feel, something that aligned with the sound I wanted for this EP, while also pushing the boundaries a bit. Once I got into the studio with my producer, Mitch Dane, it really came together like rock and roll magic, and is definitely the sexiest track on the EP. It’s loosely based on meeting my husband, but is essentially about meeting someone who makes you want to be a better person.

Stardust is also a beautiful song. Can you tell us the story behind this song?
Thank you! This song is an extra special one to me as it was the first one I recorded for the new EP and really helped set the tone for it. I wrote it as an attempt to capture a feeling I was having about the push and pull of my ambitions and dreams with the fragile nature of life, something I’ve become more present to as I’ve gotten older, and especially after becoming a mother. I think there’s a desire in all of us to do something important, to shoot for the stars, and on the flip side to just be still, present and grateful for our precious little lives. It’s a bit like — you should go for it because you’ve only got this one life, and it doesn't really matter in the end, and isn't that a bittersweet and beautiful thing.

We are excited for your new album, Stardust, coming out July 11th. Can you give us any spoilers?
Thank you! Not so much a spoiler, but the unreleased track on this EP, “Same Old Story” was co-written with my brother, Andrew Buckland, who happens to be an Oscar-winning editor and a very talented musician. It’s really special to have something on this EP that we wrote together and I’m excited for everyone to hear it.

In addition to your music career, you co-founded Female Frequency and began working with the Mamas in Music Organization. We spoke with you back in 2020 about Female Frequency. How is it doing these days? Anything coming up with it?
Female Frequency is not as active as it used to be post-pandemic, but continues to do workshops here and there and will hopefully be doing more in the future. Mamas in Music became a big part of my life as it really tapped into a specific need of mine as a new mother, and it has been such a gift to be part of.

You sound like you are very focused on Mamas in Music. Can you tell us a bit about this organization and what you do with them? What inspired you to get involved with them?
Becoming a mother in 2020 really leveled up my need for community with other mothers in the music industry, and I was desperately seeking a space to connect with women in music who had recently become mothers. When I found Mamas in Music online in 2021, and met the founders, I knew I had to be part of it. Mamas in Music is a global non-profit with a mission to empower Mothers to advance their musical careers by creating a shared network, generating opportunities, and offering financial and emotional support initiatives. I’ve been working closely with them as part of the core team since 2021, creating and hosting the Mamas in Music podcast, helping direct U.S. events, and representing the organization on various panels and events. There are a lot of exciting things in the works and I’m so proud to be part of it.

You have a Mamas in Music Podcast now, can you tell us all about it? What can your listeners expect to hear?
Yes! The Mamas in Music Podcast shines a spotlight on the inspiring stories and empowering voices of mothers across all spectrums of the music industry. From artists to industry executives, we talk about everything from how to set boundaries to time management to how having children influences your music, and more.

As a mother and an artist, how do you balance your personal life with your music career?
That’s a constant challenge, but I’m finding it gets easier over time. A supportive community has been really important, as well as just giving myself some grace. I also think being really grateful for all of it helps put everything into perspective. The fact that I get to make music and show my daughter my passion for it is something really special.

Has becoming a mother influenced your approach to songwriting or performing?
100%. There’s no doubt that becoming a mother played a huge role in my musical evolution. My desire to slow down, simplify, and go back to basics, so to speak, got so much stronger when I had my daughter, and that bled into how I wanted to approach music. I’ve found that motherhood has a unique way of helping you get rid of the non-essentials, and it has allowed me to hone in on what I really want to do as an artist now.

How have Female Frequency and Mamas in Music influenced your artistic journey and the way you approach your music?
Community has always been important to me as an artist, and now as a mother, it’s important in a whole new way. The support, relationships, collaborations, and opportunities that come out of communities like these help all of us thrive, so it’s really less about how my approach has changed and more about how they have opened up new possibilities, ideas, and friendships in my artist journey, which is a really beautiful thing.

Your career has taken you from New York City to Los Angeles and now to Nashville. How has each location influenced your musical style and career trajectory?
Oh wow. Each city holds such a special place in my heart and has influenced me in a multitude of ways. I connect the city with the people and phase of life I was in at the time, which lends itself to what I was up to musically for sure. In a nutshell, New York represents the beginning of my music career, finding myself and an artist, and the beginning of my bug for community building, LA represents lightness, love and growth, and Nashville helped bring me back to my roots and the purest love of music.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of your music career?
In the next year, I’d love to do a full-length album, more live shows, and continue supporting mothers in music.

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
It has certainly been a wild few years, but having my little family helps me stay positive. I’ve also found that I relish in simplicity and slower living these days, which keeps me connected to what’s important. It can be hard to stay positive in the midst of so much global turmoil, but I try to focus on what’s right in front of me, and that helps me stay present and grateful.

What is your motto in life?
“If it feels both terrifying and amazing, you should definitely pursue it.” Eradu

To learn more about Claire London, please follow the links below.
Instagram: @clairelondonmusic
Website: clairelondon.com
mamasinmusic.org

Claire London - Returning to Our Roots