Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe O’Brien.
Hi Chloe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Queenstown, New Zealand before I moved to Olympia, WA as a teen. My parents were musicians, so I was always encouraged to follow my interest in music. I started singing in my first band at age ten, and after I moved to the US I really leaned farther into my musical journey, relying on music and writing songs to get me through tough times. I played in rock bands throughout my teen years before moving to Boston to pursue an education in Songwriting and Music Business. In my college years, I began recording and producing my original music, and working with new players and producers elevated my musical process and vision. I released my first EP in 2016, followed by a name change, several singles, and my debut full-length album “Magic & Honey” in 2019. I have been writing tones of new music since then and have released two singles, “Lady In Red” and “Break Ur Heart,” with a string of new releases ready for 2021. The first of which is the edgy and ethereal track “Missing You Tomorrow,” out April 16th. Behind the scenes, I am a songwriting teacher, giving private lessons and working for Berklee College Of Music at several of their summer programs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As much as I love what I do, choosing the artist lifestyle is definitely not an easy road. There are many times of uncertainty, plenty of rejection, and countless nights with less than adequate sleep. I have found that one of the biggest challenges for me has been to create my own definition of success and to detach from ego-based desires. I have had to let go of the need for praise, for validation, and for the approval of others so that I can fully enjoy the process of building a career. I have learned that it is usually not just one thing that pays all of the bills for most musicians, and I have had to wear many hats and juggle several jobs in order to support myself. This process has not always been easy and sometimes I have felt as if I am just screaming into the void, but I love the process and the music enough to keep on going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an alternative rock/pop artist, focusing on creating evocative works of art from the heart. I have a unique sonic blend of distorted guitars, dreamy synthesizers, and powerful vocal melodies. I have a strong focus on writing emotional lyrics that understand life’s complexities, and through those lyrics I aim to leave my audience feeling understood. I use retro elements with a modern influence, creating a lush soundscape to get lost in. This blend of rock and synthpop is dramatic and experimental for fans of acts like Lana Del Rey, Phantogram, St Vincent, and Metric. I am also a music producer, and I co-produce all of my music at this time. I want to be involved in every aspect of creation, as I have a strong vision that I love to see come to life. Behind the scenes, I am a total DIY queen. I am entirely independent and run every aspect of my project, which has been a crazy journey so far! I am lucky to have an amazing group of creatives as friends, and I collaborate with them on most of my work. The process, for me, is all about telling stories and bringing people together. I am most proud of the way I have been able to impact other people through my musical expression. It is the most rewarding feeling to know that my music has helped someone through a hard time or has made them feel less alone. I know that music has been there for me in those ways, so it is incredible to be able to do that for others. I also teach songwriting and feel very proud when my students pass big milestones, especially milestones in their self-esteem and self-image.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I have definitely learned many things from the Covid-19 crisis. The biggest lesson I have learned during this time is that I truly have to let go of my attachment to outcomes. I have learned that no matter what we do, we do not have much control over what happens outside of ourselves and our output, so I have had to focus in on the things I do have control over. I have learned that working all of the time to the point of burnout is not necessary and that it is important to take breaks and take care of myself, and I have learned to shift my definition of success away from measuring outcomes. I used to feel like success would happen to me once I hit X milestone, but now I define success as having a lifestyle that I enjoy each day and getting to do meaningful and rewarding work. I have found that since making that shift, I have been able to work towards my goals and feel like I am already successful during the process and that I don’t need to rush outcomes. After all, life will always throw another curveball, and I don’t want my self-worth to be tied to things that are entirely out of my control.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.neiajane.com
- Instagram: @iamneiajane
- Facebook: facebook.com/neiajanemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJlqWRaglS-igIKoOh9uK3Q
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/neiajane
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GNi2y070W4hi31jX2CqH3?si=pIpGXmhOQVWB06Al5qo1Jg
Image Credits
Holy Smoke Photography (Alissa Wyle)
