Bold, evocative, openly queer, and a fierce advocate for female empowerment, Chloe Star is the definition of a modern-day rockstar. Her music is equally defiant, shamelessly blending elements of pop, rock, and punk into a catchy sound that is wholly her own.
Chloe Star’s latest single, “Wasted Youth,” is a testament to her unfiltered storytelling and unapologetic approach to her artistry. The music video, executive produced by Chloe herself and 68 Charles Productions, and directed by Alicia Becker, dives deep into Chloe’s personal experiences. Based on her real-life experience at a teen treatment program, the video offers a heart-wrenching, complicated, and powerful look at the troubled teen industry.
“The ‘Wasted Youth’ music video is a raw look at what happened to me when I was 16 years old,” Chloe explains. “I’m so excited to share my story with the world and I hope it can bring awareness to the ‘troubled teen industry’ by showing the residual trauma I experience. I am so grateful that I am still here to be able to share my story.”
Chloe’s background is as dynamic as her music. A Persian and Indigenous singer, songwriter, visual artist, and tribal advocate, she grew up splitting her time between Los Angeles and her family’s reservation in San Bernardino. Amidst a chaotic and often unstable childhood, Chloe found solace in journaling and writing poetry, eventually teaching herself to play piano and guitar to transform her prose into lyrics.
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single, “Wasted Youth,” and what message you hope to convey through both the song and its accompanying music video?
Chloe: “Wasted Youth” was based on a real experience I had when I was 16 years old. I was taken from my home and transported to a wilderness treatment program where I spent the next 3 months. I really wanted to share my story with the world because I feel like it’s time we speak about the “troubled teen industry.” The message I hope to convey to the listeners/viewers is that no matter how wasted you feel like your youth may have been, you still have time to take back the power and live your life to the fullest.
Q: The music video for “Wasted Youth” is deeply personal, drawing from your own experiences at a teen treatment program. How did you approach translating such a complex and emotional journey into a visual narrative?
Chloe: I wanted to share what really happened to me during that time, and I didn’t want to sugarcoat any of it. I felt like the best way to get my point across was just to tell my story exactly as it happened.
Q: As an openly queer artist and advocate for female empowerment, how do these aspects of your identity influence your music and artistic expression?
Chloe: I just continue walking in my truth every single day and it bleeds into my music and self-expression. I try my absolute best to walk through life without any outside noise. “Never change who you are for anyone else” is a quote I live by.
Q: Your music is described as a blend of pop, rock, and punk, creating a sound that’s uniquely yours. How do you navigate these genres to create a style that reflects your personality and artistic vision?
Chloe: It’s all in the storytelling. Sharing these real experiences that have happened in my life has also helped me to shape my sound. I feel like “sound” is just a piece in the puzzle, sharing my experiences and expressing myself authentically is what helps put the entire puzzle together.
Q: Could you share a bit about your upbringing, splitting time between Los Angeles and your family’s reservation in San Bernardino? How have your cultural backgrounds influenced your music and your identity as an artist?
Chloe: It was a very unique upbringing. I was constantly living two different lives which I feel like taught me so much. I was taught that storytelling about my culture is what keeps our tribe alive, and I am able to do that in my music now. Everything I learned from living these two different lives has shaped me into who I am today. I want to continue educating people on my Native Family and reminding people that us Natives are still here and we have a story to tell.
Q: You mentioned that you found solace in journaling and writing poetry during chaotic times in your childhood. How does the process of songwriting serve as a form of catharsis or expression for you?
Chloe: Yes! I receive the exact same comfort from songwriting that I did with journaling when I was younger. It is so healing for me to release my emotions in a creative way. If I’m not songwriting or journaling I start to feel emotionally stuck.
Q: Making your official debut in 2023, you’ve already garnered support from various tastemakers and developed a dedicated online fanbase. How does it feel to see your music resonating with audiences, and what do you hope listeners take away from your work?
Chloe: It is such a magical feeling to know that my music is resonating with people. The feeling is indescribable. I hope listeners receive my truth and can relate it with their truth. I just want to connect with people and let everyone know that anything is possible! You can overcome anything! You can do anything that you set your mind to! And again, never change who you are for anyone.
Q: As both a visual artist and a musician, how do you find balance and synergy between these different forms of creative expression?
Chloe: They’re both such different creative outlets but can also be so similar. For me, my visual art and my music go hand in hand. Sometimes I’ll create life mood boards just to set my day or week, and then use that as inspiration for my music. Painting and self-expression through art also plays a huge role in my life. I feel like I carry so much energy in my body that it needs to constantly be released and I’ve found the best way to release it is through these creative outlets. I truly don’t know any other way.
Q: Your journey as an artist has been marked by resilience and perseverance. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who may be facing similar challenges in pursuing their dreams?
Chloe: Always believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, why would anyone else believe in you? I have struggled with that a lot, but once I started to believe that I was capable, everything started to fall into place. And never ever give up! Sometimes it gets tough and you just lose hope that you’re not doing it right or doing it how it should be done but you never know who you’re touching throughout the journey.
Q: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you shortly? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
Chloe: YES! My EP, ‘the bed i lie in,’ drops May 28th! I am so excited to share this record. It’s definitely my most authentic work yet. I have put my heart and soul into this EP and I can’t wait for it to be out in the world. I also have some shows coming up which I am BEYOND EXCITED ABOUT! I love performing and being on stage!
Chloe Star’s journey is one of resilience, authenticity, and unapologetic self-expression. As she continues to rise in the music scene, her story and music serve as powerful reminders of the strength in vulnerability and the importance of staying true to oneself. Keep an eye out for her upcoming EP and live performances—Chloe Star is just getting started.
The Hollywood Six 