Written By: Madison Fowler

Early 2000s MTV rock with a modern twist. Chloe Star is this generation’s rock star in the making. For those who don’t know, Chloe Star is an indigenous and queer singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles who has been on the rise this past year. After finding solace in journaling and writing poetry, the singer turned her prose into lyrics and has been creating music ever since. Ahead of the performer’s newest release, “I didn’t wanna say goodbye,” we had the opportunity to ask Chloe about her recent track releases, the trajectory of her career, her identity, and upcoming surprises!

To start, we asked Chloe about her new single, “I didn’t wanna say goodbye,” which releases on January 30th. From love to heartbreak, and everything in-between, Chloe said that “The inspiration behind this song really hits home for me. I’ve been in a few relationships that I didn’t necessarily want to end, but deep down I knew it was best for both of us. There’s also that strange, mind-boggling experience of leaving a relationship you weren’t fully ready to let go of, only to see your ex move on days later.” To follow up, we asked if the writing process was any different from her other songs, such as “TNT” and “after thought,”to which the singer replied, “I wrote this song with some incredible writers. The writing process itself was pretty similar to how I approach most of my songs.” However, she did say that the writing process “happened so organically-especially because everyone in the room had been through something similar.” She also mentioned how they recorded the song with a live band, “which is always a f–in blast.”

Chloe Star is no stranger to vulnerability. In her songs and interviews, the singer is openly vocal about her identity struggles and sexuality. After listening to songs such as “Wasted Youth” and “Bad Habit,” which address themes such as self-doubt and tumultuous childhood experiences, we asked the singer how her sexuality and struggles are reflected in her music. “I think every day I’m learning about my identity. I am constantly evolving and getting closer to my higher self,” the singer stated, “I definitely feel like my music is evolving with me as I’m getting older as well. I am my music. I feel like anyone listening to my music can easily imagine what I look like, what I feel, and easily understand my sexuality.” One of the things Chloe does best is “turn [her] pain into art, in hopes people can relate to [her].” Not only do her songs create a safe space for listeners to connect and relate, but it also allows Chloe to “feel less alone in this world.”

Growing up, the singer spent her time between LA and San Bernardino, which are vastly different in culture and lifestyle. Both environments influenced Chloe’s art and sense of identity, as the singer stated, “Growing up I feel like I lived two different lives as a kid which was such a blessing. I was able to live in two different worlds. I feel like it has taught me so much freedom when it comes to art and creativity. Being part of two different communities expanded my creative tool kit. I feel very comfortable with who I am and feel like I was also able to bring a piece from each world into each other. I bring my native roots to Los Angeles, and I bring my Los Angeles self into my Native world as well.”

Circling back to her music, released her debut single, “Element,” back in 2023. The song took on more pop and hip-hop sounds, compared to her latest releases, which lean towards alternative and early 2000s rock sounds. Looking at this trajectory, Chloe has felt that her music style and writing “has drastically changed” since her first release. “Like I said, I feel like, as a human being every day I am evolving and learning new things about myself. 3 years ago, I was in a completely different mind state and going through different things at the time vs today. With all those experiences, my sound has definitely changed with me. These days, I enjoy recording with a live band, writing with other writers, collaborating with other musicians, and being as open and vulnerable as possible. I feel like I am making music for myself rather than worrying if others will love it. I feel like it’s just about the music these days. 

Since Chloe’s music takes on a sound that is heavily reminiscent of 90s and early 2000s alternative rock bands, we asked her which artists heavily inspired and influenced the music she makes. “I am deeply influenced by Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Third Eye Blind, and a lot of 90s bands,” she said. Despite being influenced by a lot of heavier sounds, some of the artists the singer has been obsessed with lately are Sasha Sloan, Sienna Spiro, and Stella Lefty, whose music leans into pop. “ They have all been on repeat recently,” she exclaimed, “I love the writing in all of their songs!”

Finally, when asked about the next steps for her music, Chloe said, “I am hoping I get on a tour this year! That is my biggest goal!” However, the singer currently has no plans to release an album, but she “will be releasing a song a month this year! Stay tuned for music to be dropped till December!”

With Chloe’s new single releasing this week and new music dropping until December, it is gearing up to be a big and busy year for the indigenous and queer singer. On “I didn’t wanna say goodbye,” Chloe has never been more vulnerable, and her craft has been made clear. As she continues to make smashing releases, Chloe Star is rising to become a modern rock star.

Check out and follow Chloe Star on all social media and streaming platforms below:

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music