Clara Waidley is a poignant singer-songwriter carving their own pathway into a decaf rock n roll world.
Clara masters walking the line between gallows humor and genuine optimism. A wanderer at heart, Clara has most recently lived in Savannah, Georgia after a stint in Nashville. With roots in Michigan and Southern California, the young surfer takes her guitar with her to perform on the road. Her music was born in her childhood bedroom, but after busking on road trips and gathering a following of 134.8K followers on TikTok, Clara’s sun-soaked music has found a global audience.
She recently dropped her E. Broad Records debut album, “summer 4 ever”. Fans of Mazzy Star, Phoebe Bridgers, and Japanese Breakfast will be drawn to the dreamy sound tinged with grunge, as well as the storytelling. “I like making up stories. I’m someone who loves feeling like I’m in the song, and I feel like people can live through these stories,” says Clara.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I joke that my music is “decaf rock and roll”. I think my music tends to be alternative rock that is dreamy, a little grungy, with a coastal vibe.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
I am always so overwhelmingly thankful that people chose to listen to my music and follow my career. I would say that I’m so happy that they are here, and that I wish them days filled with hope, wonder, and gentleness.
What is your favorite song to perform?
Right now my favorite song to perform is “down for whatever”. I just moved back to the island I lived on when I wrote this song – and playing it feels like home.
What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?
I think the subjects of my songs tend to be different than most of the music today. I’m heavily influenced by the scenery and the vibe of places in general. My recent project, “summer 4 ever”, is filled with moments and thoughts surrounding the “in-betweens”; stereotypically unimportant aspects of life that I find myself drawn to and inspired by.
Stream summer 4 ever https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/clarawaidley1/summer-4-ever
What are your ambitions as a songwriter and musician from here?
My next step is to start touring with my band. I’ve always dreamed of being on stage and playing my music. As at home, I feel on the water – I feel equally at home performing on a stage.
If you were captain of a ship, what would you call it?
Probably “Queen of Disaster” after the unreleased Lana Del Rey song.
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
The espresso machine.
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
I would have to say coconut with mint.
What’s your favorite children’s story?
My favorites were Where The Wild Things Are and Goodnight Moon.
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. She was iconic.
Connect with Clara Waidley on her TikTok channel @barefootgurlz and on Instagram @clarawaidley. Albums, merch, and tour information can be found at clarawaidley.com.