chloe moriondo plans to create more playful and experimental music this year

Though chloe moriondo’s brand of honesty will always stay intact, they are also looking forward to creating more playful and experimental material in the new year.

The word “surreal” is a recurring way to describe the last year for 19-year-old artist chloe moriondo. They experienced a meteoric rise within the music scene while the world was at a standstill. However, it’s clear that moriondo used this time to craft bold and compelling music, culminating in the release of their critically acclaimed record, Blood Bunny. As soon as they unveiled the record to the world, legions of fans were immediately on board, due in large part to moriondo’s sincerity, honesty and relatability. In addition to signing with Fueled By Ramen, moriondo was also given the opportunity to refine their craft with exceptional co-writers and producers, helping to transform their infectious bedroom-pop sound into something even bigger. 

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Between sold-out headlining tours, star-studded cameos in their music videos and getting the opportunity to connect with their fans, it has felt surreal in every sense of the word for moriondo. Make no mistake: They are eternally grateful for the opportunities they have been given. moriondo is set to continue their growth as an artist even further next year, with an emphasis on experimentation, collaboration and writing what could be their most fun material to date.

With the release of your latest record, Blood Bunny, you had the opportunity to work with some incredible producers and songwriters for the first time, as opposed to simply crafting your songs entirely on your own. What did this experience teach you, and how did it inform your music as a whole?

I got to meet so many cool people during the making of this album. It felt like such a huge step for me and in every right direction possible. I think making Blood Bunny taught me that working with other people can be a really beautiful and door-opening thing, rather than a scary, judgmental or cramped experience. I definitely learned how to let other people put their hands on my music in a positive and productive way to make some really cool, different stuff that I’m really excited about. 

Your popularity as an artist grew exponentially during the lockdown. Was it interesting coming back to touring and having a largely sold-out headlining run while getting to connect with so many new and returning fans?

For sure, it’s so surreal to be able to see people’s faces, real reactions and hear people sing my lyrics at shows. There are so many special moments that I have been able to observe from the stage, and it is truly so beautiful to see that this album is real, and I can actually tour with my band now. It’s been a crazy adjustment, and it hasn’t fully sunken in that this is my life now, but I love it and am very grateful. 

It must have been surreal to have so many of your favorite artists come together to be in the music video for your single “Favorite Band.” What does it mean to you that you are also presently someone’s favorite band/artist?

That’s a very surreal thought in general. I’ve had some really sweet fans at shows say, “You’re my favorite band” when I would play it live. I’m like, “What is literally going on?” [Laughs.] I feel like if you even told me a year ago that I would be able to make a video like that, I would not know what to do or say. I feel really grateful, and it was such a fun video to shoot, and it makes me feel so special seeing people’s reactions when I play it.

What has the experience of being on a major label been like compared to your prior independent releases?

I definitely feel like I have grown with this label. I feel grateful that it wasn’t as crazy and drastic of a shift as I would have expected it to be. It was a really nice and easy change for me. I’ve been able to meet really cool and nice people who care about my best interests. I am very lucky to be around a lot of really good people for the most part. 

What has it been like navigating this newfound fame at such a young age? Is there anything you wish could be different?

I feel like I wouldn’t change anything, even though there are definitely some weird aspects of being 19 and having this type of lifestyle. It’s important for me to be able to talk about my age because I grew into this and still feel very much like a kid, even though I’m technically not one anymore. I really do love being able to have this opportunity because it’s literally my dream job, and I’m learning how to take care of myself and be more of myself in general. 

Is there anything you haven’t covered lyrically or sonically yet that you want to dive into more in the next year?

I feel there’s so much I still haven’t said in my music, and there are infinite things I could talk about, as well as genres and realms that I want to dive into more. I love experimenting with different styles of music, producers and am very excited to branch out more and more. I want to write weird stuff and maybe take it a little less seriously than I normally do. I want to write more fun music next year.

This interview appeared in issue 401 (The AP Yearbook), available here.