“Illusions” – an interview with Clara Lars
Rising alternative pop singer-songwriter Clara Lars has recently released her wonderful debut EP ”Illusions”. With deeply personal lyrics that draw inspiration from her journals and life experiences, the seven tracks that make up the record highlight Clara’s songwriting maturity despite still being just sixteen years old. ”Don’t Leave” and “Addicted are my favorites but you should definitely check out the whole EP.
We caught up with Clara to talk about the EP and the influences she drew on to write and record it.
Hi Clara! How’s everything going right now?
I’m doing great, thanks!
What classic album cover is your current mood?
Pink Floyd “The Dark Side Of the Moon.” It’s thought provoking. Lately I’ve been thinking about the vastness of the universe and how we all fit into it.
You’ve just released your stunning debut EP “Illusions”. When did you write and record the songs?
Aw thanks! I wrote and recorded most of these songs when I was 15 during the height of the COVID lockdown.
Your songs and lyrics show a maturity way beyond your 16 years – when did you start writing music?
I started writing songs when I was 8 on a keyboard.
If you could only listen to one record, what would it be?
Beach House’s album “7”
What were the musical influences you drew on for “Illusions?”
I listen to a lot of different artists, drawing inspiration in different ways from many of them. For “Illusions,” if I had to pick a couple of artists, I would would say that it’s loosely inspired by Lana Del Rey and Beach House.
Tik-Tok is becoming a huge part of getting music out to a wider audience. Do you feel any pressure to get content posted or to get something to “go viral?”
Yes, unfortunately I do. Because social media is so influential in the music industry, I need to stay active on TikTok, Instagram and other platforms. This pressure can be difficult sometimes; I much prefer the process of creating music.
Will you be playing any live shows as part of the “Illusions” release?
I don’t have any planned as of now but I’d love to!
What would go on your signature pizza and what would it be?
My signature pizza would be a regular slice from my old NY neighborhood pizzeria.
What do you have planned for 2023?
I have a bunch of new songs that I’m looking forward to working on in my home studio. I would love to release another couple of songs in 2023!
Clara Lars grew up in Brooklyn, New York. At age 9, after experimenting with a number of instruments, Clara fell in love with the piano. The first song that she learned to play by ear was The Beatles’ classic Let It Be. Soon afterwards, she began writing her own songs on the piano, while keeping a journal of her lyrics.
In 2016, at age ten, Clara’s family made a cross-country move to Los Angeles. Struggling to find her footing in a new city and at a new school, Clara sat at the piano and escaped into music, pouring her heart into writing songs.
Clara devoted herself to songwriting, strengthening her voice, developing her sound and honing her craft. Once a year, she went into the studio for several days to record her latest songs. In 2020, unable to record in studios due to the pandemic, Clara set up a studio in the basement of her home. She learned how to use Ableton software in order to produce her own music. It was during this time that she wrote the songs on her first EP, Illusions. In 2021, she began collaborating with producer Chris Coady (Beach House, Grizzly Bear) to enhance the dreamy soundscape of these songs.
You can find out more about Clara on her website and can follow her on Instagram and TikTok for the latest news.
