Claud Mintz is an LA-based bedroom pop musician whose heart-on-sleeve lyrics, bright-eyed optimism and romantic synth-pop songs are winning hearts all over the internet.
Their recent song ‘Soft Spot’ is the audio equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night, thanks to the ethereal vocals, hazy soundscapes and relatable lyrics about the ‘what if’ moments in life. And it’s in good company, sitting alongside an impressive back catalogue of upbeat yet emosh songs like ultimate unrequited love anthem ‘Wish You Were Gay’ and the beautiful ‘Just To Forget’, which is guaranteed to hit you right in the feels.
We chatted to the talented musician ahead of the release of their debut album 'Super Monster' about love, small towns and the joys of making pasta with friends. Get to know them better below.
Where do you live now and where do you consider home?
I live in Brooklyn, New York, but I bounce around quite a bit. Right now, I’m in California with some friends because my mom and my grandma are out here. Both my parents moved out of my hometown in Chicago so I guess home is now wherever they are.
How do you think your upbringing and life experiences helped to shape your worldview and perspective? How do you think this in turn informs your music?
Nothing notable ever really happened in the town I grew up in. It’s a suburb outside of the city and the people there are pretty “normal”... too normal. It was boring and I wanted to venture out from a really young age. I always knew I was different from the other kids there, which is such a cliche, but it’s true! While I was growing up, all I had to write about was my parents divorce and wanting to date people that I was too scared to talk to. It wasn’t until I left and moved to New York that I felt like I was having experiences that really informed my music. And I still write about that other stuff, but from a more distanced and mature perspective.
What music did you grow up listening to? Has that changed?
I grew up listening to the Jonas Brothers and Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez and whoever was on Disney channel. Then, when I became a teenager and got a bit more “rebellious”, I started listening to old rock like Tom Petty and The Who and James Taylor. This has changed quite a bit but my appreciation for that type of music still remains.
What’s your creative process like?
I don’t have a routine or anything. It’s different every time and I like it that way, it keeps things fresh and exciting.
What subjects or themes do you find yourself returning to in your music, and why do you think this is?
Love, yearning, etc. It comes easier for me to write about unrequited love than a happy or resolved situation.
Do you create music with your audience in mind?
No… I sort of just make it and hope people like it afterwards.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The moment you take notice of what other people want from you and try to supply their demand is the moment you stop being an artist.
Best way to unwind?
Cooking pasta with friends.
Features Editor: Madeleine Woon
