Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I grew up in a small Irish town. I had a really great childhood there, but small-town life never felt like enough for me. It wasn’t because I felt destined for something bigger; it was more that I knew I couldn’t reach my full potential there. High school was a very difficult time for me. I struggled to find creative outlets during the day, and I felt like the system wasn’t built for creativity, which made me resent it. The confinement, rules, and expectations didn’t fit who I was as a person, and that shaped my music in many ways. It allowed me to write with vulnerability and honesty. Writing became my outlet for these emotions and opinions. I would describe my lyrics as bold with a sense of vulnerability and confidence
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Clarsy Mae”?
A: What has always drawn me to an artist—and made me become a fan—is their personality. Personality both in the music and in who they are as a human being. Their views, attitude, and humor all matter to me. I like to know who I’m listening to when I play a song. I want not only to share my music, but also to share myself as a way of growing my fan base. I always want to be accessible and connected to the people who listen to my music, because I know how important that is to me as a listener.
A message I would give to someone who is about to discover “Clarsy Mae” is that my artistry—“Clarsy Mae”—is the version of me that doesn’t hold back. When I’m writing or performing as “Clarsy Mae,” I’m confident and bold. But when it’s time to get into the studio and write, I’m Clara. This is important to me because I want people to understand where my lyrics are coming from. I want that normal person–to–normal person connection, and for people to see that it’s not all glamorous.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I think the most inspiring artist for me right now is “Lady Gaga.” Specifically, I’ve been listening to her album “Joanne.” This album has inspired me because it takes a different direction from the other albums of hers that I’ve listened to. It’s more stripped back and acoustic, which reassures me that you can do both. I find inspiration like this in a lot of music and albums, but also in simply living. Sometimes I have to sit back and stop writing for a while—forget about it all—and then come back to it. I need to give myself the space to let inspiration come to me.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “People’s Princess.”?
A: Well, when I was envisioning all these dreams and goals I had for myself—like pursuing music, which I hoped would lead to a bigger life—I found myself trying to prove myself to people so they would “believe” in me, I guess. It was almost a way of protecting myself. I had nothing to prove in school—I simply didn’t belong—but I wanted to show people where I did belong, and that I actually belonged somewhere. That’s how “People’s Princess” was written. It’s not about feeling better than anyone; it’s about the fear that they might think they’re better than you.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Honest
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “People’s Princess”?
A: The process was actually really enjoyable. The part that took the most time was the lyrics. I had so much to say, and it was crucial that I got my point across. I didn’t want the lyrics to come off as too cocky and egotistical, or too emotional and desperate either. It took a bit of adding things and then taking things away, but in the end, I think I made what I needed to make.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: My music covers real human emotions and experiences, but it’s pop. When you listen, it feels fun and free, but if you read the lyrics, it’s actually the opposite. My music is perfect for people who have sad souls but fun spirits. Sometimes I feel pulled in two directions—my body wants to party, but my soul just wants to cry, lol.
As an artist, I just want to make people who feel like me feel understood.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: There are so many. I think I’ve connected most with “Billie Eilish.” Her music is raw and human, but in a completely different direction to mine, which makes it interesting to imagine what we could create together.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: I’m just at the beginning of my career, but I’ve learned a lot so far. Wanting to pursue music—or any art—full time can be tough. There’s no cutoff. By that, I mean you don’t clock in and out of your job like a 9–5; there really is no break. I find myself constantly thinking about my next move, my next idea, and what else I’m going to apply for. It’s competitive and all-consuming, but you just have to keep going. I know it might sound a bit irresponsible, but I haven’t given myself a backup plan. I’ve given myself nothing to fall back on. If I did, I’d be giving myself room to quit and give up—and there’s no way I’m doing either of those things. If you’re passionate about your art, and more importantly, believe in it, pursue it. Don’t give yourself a backup plan—because the more you believe in your art, the further it will take you.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: So much has changed in my life over the past year. This time last year, if I had known where I would be right now, I wouldn’t have believed it. Honestly, I was really unhappy and felt like I was missing out on life, with no tools to even begin my career. I would simply tell myself to be patient—to keep doing what you’re doing, keep writing, and keep dreaming.
