Cloudy on her new EP ‘RAINCLOUD’
After two years in the making, Kiwi-Austrian alternative artist Cloudy shares her latest offering ‘RAINCLOUD’ - exploring new sonic realms that seamlessly blend elements of classic singer-songwriter sensibilities with bedroom pop and sprinklings of 90’s-inspired indie rock.
Hey Cloudy, thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us! First of all, a huge congratulations on your new EP ‘RAINCLOUD’! How do you think your sound has evolved since your last project in 2021, the ‘Good Grief’ EP?
Thank you so much for having this conversation with me! Since releasing my EP 'Good Grief', I spent time working with a band that really influenced and and developed my sound as an artist. Working with a band allowed me to step into new sonic waters and also write and record in a totally new way which is evident in the new music! It brought out what I feel is my most authentic sound yet.
What are the main themes you delve into in this new project ‘RAINCLOUD’?
This EP pretty much covers the first half of my twenties, and I found a lot happens during this time of your life! 'RAINCLOUD' dives into dealing with changing relationships, loss, heartbreak and getting to know yourself.
What were your artistic influences going into this EP?
Probably Radiohead, Dido and Avril Lavigne. I was listening to these artists a lot around the time I was making this EP which would have influenced me.
Love! The title track 'Raincloud' is an absolutely stunning tune! Can you tell us about the concept of this track?
'Raincloud' encapsulates the overarching concept of the EP which is embracing and overcoming the storm. It is a bit of a metaphor - when I think of 'Raincloud' I see a giant storm where it rains for days and days, and at the end of the storm, a beautiful garden grows full of flowers. For me, all the songs on this EP are the flowers that grew from the storm/being in my 20s. So it's all about overcoming the storm/trying times and seeing that on the other side, it can be really beautiful!
Plus we love ‘On The Edge’ - especially the signature nostalgic sound you’ve brought to this song! What was the inspiration behind this track and the writing/production process?
Thank you. 'On The Edge' is written about all the emotions that come up during the stage of a relationship where feelings are changing and not knowing how the other person might react if you open up about the way you feel. I wanted this song to feel bittersweet and have a sense of nostalgia/comfort when listening to it. So when writing it, I always imagined it fitting into a world from a coming-of-age movie or TV show like 'Gilmore Girls' or '10 Things I Hate About You' which inspired the way it ended up sounding for sure.
What were your top highlights working on this EP?
A big highlight was the weekend I spent at Roundhead Studios recording the songs with the band and my producer Morgan Allen. Also the experience of learning a lot about myself as an artist and person during the process of making the EP.
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love?
Would have to be Mermaidens and ARAHI. My favourite songs would be 'Sister' from the Mermaidens new album and 'Everything's About To Change' by ARAHI, which in my opinion is one of the best songs in the world.
What's the biggest piece of advice you have for other kiwi artists out there?
Don't talk about doing things you want to do too much, actually go make them happen!
Yes! What's next for you for the rest of the year and beyond?
Make more music and play so many gigs!!
Thanks so much Cloudy! Make sure to keep up with her on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
