Montreal, QC-based indie-pop artist, Claire Ridgely recently released her single, “Island”. The song is produced by Pops and Poolboy of the Montreal-based urban/indie-pop group, Clay and Friends.
Check out the video below and find out more about Claire via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi! I’m Claire Ridgely. I make indie pop music out of my home studio in Montreal.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I’d say my music is like relatable, smooth pop music. It’s been said that my sound sits somewhere between soulful and sweet, and I totally love that explanation. I write with my friends a lot, and it helps to have love in the room when I’m creating. I work closely with production duo Pops & Poolboy and we always find a way to balance showcasing my vocals and a beefy beat. My lyrics stem from personal experiences. Some writing sessions are a bit harder than others if the subject matter hits real close to home, but I always feel lighter afterward.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
Well, I did have some exciting opportunities lined up, but live shows are taking a necessary standstill right now and I’m adjusting as needed. I can say that I’ve been doing some cool remote sessions and there may be some exciting online performances over the next little while, so stay tuned! I do love to perform and I feel at home when I’m on stage. I get excited to connect with people in the audience and I do my best to offer an intimate and personal experience. I play all of my shows accompanied by a band. Actually, my band is Pops and Poolboy, the same production duo I already mentioned, we definitely have a musical connection. There is structure to the set, but I also want to leave space to let loose and jam. This lets each show be unique and special, and gives all of us on stage the chance to do what we do best, feel the energy in the room and create beautiful music together!
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
I’d love for you to listen to my latest release ‘Island,’ it’s a lot of fun and I think it’ll put you in a good mood. If you want to dive a little deeper, go listen to ‘California.’ The lyrics are raw and honest and it’s a story I still love to tell, even to this day.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
I’m obsessed with Clay and Friends. I also really enjoy what Oscar Louis is up to as well as Miko. There’s so much talent just in Montreal, let alone the rest of Canada, and I’m always excited to see how every artist is creating and adding to the Canadian music scene.