
KEXP calls chlothegod “vivacious” and “genre-defying.”
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Alison Stewart
Foreign this is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. Today we've been hearing from fantastic musicians, including our live in person event at the Green Space with the cast and creative team behind Buena Vista Social Club. If you missed that, make sure you subscribe to our podcast or visit wnyc.org and search all of it. So let's get into my next musical conversation. One of Stereo Gum's most anticipated albums of 2025 came from Chloe the God. Her sophomore EP, I Feel Different Every Day, follows her 2023 release, Nearly Straight, which uncompromisingly put her heart on her sleeve. According to Complex magazine, the deluxe version of I Feel Different Every Day is out now. And when she joined me in our performance studio to play us some live tracks, I started by asking her how she settled upon the title I Feel Different Every Day randomly.
Chloe the God
When I was hanging out with my good friend Mike Irish, we were just having our long talks, as we do, discussing life and all of its love and loss and grief and happiness and joy, you know, all the parts of life that come to you. And I had actually just finished a very tearful monologue, if you will. And I said, well, but what do I know? I feel different every day. And he said, write that down. And so we did, and we wrote it down again and again and again, and we built it out. And now we're here and I'm hanging out with you.
Alison Stewart
Isn't that funny how you say something and somebody like, write it down.
Chloe the God
I love. That's one of my favorite expressions in the world.
Alison Stewart
Somebody said to me the other day, watch this space. I was like, write it down.
Chloe the God
Yeah, watch a podcast.
Alison Stewart
I don't know what it is. It's something, right?
Chloe the God
I love that. I love that. Absolutely. Yeah. Sometimes you have to catch it while you can and write it down.
Alison Stewart
With this project, you know, you go through a lot of emotions, joy, anger, exhaustion, hope. So that's the way you're feeling. But there's also the songwriter in you that's gotta get this done right. How do you balance the two? The emotional part of you and then the. I gotta write the song.
Chloe the God
Well, they coexist. So what I have to say is what I have to say. The mission is I need to be clear about it and communicate it, and that's fine. But what I have to say is still what I have to say. So sometimes, you know, something will come to me and I'll say, well, I'm not feeling very well, or I feel heartbroken about this, or you Know what? Whatever the emotion is, and my job really is just to communicate it clearly as I feel it, so I don't really feel too much pressure to get it all the way right every single time. I just feel called to be really honest. And I feel like that's really the purpose of making music and making it so that I feel fulfilled. That's my personal process.
Alison Stewart
The first song you're performing today is.
Chloe the God
The opening track from Nearly Straight.
Alison Stewart
The song is called Camille. The chorus goes, no one makes me feel quite like Camille.
Chloe the God
Yeah, that's a true story.
Alison Stewart
Who's Camille?
Chloe the God
First of all, before we hear this.
Song, a wonderful and an inspirational young lady that I met a few years back who I hope is doing the best that she absolutely can be doing. And, yeah, she's an inspirational force to be reckoned with. Sometimes you meet a girl like that and you just have to write a song about it.
All right, we're gonna let you go over to the microphone.
Let's do it.
Alison Stewart
We're gonna hear Chloe the God performing Camille from her EP titled Nearly Straight. All right, go for it.
Chloe the God
Skin sweet like caramel decorated by a constellation and she tries hard and you could tell her daddy gave her that walk of rebellion Mama was a pacifist, she's an activist and as the chick that you have ever seen Call her philanthropist where she gave it up so quick I do whatever she whisper that queen is me but no one makes.
Me feel.
No one makes me feel no one makes me feel quite like.
A me so I said won't you.
Meet me by the lake? We took a deep in when we said we would find our brighter days I, I still remember how soft your kisses beat me by the place we used to play. Your mama was a pass of she more like an activist Something like a magic trickin not like the devil if I call her a philanthropist the way she gave it up so quick I do whatever she whispered I Queen is me, y' all. But no one makes me feel no one makes me feel no one makes me feel feel Quiet like me Quiet like me.
Uh oh.
Come on down.
That's Chloe the God performing.
Camille's right there, y' all.
You want to introduce everybody in studio so we know who's playing what.
Oh, I would absolutely love to picture this. It's me and all the coolest cats in the whole entire world. Close your eyes. Not if you're driving. We've got Calla on the guitar. Go ahead and strum it. Can they hear you? There it is, y' all. That's a beauty queen if I've ever seen it. I've got my good friend Ari on bass. Not that afro on Ari, by the way.
And also Zaria in your jacket, too.
That helps out Ari. You gotta know who Ari is. And then Aisha on drums. The coolest cat with the shades on in studio.
Hey.
And I'm Chloe, the God.
You said that your EP Nearly Straight. It felt like, quote, a long, hot shower after a weird few years.
I don't remember saying that. And that's still the truth to this day. Absolutely.
What do you think? What was going on in your life?
Well, I just.
A couple words.
Yeah, I had just been coming. I'm from North Carolina originally, and so I'm moving on from North Carolina, and I'm from a town called Fayetteville. So military upbringing, kind of a small place. Kind of a weird place if you're not into the military. And then you get. I left there and moved to the big bright city of Los Angeles, California. So you can imagine there's a bit of a culture shock. For me, it's a big difference from where I'm from. And I just kind of had to take some time to gather myself, gather my thoughts and think about the last few years of me just trying to make it in music. Make it in music and make it in life in general. But, yeah, that's how I came up with Nearly Straight.
Alison Stewart
You live in California now?
Chloe the God
Yeah, I do.
Alison Stewart
What do you get out of living in California as a musician?
Chloe the God
Well, you get a lot of access to the thing that you need, so I feel inspired all the time. I get to hang out with these cool cats. That's how the band comes together. You get to meet people who've been making music for a long time who might have something to tell you that you listen to or that you don't. And for me, it's just been that kind of ever, ever, ever, never ending well of resource and support. And so I've been able to really develop and kind of cultivate my idea of myself deeper in music and business at least. So that was an important move for me.
Alison Stewart
Yeah, but you bring some North Carolina with you in some way.
Chloe the God
How do we know that you're from North Carolina?
I think you know specifically where I'm from too. Cause of course, there a bunch of different cities, but I'm from a place where you kind of. I almost cursed. I'm from a place where you get your thing together. You know, you wake up in the morning, you go hard, and my. My Father and his father and my mom's dad were all in the military. So there's a strictness and there's kind of a drive, I think, and this is my personal take. But everybody that I know from. From Fayetteville, North Carolina, has a real dedication to making something happen of their life and a real devotion to doing it, I think, to honor and to honor their family. So that's a really big part of my purpose and my program is I like to show up the best that I can. I like to smell good, look good, feel good, sound good, and I like to do that for myself, of course, But I like to do that to represent where I'm from.
You're really passionate.
I am.
About your music, about life.
Alison Stewart
Where does your passion come from, you.
Chloe the God
Know, without it being a sob story? I think it started from just kind of feeling a little bit lost and a little bit different and outside and other. And then deciding that I actually really don't like that feeling and that I don't have to live there and I don't deserve to feel that way or deserve to live there. And so it's been a lot of years of making that swift and accurate decision that I'm gonna have a joyous, big, luscious, rich life. And that takes making that choice every single day. So that's where I kind of get revved up about.
That's important to you about your collaborators, though, that they're passionate as well?
Absolutely.
What does coupling with other collaborators who are passionate, what does that do for you?
Well, it's kind of a magical and a sacred practice making music. You know, it's like not even to do to be too woo woo on you, but it's just a vibration, literally. And so when people say good vibes, it's very literal and, you know, you need to come into the room and we should be kind of on a similar frequency. And of course, we're all different people, but in terms of collaboration. But my goal is to find myself kind of aligned with other people who feel called to speak and like to sing the truth or like to add in whatever way that makes them feel good. So not Everybody is on 100 like me all the time. But what I do find is everybody is really, really, really dedicated to doing what they do to the best of their ability. And the main thing that feels really important to me is we all kind of do it. Yes, of course we're doing it for ourselves, but we're really doing it so that other people can feel it very deeply and Feel moved by it. So I think that's how I find my people.
I have to say, this is cracking me up. You have the most beautiful dimples I have ever seen. I know you've been told that before, but there's something about your face that it makes you smile even when you're not feeling it. It feels really good.
Well, thank you. Thank you for that compliment.
Alison Stewart
When did you decide that you were going to do this for a living?
Chloe the God
When I was young, when I was about 15 in high school, I was acting. I was doing musical theater and things like that. And I love being on the stage. I love performing. And I realized that I was having such a good time, and I like to express myself, but I didn't really want to continue to tell somebody else's story. I didn't really want to play pretend any longer, And I went ahead and decided, I'm going to try to write some music. So I don't think it was in that exact moment that I said, I'm going to do this for life. But I knew that I was gonna give it a shot. And usually when I put my mind to something, I have to see it through.
Alison Stewart
When you perform a song, is it the same every time you perform?
Chloe the God
Never once. Never once even just. Why did I even ask that? We were just looking at each other. Sometimes I'm like, I hope you know, I'm just gonna keep going, y' all. And I think that's part of the thing, too, about when we were talking about collaborators. You have to be with people who can see you and can hear you without you talking or without you explaining. Cause it switches up so much when you're just feeling it. So you have to kind of just get into the groove of the change of it all.
Alison Stewart
We're gonna hear one last song. What are we gonna hear?
Chloe the God
It's called I Feel Different Every Day. It's the one.
Alison Stewart
Let's hear it. This is Chloe the God.
Chloe the God
Let's do it. Y' all ready? I'm ready. Here we go. Here's a little about me.
My mother moved us to Orlando without asking us if we'd ever want to go. Cause what do we know about Disney World in the Gulf of Mexico? My daddy tightened up and made a deal with the government like his father did before him Just like his dad did the same. My baby sister so lucky, so imma Cause we share a name My little brothers just like me Rather die than feel ashamed but what do I know? I feel different every day what do I know? I feel different Every day I feel different Every day I feel different every day.
This is my papa.
Listen up y' all Just outside looking at the sky Thinking about you. Input versus output uh huh I've always struggled with addictions I need real redemption I spent a lifetime doing dishes Deleting pictures Cause something's missing can anybody hear me? Does it even matter? I've been drowning in my p. But I'll deal with that later what do I know? I feel different every day what do I know? I feel different every day what do I know? I feel different every day I feel different every day.
Okay, this is the time where we're gonna rock out a little bit. Keep your hands on the wheel, but move with me like this.
Alison Stewart
Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh uh huh okay.
Chloe the God
I've always got my panties in a twist Standing in the corner with my handball in a fist I'm a slave to the disorder Got a tightness in.
My chest Insult on my lips Consumed and overwhelmed by the burden of this guilt scratch dad it never my fault at all Hindsight I was always designed to fall My bag's packed with the weight of the world and all the people who have let me down where's my guardian angel?
Where's my seat at the table? Where's my gratification?
I've been so polite and patient what do I know? I feel different every day.
Alison Stewart
That was singer songwriter Chloe the God. Her latest EP is titled I Feel Different Every Day. And that is all of it for today. All of it is produced by Andrea Duncan Mao, Kate Hines, Jordan Loff, Simon Close, El Malik Anderson and Luke Green. Megan Ryan is the head of Live Radio. Our engineers are Juliana Fonda, Matt Mirando, and Amber Bruce. If you missed any of our segments this week, catch up by listening to our podcast, available on your podcast platform of choice. If you like what you hear, please leave us a great rating. I'm Alison Stewart. I appreciate you listening and I appreciate you and I will meet you back here next time.
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Podcast Summary: ALL OF IT with Alison Stewart – Episode: Chloe the God Performs Live
Podcast Information:
[00:00] Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing Chloe the God, highlighting her rising prominence in the music scene with her anticipated sophomore EP, I Feel Different Every Day. Alison references Chloe’s previous 2023 release, Nearly Straight, praising its heartfelt authenticity as noted by Complex magazine.
Quote:
“[Nearly Straight] uncompromisingly put her heart on her sleeve.” — Alison Stewart [00:00]
Alison delves into the inspiration behind the EP's title, prompting Chloe to share the story.
[01:01] Chloe the God recounts a pivotal conversation with her friend Mike Irish:
“When I was hanging out with my good friend Mike Irish, we were just having our long talks… I said, ‘I feel different every day.’ And he said, ‘Write that down.’ And so we did… and now we're here.” [01:01]
This moment of spontaneous creativity underscores Chloe’s commitment to capturing authentic emotions in her music.
[01:37] Alison Stewart reflects on the significance of "write it down," emphasizing the importance of preserving fleeting thoughts and inspirations.
Alison explores the delicate balance Chloe maintains between her emotional experiences and the technical aspects of songwriting.
[01:50] Alison Stewart asks:
“With this project… how do you balance the emotional part of you and then the… I gotta write the song.” [01:50]
[02:07] Chloe the God responds:
“They coexist. My job really is just to communicate it clearly as I feel it… I just feel called to be really honest.” [02:07]
Chloe emphasizes honesty and emotional clarity as the foundation of her creative process, allowing her emotions to naturally inform her songwriting without the pressure of perfection.
Chloe the God performs “Camille,” providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into her musical repertoire.
[02:50] Alison Stewart introduces the song:
“The opening track from Nearly Straight… called Camille. The chorus goes, ‘No one makes me feel quite like Camille.’” [02:50]
[03:00] Chloe the God explains the personal connection to the song:
“Camille is… a wonderful and an inspirational young lady… sometimes you meet a girl like that and you just have to write a song about it.” [03:00]
The performance showcases Chloe’s lyrical storytelling and emotional depth.
Post-performance, Alison and Chloe discuss the formation of Chloe’s band and the influence of her cultural background.
[06:04] Chloe the God introduces her band members:
“Calla on the guitar… Ari on bass… Zaria in your jacket… Aisha on drums… And I'm Chloe, the God.” [06:04]
Chloe highlights the importance of collaboration and shared passion within her band, describing the creative synergy that fuels their performances.
[08:13] Alison Stewart inquires about Chloe’s move from North Carolina to California:
“You live in California now? What do you get out of living in California as a musician?” [07:35]
[08:17] Chloe the God responds:
“You get a lot of access to the thing that you need… it’s an ever, ever, ever, never-ending well of resource and support.” [08:17]
Chloe discusses the cultural shock and artistic growth experienced after relocating, emphasizing how California’s vibrant music scene has been instrumental in her development.
Alison delves deeper into Chloe’s personal history and the roots of her passion.
[09:10] Alison Stewart comments on Chloe’s evident passion:
“You're really passionate about your music, about life.” [09:10]
[09:16] Chloe the God shares:
“It started from just kind of feeling a little bit lost and a little bit different…and deciding that I actually really don't like that feeling.” [09:16]
Her narrative reflects a journey from self-doubt to embracing joy and fulfillment through music, underscoring the transformative power of creative expression.
Alison and Chloe discuss the significance of working with passionate individuals.
[09:52] Chloe the God states:
“Making music is like a vibration… my goal is to find myself kind of aligned with other people who feel called to speak and like to sing the truth.” [10:03]
Chloe emphasizes the necessity of genuine passion and dedication among collaborators to create deeply moving and authentic music.
Alison explores when Chloe decided to commit to a career in music.
[11:19] Alison Stewart asks:
“When did you decide that you were going to do this for a living?” [11:19]
[11:23] Chloe the God reflects:
“When I was about 15 in high school, I was acting… I didn’t really want to continue to tell somebody else's story… I went ahead and decided, I’m going to try to write some music.” [11:23]
This pivotal decision marked Chloe’s transition from performing in others’ narratives to creating her own, laying the foundation for her artistic path.
The episode culminates with Chloe performing the titular track from her latest EP.
[12:28] Claire the God introduces the song:
“It’s called I Feel Different Every Day.” [12:28]
The performance delves into themes of personal struggle, identity, and resilience, encapsulating the EP’s overarching narrative.
Notable Lyrics:
“I’ve always struggled with addictions… Does anybody hear me? Does it even matter? I’ve been drowning…” [14:03]
Chloe’s emotive delivery and introspective lyrics resonate deeply, highlighting her ability to convey complex emotions through music.
[16:07] Alison Stewart concludes the episode by acknowledging the production team:
“All of it is produced by Andrea Duncan Mao, Kate Hines, Jordan Loff, Simon Close, El Malik Anderson and Luke Green.” [16:07]
She encourages listeners to subscribe, leave ratings, and engage with the podcast on various platforms, fostering a community around cultural discussions.
Key Takeaways:
Notable Quotes:
Note: This summary focuses solely on the content-rich segments of the episode, excluding advertisements, intros, and outros to provide a comprehensive overview of the meaningful discussions and performances.