On the heels of a stellar SXSW run, breakout alt-R&B singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Forest Claudette releases their atmospheric new single ‘Gold’. The track arrives ahead of their upcoming EP 'Jupiter', which will be released on Friday, May 3rd this year. Introspective yet confident, with dense instrumentation, raw lyricism, and soulful vocals, the new track is another carefully calibrated level-up for the enigmatic artist.
"I ain’t no damsel, I get distressed," they croon over propulsive percussion and dreamy piano. By the soaring chorus, Claudette has found catharsis of sorts amid the pain and confusion. 'I think I see it now, this weight is gold." It's a soulful throwback with some modern-day flourishes and deep insight from one of music's most original newcomers.
Forest says of the single, "‘Gold’ is a song that was revealed to me sometime after I wrote it. I’m sure I was partly thinking about “success”. What it looks like and what sacrifices are made to obtain it and what the ramifications of that are. But in the context of Jupiter I see it so differently. The line “catacombs to who I was” sticks out to me and the weight I’m referring to is now the weight of honesty. Choosing to share who I am with people because I know I’m not unique in my experiences so there must be people in the world that feel like I’ve felt when it comes to their identity."
"Now the song is about growing, shedding skin and evolving. Letting go of the fear I had of making this project. Paying respect to the weight I have been given, the burdens of life. And the sense that that feeling is invaluable.”
The announcement of Jupiter and the release of ‘Gold’ and ‘Kobe Beef’ follows on from Forest’s collaboration with Cosmo’s Midnight on ‘Borrowed Time’ and their stunning cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' classic track ‘Can’t Stop’. It was preceded by the release of their acclaimed Everything Was Green EP, which included singles such as the addictive anthem ‘Mess Around’ featuring EARTHGANG, which earned an ARIA award for Best Soul/R&B Release, as well as ‘Motor in the Sand’ and ‘Two Years’.
An enigmatic and captivating performer, Forest has graced some of the nation’s biggest stages over the past two years, including Splendour In The Grass, Beyond The Valley, Groovin’ The Moo, Wildlands and coming up, the 2024 edition of Vivid LIVE.
Forest Claudette powers through life’s growing pains with diaristic songwriting, using their thoughtful take on alternative pop and R&B to find oases in a troubling world. Claudette explores gender identity and sexuality, the joy and sacrifice of coming out, and life’s complexities - the asteroids and stones we encounter en route to our own outer space oasis. Music has long been a tool for self-discovery in Forest's life. Their first single, 2022’s ‘Creaming Soda’ was spawned from the imposter syndrome they felt from entering the music industry so young. Themes of self-doubt and loss further molded their debut EP 'The Year of February'.
Readying themselves for new music in their most honest project to date, Forest today brings us one step closer to Jupiter with the immensely personal single, ‘Gold’.
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