by lauren kovolenko
photo by hunter baker
As writers for Unclear Magazine, we are honored to talk to a wide variety of artists and creatives. This time around, I got the chance to talk to one of the coolest young people in the music world right now — Claire Rosinkranz! We talk about tours, personality, and finding your sound. We hope you enjoy what you read!
When did you start writing music? How was music introduced to you?
Claire: “I started writing at eight years old and was lucky enough to be introduced to music though my family.”
How would you describe your sound and music to someone who's never listened before?
Claire: “Honestly, I don’t know. I feel so wrapped up in what I’m making all the time that I don’t even know what it is. So, I usually just tell people to listen to it and if they like it, great! I want people to take time to explore the music and see how it resonates with them.”
There's no doubt you have a major influence online, with TikTok success particularly. How did the virality of “Backyard Boy” change your life?
Claire: “It gave me A LOT of amazing opportunities and ones that forced me learn and grow in ways I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for that song. I’m very thankful for it.”
What was your writing process like on BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd? Did that same process apply to your other singles/EPs that followed?
Claire: “My writing and creative process is constantly changing. It’s usually me writing on a guitar or piano. Back then, I was writing about whatever was in 16 year old Claire’s brain, and now I write about what’s going on in my head at 18.”
Where does your influence come from within your writings? Are any of your lyrics based on real events?
Claire: “I write about EVERYTHING I feel or think in my journal. A lot of that stuff makes its way into my music.”
Are you planning on releasing a full-length album in the near future? Any hints on what the all-encompassing vibe will be?
Claire: “I’m releasing an album near the beginning of the next year, potentially in February. Just a lot of songs I’m really excited about… but it’s more fun to keep you all guessing.”
When you aren't creating music, what are you doing? How do you find your calm in such a busy industry?
Claire: “Love hitting the beach, driving around in my car, and hanging with my fam and friends.”
As a young person with a voice, do you have any inspiring words to share with our readers?
Claire: “We’re put on this Earth to be nobody but ourselves. Pursue whatever you really, really want to do and SHARE IT. Nobody actually cares that much, and if they do, why are you listening to them? Don’t get stuck living in somebody else’s brain.”
What has been your favorite project and song lyric to date?
Claire: “Favorite project: probably my upcoming LP, and all of the lyrics in one of my songs off the project, called ‘Polarized.’”
You have collaborated with a few people thus far — what was that process like for you? Do you want to do more in the future?
Claire: “All of my collabs so far have been a good time, easy. All were done during the Covid-era (safely, of course). Def looking forward to doing future collabs.”
photo by hunter baker
Congratulations on your recent tour with Alec Benjamin! What are you most excited for while touring?
Claire: “Thanks! Really looking forward to being in new cities, new coffee shops, new vintage/thrift stores, and most of all, performing!”
What is one personal and one career goal you'd love to achieve? What does the word "success" look like to you?
Claire: “Personal goal: surfing. Career goal: do a tour overseas and make more music. I don’t really know what success looks like to me. I’m kind of a perfectionist, so I’m constantly hard on myself to do more and be better. Workin’ on giving myself more grace lol.”
Where do you want to go from here? Do you plan on pursuing music long term?
Claire: “I’m open to trying, learning and picking up new things, but music will always be number one.”
If you weren't doing music, what do you think your life would look like?
Claire: “Honestly, no clue.”