'5 Questions With': Chloe Bodur

Often, sadness is the most potent catalyst for creating emotive music. Chloe Bodur understands this artistic quandary on a deeper level, and with the incoming arrival of her debut EP “Mavi”, the rising songstress is laying it all bare; the good, the bad, and the self-introspection that helped her to find her own voice and musical identity. Equate caught up with Bodur last week to discuss the projects’ lead single “Static Flow”, as well as the sessions she spent sobbing and song-writing in the company of renowned producer JD Reid, that resolvedly informed her most honest body of work to date.

Read the full interview below…

Words by Tahirah Thomas

EQ: Hey Chloe! You’ve just released “Static Flow” - the first single from your upcoming EP ‘Mavi”; why did you decide to lead with this song in particular?

C: I wanted to shoot the music video! When I was writing the track, I already had an idea for visuals in mind. I had this vision of just driving around in a car with the roof down, dancing to the song, and capturing that sense of joy and freedom you feel when you can be yourself; by yourself. I’m so happy that the video turned out exactly how I pictured it in my head.

EQ: Alongside the visuals, the tracks ’production also mirrors the name. The sounds on there are very static and flowy both sonically and melodically. Tell us more about the process that went into producing it with your cousin JD Reid?

C: It was super nice. We’re really close so he tends to pull the best lyrics out of me. He always knows exactly what’s going on in my life so I never have to hold back anything in our writing sessions. Honestly, there have been a few sessions where I’ve just sobbed for 70% of the time! I couldn’t do that with any other producer, so I’m super grateful I get to make music with JD! He’s amazing at what he does and has such a great ear for harmonies too so we always have fun layering them up on tracks. Also, on this track, my little brother Olly sang some backing vocals, so it really was a whole family affair!

EQ: You’ve described the song as being about ‘feeling the need to code-switch in certain relationships’, and the dissonance that that creates for you when you’re left alone with your own thoughts. Do you have any tips for girls who want to embrace all sides of themselves fully in the way that they present to the world?

C: It does come with age; well, it did for me at least. I don’t think anyone can really know who they are until they’ve experienced enough life – so just be yourself until that time comes for you. I think writing this song helped me to solidify an idea of identity in my mind; at least artistically. Most people have different sides of themselves that come out in different situations and settings, but I’ve realised that that’s okay. If anything, it’s a positive trait to have. This body of work helped me to realise that my personality is just an erratic amalgamation of all the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met throughout my life - which is pretty sweet.

EQ: That is sweet – I love that! On the other hand, the song is very melancholy and poetic lyrically; what’s your standout lyric and why?

C: “She’s so loud when her voice is found” is a super meaningful one for me. It’s not always been so easy for me to have my voice heard in the past, being a young woman of colour and an independent artist in the music industry. I’m finding that voice now and more than that, I’m putting it to good use; I’m super proud of that.

EQ: Lastly, tell us what we can expect from the rest of the EP? What are you exploring with this new musical chapter and what do you hope this music will do for people?

C: I never want to do the same thing twice, so I’m always trying to switch it up. I didn’t get to work with any of my bandmates on this project due to covid, so it’s been a new experience working exclusively with JD Reid on “Mavi”. I think the blend of our two contrasting styles has created something unique. This EP really gave us the chance to experiment with more electronic sounds. Overall, every one of these songs highlights a different aspect of sadness, being that they were all were written at some of my lowest moments over the last few years. Writing them certainly comforted me and I feel much better for it. So, I hope other people going through similar pain can find some comfort in them too.

Watch the ‘Static Flow’ music video below…

YouTube/Chloe Bodur

Keep up with Chloe Bodur on socials:

Twitter: @c_bodurmusic

Instagram: @chloebodurmusic