Cloves is yet another exciting new talent from the Southern Hemisphere.
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, but living in London, 19-year-old singer Kaity Dunstan has garnered a lot of attention for her stunning debut single: the stripped down piano ballad “Frail Love.” Showcasing her strong, angelic voice and gifted songwriting, the — described as “classy and emotional” by the 405 — has had lots of airplay, leading to comparisons to Lana Del Rey and Adele, as well as a tour with James Bay.
Collaborating with Justin Parker (Lana Del Rey, Sia) and Rich Cooper (Mumford & Sons, Tom Odell), Cloves recently followed up with an EP, XIII, featuring “Frail Love” alongside three new breathtaking tracks. Music News Nashville wrote of it: “Hauntingly soothing, the songstress croons bittersweet tales of complicated young love in a way that is beyond her years.”
Cloves is undoubtedly an exciting name — now and for the future — and we got to know the TIDAL Rising artist a little better.
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Can you please introduce yourself?
Hello, I am Cloves. That’s usually how I introduce myself.
When and how did you first get into music?
I started out playing in pub bands when I was around 13. I was terrible but I loved it. I used to bring in new songs that I’d written for everyone to learn. We were always kicked out by 10 p.m., before the crowd started getting too drunk, when they actually started to enjoy the music.
Who were your musical heroes growing up?
My musical hero’s were Amy Winehouse, Fiona Apple, Fleetwood Mac and Etta James. I would’ve killed to be any of these individuals or bands. I also liked guitar bands like the Arctic Monkey’s and Radiohead. If I could sing like Mahalia Jackson, that would be ideal.
Name an album, artist or experience that changed your perspective on music?
I remember my dad taking me to a music shop when I was around 14. He bought me the Carol King Tapestry album. We played it in the car on the way home. I remember listening to every word intently. From then on that’s how I wanted to write my songs. Just an honest melody and an honest lyric.
Best new song you recently discovered?
It’s not new, but I only discovered it about a month ago, so it’s new to me: Dan Auerbach‘s [of the Black Keys] solo stuff is really great. Really fucking great.
Can you share us a fun fact about you or your music?
I describe my music genre as “Scandinavian soothing metal.” But I hope to progress as I mature.
What’s your favorite activity besides music?
I find that gin tasting is a great way to pass the time. That, or practicing sarcasm on unsuspecting strangers.
What’s coming next for you?
Next for me is finishing off the album. As well as some other little bits and bobs. I’m playing Coachella this year, so I’m pretty fucking excited about that.
Looking one year ahead, what was the best thing that happened to you in 2016?
The best thing that will happen to me in 2016 is that I will find my other sock that I lost in the wash last month. If you believe, you will succeed.
And finally, describe your music as if it were in physical form.
My music in physical form is an episode of The Office, if everyone had guitars and were emotional drunks.
