From Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia comes an unexpected powerhouse performer known as Forest Claudette. With a sound that fuses soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, they explore themes of identity, love, and personal growth. Embracing their non-binary identity, Claudette creates a safe space for listeners, inviting them to reflect on their journeys of boundary-breaking self-discovery. Their acclaimed projects, including “Everything Was Green” and now their latest double EP “Jupiter & Stone Between”, showcase their unique take on identity, individualism, and a universal sense of empathy and connection
“Jupiter”, is all about creating a safe space for non-binary folks, with Claudette themself describing it as a home where everyone can feel accepted and loved. It’s a powerful reminder that, no matter how tough things get, there’s a place where you truly belong. This theme runs deep through the entire project, surely with the intent of sparking a thoughtful dialogue about gender identity and the challenges surrounding such a complex and even polemical topic.
Let’s dive into “& Stone Between”. This part of the project really captures the beautiful chaos of life. Claudette reminds us that while we’re all on our personal journeys, life doesn’t just pause for a breather. It keeps rolling, with its highs and lows, and that duality shines through in the music. The reflective lyrics intertwine with the deep and eclectic R&B sound that has come to characterize Claudette, inviting you to think deeply while also stirring your very soul.
One track that really stands out is “Big Wigs” which is a full-on audiovisual experience that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The music video is a feast that uses cutting-edge volumetric technology that makes you feel like you’re right there with Forest Claudette in that intimate space with its full 360-degree range. This collaboration with Arcturus is a game-changer, finding new ways to deliver the music, almost reinventing music videos in a way you’ve never seen before.
Musically, “Jupiter & Stone Between” is a celebration of growth and self-discovery. The four tracks in “Jupiter” focus on empowerment and embracing who you are, while “& Stone Between” tackles the intricacies of love and life’s hurdles, proving that even after self-discovery there is an uncontrollable world outside yourself that -yeah- sometimes cares but often just doesn’t. Together, these two sides make for an interesting narrative that can even be taken as cyclical, as each piece leads up to the next because that’s more or less how it goes with life: Sometimes a lesson has to be learned over and over again, and you may never master it.
With the release of “Jupiter & Stone Between”, Claudette continues to prove that they are more than just an artist, they also are a compelling storyteller, weaving together themes of love, acceptance, and a diverse and under-explored aspect of a modern human experience. As they carve out their path in the music industry, it’s evident that Forest Claudette is a distinctive voice, leaving an indelible mark on all who encounter their work.
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