Clara La San is ending a major year of touring across North America with the recent release of singles News and Old Me. With the epic, dark and cinematic video for the latter dropping this week, we caught up with Clara to talk making new music and building the brilliant, blossoming world of Clara La San:

We love your recently released music, especially Old Me. How did this song begin? What was the catalyst?

I wrote Old Me in Los Angeles alongside Justin Raisin and Lewis Pesacov. The session started by Justin playing me some loops and I found that one of them in particular really resonated with me. Instinctively I’m drawn to melodies that feel melancholic, so when I heard his piano loop I knew instantly we had to build on it.

What did they bring to your sonic world?

Working with them allowed me to approach writing though a different scope and I’m so grateful for their input. The energy of Justin and Lewis in the sessions made me want to push something different that still felt inherently me, which I find really inspiring.

Where have you been crafting the new music? Has there been an environment that has been specifically conducive?

At the moment I’ve been writing from my home studio in the UK. I find I work well when I isolate myself and I like to explore what comes from that. I go through phases though, there are times when I like to be around people but for now I just want to be alone.

How does England and growing up there infuse into your sound?

The weather definitely plays a part. Maybe the bleakness sometimes comes through in my thoughts while writing music. I’m not saying it would change if my environment was different, it’s just easier for me to get into my preferred mindset here.

With this new music coming out, how do you think you have grown and evolved as an artist since your 2024 debut album? Are you creating differently now?

I feel like I’m continually evolving my sound. I guess it’s all a process though because I’m constantly learning new things, but I can’t take all the credit for that. I have a lot of people around me who I am grateful for, who inspire me to no end.

We love all your visuals, especially the music video for News. Tell us about bringing your music to life within this new chapter and what was on your mental moodboard?

Thank you. I’m happy to hear you like them. Visually I just want to share with people something that is honest and builds upon what is already there with the music.

Are there either artists that have been exciting and inspiring you recently? Who is on your radar?

I’ve been kind of switched off to new music lately due to touring and various other things. I go days without listening to music but if I do hear something I like I’ll binge on it. I’ll play it over and over again until I get bored. The last time I remember doing that was on my flight to LA. The song was On My Back by Cardi B. That beat is hard.

We also love your style. Is fashion important to you? How do you style yourself? Is there anyone whose style you admire?

For me clothing is a language we wear. I usually style myself but recently I’ve been working with a close friend of mine who I find really inspiring, so we’ve just been enjoying having fun with pieces, figuring things out.

What’s something important to you aside from music? Something your passionate about that you want to use your growing platform for?

I love building the world from a visual perspective so that’s something I’ll continually do.

What’s next?

Continue being me.

Listen to Clara La San HERE.

@clara_la_san