Chiara Young – Stupid Happy

By starrymag | February 28, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would say my sound is kind of “genre-neutral,” as I like to call it! Kind of a mashup between alternative, pop and my pure angsty punk roots

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I have so many influences it’s hard to pinpoint one or two. [laughs] But definitely Blink 182 and Green Day changes how I thought about music from a very young age. Then, my taste transpired, and I got more into Charli XCX, The XX, Chet Faker, Lorde, Low Roar and cigarettes after sex! But also, my taste broadens even wider because I grew up on old music and was heavy influenced by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Gary and the Playboys. [laughs]

 

Q) What do you think it is about the Toronto music scene that has made it so popular these days?

 

A) I think the outdated idea of “having to be American” to make it is long gone. Since [Justin] Bieber and Drake turn a lot of attention to Canadian talent, which is plentiful.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Stupid Happy.” What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I wrote “Stupid Happy” about being grateful for what you have, even during hard times – and most of us are living through hard times right now (the pandemic)!

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video was about DIY – in a day – just having some fun, painting: basically, just me being Stupid Happy in my own element!

 

Q) I love your previous track “I Don’t Wear Skirts,” as it is such a feminist anthem. What kind of fan response have you received to it?

 

A) I appreciate that! That’s exactly what I was going for. The response from the fans has been great. Tons of positive feedback, especially from female identifying folx, relating to the message of being yourself and not giving a f*** about what people tell you what to wear or not!!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? 

 

A) Because I produce most of my own music, it’s such a different process every time! Sometimes I start with a melody, a lyric or even a voice note. Sometimes even just a snare sample can inspire something crazy to explore.

 

Q) Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Not always. It’s different every time. “Skirts” came from a voice note I hummed into my phone. “Stupid Happy” came about during a Zoom session with another artist. It’s different every time.

 

Q) How do you usually shake off a long day in the studio?

 

A) Video games – mostly Nintendo Switch and PS4. Just beat Zelda BOTW for the third time.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes – this Spring, a small three song EP called How to Lose People. Stay tuned!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love my hometown, Toronto, because it’s just a big happy friends and family affair.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Justin Bieber, obviously!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) To be honest, I haven’t been listening to much music these days because I’ve been creating, and I don’t like accidental influence when I have a direction in mind. But occasionally I’ll throw on New Music Friday and check out all the news tracks.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Well, these days it’s really one of the only ways to connect with your fans. Things are getting better in terms of concerts, but for the last two years if an artist had no social media, where would they be?

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you so much! Honestly, it means the world to me, especially in these times of extreme saturation and small attention spans. So, to spend any of it on me is great honor. New music coming soon!