Clara Joy – What We Have Now

By starrymag | May 19, 2025

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as a kind of poetry meets music hybrid. I’m always placing a heavy emphasis on the lyrics. Words really matter to me in a song, and I’m always looking for ways to place text over music in a way that deconstructs the traditional utility of how songs are supposed to function. I’m very inspired by poets and filmmakers who use each space in a text to make each line as meaningful as possible. 

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) It’s always changing. My top 3 influences right now would be Beck, Of Montreal and Shelley Hirsch. But, generally speaking, Daniel Johnston, Greta Kline and Kimya Dawson are staple influences across most of my music. 

 

Q) You are the granddaughter of Alison Knowles and Dick Higgins, who were responsible for the Fluxus movement. Did your grandparents have any influence over your style of music?

 

A) Yes, absolutely. Alison’s piece Natural Assemblages Of The True Crow is a great example of expanding/repurposing language and text as a way to create a work that is so multifaceted that it surpasses all labels and categories; it’s very freeing and courageous.

Of course, I’m very inspired by my grandparents.I’m so grateful to be immersed in the culture they created; it’s inspiring. 

 

Q) Tell us the story behind your latest single “Breakdown.”

 

A) I had COVID and I was locked in my bedroom – I was looking out at the buildings through my window and was writing poetry about how the buildings looked like little tin lunch boxes and I began to try to write a poem about how packaged our material environment is. 

I then expanded that poem into the song “Breakdown” – it took a long time to write the entire song. 

 

Q) Since its release, what has been the reaction from fans and listeners to “Breakdown?”

 

A) People have a very strong reaction to the music video, which features footage of me as a very young girl saying hello to the camera and running into my house in the woods. The video pans to me playing a guitar with white paint and filling the guitar with soil and flowers. The reaction has been very emotional – many people have told me that the song reveals something about our time now that they felt connected to. I am so happy to hear that, it’s what I hope to do!

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can begin crafting lyrics?

 

A) The process usually begins with writing the lyrics first. I almost never start with music. But when I do, I usually have a melody I make on the guitar and once I have it I take a step away from the guitar and begin writing the song. I also sometimes hear sentences or phrases around me that I pick up for songs etc. 

 

Q) “Breakdown” is the first single off your upcoming album What We Have Now, which is coming out May 23rd. What can fans look forward to with the new music?

 

A) This album experiments with lyrics much more than my past albums. This album in my opinion has a more flaming lips style to it, the music is more experimental than other albums. There is a jungle music track, it’s a lot more colorful than other albums I’ve released. Many thanks to Kramer of Shimmy Disc who helped produce and play on this album. 

 

Q) Which song was your favorite to write and record for What We Have Now?

 

A) My favorite song to write was “Don’t Wanna Go Home” because the lyrics were really funny to write. I was laughing out loud in my room while writing the song on the floor. It was a very freeing experience, excited for people to hear that song. 

The most fun to record was a special digital-only bonus track that is found through the download link on every purchase of the LP. That track was the most fun because I used all sorts of random items from my room in the recording session like pens and lighters and keys, etc. I also love the lyrics because they are very cyberpunk inspired. 

 

Q) What emotion or message do you hope lingers with those who fully explore What We Have Now?

 

A) I hope the title of the album lingers, and I hope to demonstrate that we can feel safe enough to creatively respond to what we’re experiencing in our world today. 

 

Q) Who are some artists that you would love to collaborate with on music in the future?

 

A) Cooper B Handy (LUCY), The Flaming Lips, Of Montreal, Butthole Surfers, Shelley Hirsch, Richard Hell – I know he’s controversial but I do think Ariel Pink is a musical genius. Medio Mutante, Beck, CGI Jesus, Tamio Siraisi, Elliot Sharp, Kali Malone, Kimya Dawson, Diamanda Galas and so many artists. 

 

Q) Which song is your favorite to perform at live shows?

 

A) My favorite song to perform is either this secret track on the new album or “Breakdown.”

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music? 

 

A) I love you please say hi if you see me.