Rising star Clara Hannigan is a music artist who is making waves in the music scene, having dropped her debut music video for ‘Parentheses’, we caught up with her to discuss all things music.
In a city that never sleeps, where dreams are pursued with relentless passion, Clara stands out as a rising star in the vibrant music scene of New York City. An artist with a soulful voice and a knack for storytelling, Clara’s journey into music is as inspiring as it is unique. “Music has always been a part of my life,” she says, reflecting on her early beginnings. Growing up in Maine, surrounded by the sound of her father’s instruments and her own piano lessons, Clara’s path seemed destined from the start. “I was performing throughout my childhood, and I saw that people enjoyed it,” she recalls. “But it wasn’t until I started writing songs that I realized I could truly be a musician—creating something of my own.”
For Clara, songwriting was the key that unlocked her potential as an artist. However, her journey was far from smooth. “It took a lot of practice,” she admits with a laugh. “Some of those first songs I wrote should never see the light of day because they were so bad!” But like any true artist, she persisted, refining her craft and eventually mastering the art of songwriting. The turning point came when a college friend, who was starting a studio, reached out to her. “Everything sort of snowballed from there,” she says, reflecting on the serendipity of that moment.
Four years ago, Clara took a bold step and moved to New York City, a decision that would significantly shape her artistry. “It’s undeniable that NYC is electric,” she says, her eyes lighting up. “Just being out here, seeing everyone working hard to make their dreams come true, makes me want to do the same.” The city, known for its diverse and dynamic music scene, has had a profound impact on Clara’s work. “In New York, you’re constantly seeing new things, new styles, unique art, hearing new sounds—it’s the epicentre for culture, and it inspires me to be part of it.”
This inspiration is palpable in her debut music video, “Parentheses,” a project that marks a significant milestone in her career. The song, which Clara describes as sultry and haunting, explores the emotions that surface when someone from your past reappears, only to remind you of how much you’ve grown since then. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” she muses, “but it also makes you forget why you stopped speaking in the first place. When you reconnect, you’re reminded of their true colours.”
The music video, with its old Hollywood glam and Katharine Hepburn-inspired visuals, is a stunning contrast to the behaviour of the ex-lover depicted in the story. “We wanted it to be sultry, elegant, and classy, to provide a contrast to this ex’s behaviour,” Clara explains. The creative process behind both the song and the video was a collaborative effort, something Clara values deeply in her work.
Collaboration has played a crucial role in Clara’s artistic growth. “The artists I surround myself with have made me the artist I am today,” she says with gratitude. Whether it’s brainstorming with fellow musicians or receiving invaluable advice from seasoned professionals, Clara recognizes the importance of community in her creative journey. “There are so many times when I’m at a dead end, and someone I work with will step in and say, ‘What if we try this?’ and it all clicks into place.”
Clara’s music is a fusion of her diverse influences, from jazz legends to contemporary icons like SZA and Amy Winehouse. “There are particular things I love about each of those artists, so I try to incorporate them into what I do,” she explains. Whether it’s SZA’s straightforward songwriting or Amy Winehouse’s raw, emotive vocals, Clara draws from a rich tapestry of sounds and styles, blending them into a sound that is uniquely hers. “Jazz and pop are both fun and full of expression, but in their own ways,” she says. “I want something that people can groove to, but also feel a twinge of nostalgia.”
Authenticity and emotional depth are hallmarks of Clara’s music, and she stays true to herself by channelling her personal experiences into her songs. “Making music is almost sacred to me because it’s a space where I can be my uninhibited self,” she says. For Clara, music is a form of healing—a way to transform painful memories into something beautiful. “A lot of personal experiences are hard for me to talk about, but when I make it into art, it becomes something I can share with the world.”
“We’d go around Nottingham City Centre in the early morning on placement and check in on the people who were rough sleeping. Being there and helping them, you know? That showed me how important a helping hand can be when life gets hard.” The empathy and warm that radiate through spotty Zoom service are even stronger on the track. “My hope this song just shared a bit of hope. That’s all I can ask for.”
His listeners would agree, as JERUB took some time to reminisce about heartfelt encounters with fans at shows and through social media. Even now, years into his career, he’s taken aback by how much his music means to people. “Sometimes I just cry because even in my wildest dreams I could’ve never imagined this. I’ll never forget, I had a lady come up to me after a show and tell me how my songs helped her through losing her dad. How it saved her life and it’s like, ‘what the heck?’ I’m honoured. I’m humbled.”
Empathy, inspiration, and going outside of yourself: these are the things that JERUB lives by. He discloses near the end of the interview, after having an endearing conversation with a stranger passing by, that he loves the idea that music is beyond the artist. It’s meant to go beyond just an individual, it’s about the people. “Ever since the beginning — sure, I’ll perform for myself and want to do a good job for myself. But I do write songs for people and that helps me more than myself to keep going. To keep pushing, fueling the fire, and not be numb to the world around me.”
Despite her growing success, Clara has faced her share of challenges, including overcoming self-doubt and recovering from two vocal surgeries that left her unable to sing for over two years. “Losing my voice for that long was really tough,” she confesses. “But it has made me appreciate getting it back on a whole different level.” These experiences have only fueled her determination to make the most of her talents and to continue growing as an artist.
Looking back, Clara credits her Maine upbringing and early musical experiences for shaping her into the artist she is today. “Playing piano and being around my dad has been a huge influence,” she says. “Growing up in Maine was wonderful, but it also gave me an itch to explore the rest of the world and see who I could become.”
As Clara looks to the future, she is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. “I would love to perform all over the world someday and collaborate with other artists,” she says with enthusiasm. But for now, her focus remains on staying grounded, continuing to practice, and always looking for ways to improve. “I never want to think I’ve got it all figured out,” she says. “There are so many resources to draw from, so many artists to see and listen to, and I just want to be part of that process.”
With a growing fanbase and an ever-evolving sound, Clara is an artist to watch in the coming years. Her journey from Maine to New York City is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. And as her music continues to resonate with listeners, there’s no doubt that Clara’s star will only continue to rise.