Chloe Kae - Misconception/Recluse
The debut track from Chloe Kae, the other half of Kllo with her cousin Simon Lam, Australia’s Chloe Kaul presents her immaculate first with track “Misconception”. Working almost exclusively with Kllo since their 2014 inception, “Misconception” represents a moment of critical mass for the Aussie vocalist. Stepping out of her comfort zone to “experiment a little more”, Chloe found herself working with producer Machinedrum on her latest number, whilst retaining Kllo regulars; Simon Lam on track engineering and Andrei Eremin on the mastering. Defined by its restraint, the introversion behind “Misconception” is carried forth by its soft and subtle piano ambiance. Though her vocals maintained through her gentle purr, as per Kllo, Chloe once again capitalizes on the percussive tones of her vocals. On the track, the quiet anguish of Chloe’s vocals are contrasted to an otherworldly ethereality that shimmer to its crystalline architecture. Offering a first look into the ethos of Chloe Kae, Kaul spoke with brevity about her natural introversion which has stayed with her longer than she’d like to admit:
“‘When I started vocal lessons at 15, I’d sing with my back turned. This was to a class of four or five people. When I started performing at open mics with my guitar, I'd hide away in the bathroom until it was time to go on stage. It wasn't until I started playing shows with Kllo that I managed to control my nerves, only because I had other people that I didn't want to let down. I just learned to push through with the nerves and I've held onto that mentality ever since. I actually find performing in front of big crowds a little less daunting as there's so much going on, which gives me less of a chance to focus on my insecurities’.”
Expanding on the experience on working on her very first track, Chloe had this to say on “Misconception” and the dream of working with producer Machinedrum:
“‘Misconception’ was written with Machinedrum in one of the first sessions I had in LA. I was in disbelief, knowing I’d be collaborating with one of my favorite artists. It was incredibly genuine and organic working with him from his home studio. We finished the structure and melodies in the first session, I just had to figure out the lyrics afterwards, which flowed naturally in such a solitary time in my life’.”
The dream-like textures of “Misconception” are captured in the visuals from previous collaborator Edward Goldner with direction and creative input from Chloe herself, while also serving as her own stylist. Accompanying “Misconception” we also find B-side “Recluse” which moves more along the traditional Kllo territory with its shuffling, breakbeat percussion. It’s a track that works on several contrasting textures, one where Chloe’s vocals flow with easing legato that is juxtaposed to the snappy pop of its drums and the uneasy of footing from the wobbly haze of its melodic detune.
You can check out “Recluse” beside the dreamy, visual lush in her debut video for “Misconception”:
