Meet The Musos: Get To Know Naarm-Based Queer Artist Chloe: The Brand

Naarm-based queer artist Chloe: The Brand (aka Chloe McMahon) is back with a dreamy, hyper-pop track called Co-Star - and it's bound to be a regular on your favourite playlist.

With a sound reminiscent of iconic pop stars like Mallrat, King Princess and Yergurl, the new track explores themes of incompatibility and astrology filled with catchy and relatable lyrics that speak to anyone who has ever felt that their horoscope was to blame for a failed relationship.

“Co-Star is about astrology and incompatibility. I wrote Co-Star about a girl I was seeing (very) casually in my first semester of Uni. I would try to justify her lack of communication- 'She has a Capricorn moon!'. I couldn’t admit to myself that she just didn’t like me very much,” Chloe explained. 

Ahead of kicking off her first headliner show live at The Workers Club in Fitzroy VIC on Thursday 11th of May, Chloe said, “I am so excited to play my first ever headline show in May. As a queer artist, I have always looked up to femme and gender-diverse musicians." 

"I am in the process of curating a line-up that is diverse and femme-fronted. I cannot wait to share everything I’ve been working on."

We got to know Chloe: The Brand as part of our Meet The Musos series - check it out below.

PS: Give us the story behind your name?

Chloe: When I was first brainstorming artist names my mum suggested that I call myself Chloe. I told her I couldn’t because there was already Chloé, the brand that sells designer bags. 

My dad laughed and said, “why don’t you call yourself chloe: the brand?”.

PS: If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?

Chloe: I think my music would taste fizzy and sweet, maybe like vanilla Pepsi?

PS: Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your own sound and style?

Chloe: I’ve always been a big Mallrat fan, I’ve seen her live a million times. Her first EP Uninvited made me fall in love with electronic music. I’m also so inspired by the lyricism of Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift. 

Their writing is so candid and blunt. They never apologise for feeling things all the way.

PS: What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

Chloe: Hearing Declan Byrne play Thinking on triple j’s Home and Hosed was sooooo exciting. 

I was in Year 11 at the time and had entered the song in triple j’s Unearthed High competition. Listening to my voice on the radio was incredibly surreal. It really cemented my love for writing, making and sharing music.

PS: What's the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from when writing a song?

The first song I released as Chloe: The Brand was called I cut my knee. I thought of the chorus lyric, “I cut my knee on the patriarchy”, in the shower. 

I was shaving my legs when the razor slipped and caught my skin. I thought it was ironic that in trying to make myself more beautiful, I had made myself bleed.

PS: Can you share a hilarious or cringe-worthy moment from your early days as an artist?

Chloe: I feel like I’m still in my cringe era if I’m being honest. I’ve been trying to promote my music on TikTok more, which is something I find so scary. 

I’m really working hard to care less about what people think of me.

PS: What are the top three tracks or artists you’re vibing on rn?

Chloe: I’m obsessed with the new boygenius album, it’s so amazing to see queer women in music topping the charts. 

I’m also forever spinning Hallie’s most recent EP, This is Love. I think they’re incredible and definitely one to watch. 

My third track would have to be boythots by daine. I’m really into hyper pop at the moment!

PS: What’s something that fans might not know about you?

Chloe: I did a semester of a Science degree before I decided it wasn’t for me. I was going to major in Physics…

PS: If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Chloe: It would have to be Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers. Every single song on that album means the world to me. Phoebe’s lyricism is something I aspire to as a writer. In the words of Taylor Swift, “If [Phoebe Bridgers] sings it, I will listen to it”.

PS: What's in the works for you in 2023?

Chloe: I’m in the process of recording a new song which I’m super excited to release!!!!! I also have my first-ever headline show coming up on Thursday, the 11th of May. 

I have an awesome line-up of femme musicians supporting me (and in my band!). I can’t wait to share everything I’ve been working on.