Today, breakout alt-R&B singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Forest Claudette releases their soulful new single ‘Moonlight’.
Replete with evocative, coming-of-age imagery and a deep groove, the track exemplifies the latest stage in Claudette’s musical evolution, accompanied by a striking and emotional video that examines identity.
“Ain’t no room when I was young, I was hooping, I was fitting right in,” they sing over guitar strumming and tropical percussion. By the stunning chorus, Claudette is ready to speak their truth: “I been thinking ‘bout moonlight, I been thinking ‘bout the boys in my life again / it’s not like me to be keeping quiet, no silence.” As ever, Forest displays an innate ability to weave their personal journey into ear-teasing, undeniable melodies.
In the visual directed by Quinn Cavin, a mild-mannered Forest sits before a TV and a Nintendo 64. On the screen, the artist does their thing in full hair, costume, and makeup: a vision of transformation and renewal. The plain-clothed Forest watches, transfixed, as their alter ego exudes a confidence that is fitting for the one-of-a-kind creative coming into their own, musically and stylistically.
Regarding the inspiration behind the track, Forest shares, “Four years ago, I saw the film Moonlight for the first time, and it changed my life. Afterward, I picked up my guitar, and this idea sort of poured out of me. I’d never felt like I had the space to hold that side of myself before, and even still, it’s taken all this time to feel comfortable, safe, and secure enough to share it with the world. One of my many favorite things about this song is that my parents agreed to play strings on it. Being able to immortalize them on something so deeply personal feels like an incredibly loud stamp or mark of their acceptance and support of who I am. It’s such a special feeling. My mom said something after watching the music video for Moonlight, she said she felt like she could see me better, as if somehow I was revealed in a new light.”
‘Moonlight’ is the first single from Claudette since the release of their four-track EP Jupiter, which featured tracks like ‘Kobe Beef’ and ‘Big Wigs’. Jupiter followed on from Forest’s collaboration with Cosmo’s Midnight on ‘Borrowed Time’ and their stunning cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ classic track ‘Can’t Stop’. It was preceded by the release of their acclaimed Everything Was Green EP, which included singles such as the addictive anthem ‘Mess Around’ featuring EARTHGANG, which earned an ARIA award for Best Soul/R&B Release, as well as ‘Motor in the Sand’ and ‘Two Years’.
An enigmatic and captivating performer, Forest has graced some of the nation’s biggest stages over the past two years, including Splendour In The Grass, Beyond The Valley, Groovin’ The Moo, Wildlands and Vivid LIVE. Coming up this July, Forest will perform a special headline show at Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel on June 28, before they open up for Omar Apollo in July, kicking off on July 15 at Melbourne’s Festival Hall, July 18 at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion and finishing up on July 19 at Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane.
Forest Claudette burst onto the scene in 2022 with their debut EP, The Year of February. Featuring celebrated singles like ‘Creaming Soda’ and ‘Hologram’, Forest wonders if they deserve stardom, while love and heartbreak were also with gems like ‘Gone Without a Trace’ and ‘Goodbye’.
Now, with ‘Moonlight’, Forest underlines their status as one of 2024’s most exciting new artists, delivering a single that is as thought-provoking as it is infectious.
Forest Claudette Tour Dates
June 28 – Chapel Off Chapel – Melbourne
July 15 — Festival Hall — Melbourne
July 18 — Horden Pavilion — Sydney
July 19 — Fortitude Music Hall — Brisbane
