Everything was Green
Last time we spoke to Forest Claudette they had just released their debut EP ‘The Year Of February’. One year on and they are back with their intoxicating new EP ‘Everything Was Green’. Furthering their arc of emotional growth, ‘Everything Was Green’ travels with Forest through pivotal moments of both safety and fear, as they carefully construct each track through an intentional use of their own diverse musical background. As usual, even their funeral song choices are brilliant, and we are continually falling more and more in love with this delicately powerful talent.
Outside of your art form, where do you find inspiration?
I’d say I often get inspired by regular life. I get inspired by things like the phrases used by people around me, or when I get a quiet moment to myself and I have the space to ruminate on what’s been going on that day or week, something usually comes to the surface. A sentence or a feeling, and I just try to capture that as best I can at the time.
Where do you think you get your personal power from?
I feel like my personal power comes from getting to know myself better. The moments when I know how I feel and who I am to the point of not caring what other people think about it.
Is there something you learnt early in your career that you have now disproven?
For me personally, I’m actively working to unlearn a few things. Taking things too seriously is definitely one of them. I think because I love the idea of embedding everything I do with meaning and authentic experience, sometimes I skip steps trying to filter each part of the writing process through that lens. But especially when an idea is just starting out, I need to simply enjoy the process of creating.
Within your immediate circle of friends and family or chosen family who is your hero and why?
This is sort of an impossible question. I look up to all the people that are closest to me for so many different reasons. I feel like the word “Sonder” is more commonly known now since Brent Faiyaz used it for his band/collective, but discovering that word was such a wonderful experience for me and it feels applicable here. Everyone in my life has had unique and incredibly detailed experiences that make them who they are. So there are things that they innately do that are almost magical to me. Like everyone can do something or think in a certain way or see from another perspective I’ve not yet been exposed to. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by folks that consistently remind me why I respect them.
“Everyone in my life has had unique and incredibly detailed experiences that make them who they are. So there are things that they innately do that are almost magical to me.”
How much of a role do other musicians play in your work?
Other musicians play a huge role in my work. I’ve been able to collaborate with so many talented and unique folks. From writing to arranging and producing and performing, everything I’ve released so far has been touched by other musicians. I’m also very grateful to have fellow artists around me that I can talk to about all the madness that comes with being apart of this industry.
Is there a specific sonic theme, genre or instrument that you draw pure joy from?
There are many. But first thing that comes to mind is mid to late 60’s and 70’s Soul/R&B. Actually more generally the music Black folks made during those eras was more diverse than those genres. Folks like Jackie Wilson, Irma Thomas, Minnie Ripperton, Curtis Mayfield, the list is forever long. Like seriously one of my favourite things is just how much music there is to discover across that time period.
What are the core values behind your art?
Being honest, authentic, and considered.
What would be your ultimate song to cover?
Cranes in the Sky - Solange
Who is on your dream collaboration list?
André 3000, Solange, Little Simz, Noname
Are there any creatives you'd like to platform right now?
Monica Martin, Ricki Monique, Monnie, Miss Kaninna
If you could grant a wish for someone, who and what would it be?
I would grant my niece’s wish of becoming a mermaid.
What are you holding whilst posing for an oil painting?
My hand would be surrounded by a small swarm of honey bees.
Funeral song(s)?
Celebrate - Anderson .Paak
Short and Sweet - Brittany Howard
How Did You Get Here - Little Simz
Everything Is Gonna Be Alright - Infinity Song
Love Is Everywhere - Pharoah Sanders
You have a free plane ticket, where are you going?
Right now I think I’d go to Nigeria.
Who are you taking on a date, and where are you going? (time travel is allowed)
Otis Redding for sure. We’re going to six flags.
Have you ever experienced true love?
I feel like true love is some capitalist bullsh*t term but real love is what I am currently experiencing.
What's your most used emojis?
Atm and I just found out is I love you in ASL
If you could learn one new skill instantly, what would it be?
Hands down it’d be shape shifting. But if it wasn’t like a supernatural skill it’d be piano.
See more from Forrest Claudette here / Listen to Everything Was Green is here
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