Chloe Matharu is a singer-songwriter and Celtic Harpist in Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde. Following her well-received debut single ‘Clyde Islands’ released in June, Chloe recently releases her new single ‘Catching A Free Ride’, the second single from her forthcoming debut album ‘Small Voyages’ due for release on September 16th, 2022.
Many of Chloe’s songs draw on her experience as a Navigational Officer in the Merchant Navy, sailing around the world on oil tankers and are inspired by the natural world experienced at sea. As a result, her thoughtful and sensitive songwriting offers an insight into the modern seafarer’s life. Chloe’s voice, coupled with her harp playing, forms a haunting combination perfectly suited to the reflective nature of her material.
When explaining the meaning behind the new single, Chloe explains, “This is a song I wrote for my daughter following a stroke and diagnosis of a rare neurological condition. I was in quite a dark place while we were in hospital following her injury, but her bright sweet soul kept me going and helped lift me through the difficult times. It was then I realised that children are our best teachers and we can draw so much wisdom from them. I am truly blessed. This song came to me in waves of love and emotion and I completed it in one sitting at the harp”.
Catching a Free Ride has a natural ebb and flow and a beautiful dynamic movement that carries the listener along. She is most certainly a name to watch for.
Pre-Save: https://listen.scot/cmcfr
In her recorded work, Chloe blends field recordings of the natural world with that of the harp, creating an evocative backdrop for her emotive lyrics and melodies. Her music offers a new maritime narrative, the voice of the female seafarer and her talent affords a refreshing outlook on this new tradition of maritime Folk music.
Of Scottish, Welsh and Punjabi heritage, Chloe sings both in English and Welsh. Whilst crossing boundaries in her career at sea, Chloe is keen to explore breaking down cultural and gender barriers through the language of music.
Since starting to perform live in October 2021, Chloe has enjoyed playing an impressive line up including venues such as DKOS Celtic Connections, Glad Cafe Glasgow, Greenote in London, Beacon Arts Centre Inverclyde, Cwtch Café Pembrokeshire, Unearthed Festival, Fishguard Folk Festival, Fringe by the Sea and Hartlepool Folk Festival, to name a few. She has also recently been chosen as one of the sixteen artists selected globally for the Fatea Showcase, Canada.
Chloe’s eagerly awaited debut album ‘Small Voyages’, which was recorded at Dramatic Studios in Ayr and produced by musician and producer Brian MacDonald of the MacDonald Brothers duo, is due for release on September 16th 2022.
Chloe Matharu Tour Dates
19.08.22 – Acoustic Music Centre – EDINBURGH
3.09.22 – Broadhaven YHA -PEMBROKESHIRE
10.09.22 – Redcatch Folk Club – BRISTOL
17.09.22 – Cwtch Café – PEMBROKESHIRE
1.10.22 – Hartlepool Folk Festival – HARTLEPOOL
17.10.22 – Green Note – LONDON
23.10.22 – Glad Café – GLASGOW
30.10.22 – Shambellie House – DUMFRIES
26.11.22 – Wighton – DUNDEE
More here: https://chloematharu.co.uk/