At just 18 years old, the Los Angeles-based, Florida-raised Cloe Wilder has captivated audiences with her evocative storytelling and dreamy folk melodies.
Her latest single, Cigarette, co-written with Spencer Sutherland and Sam Nicolosi, delves into teenage transitions with poignant lyricism. Released on January 22, the song features a catchy chorus reflecting on youth, change, and fleeting connections: “I was holding my breath, I was counting to ten, I was trying my first ever cigarette. You were already gone, left me there with your friends.” [PRESS HERE to listen] and [PRESS HERE to watch the official music video], directed by Jesse DeFlorio.
Her latest single, Cigarette, serves as the first taste of her upcoming EP, set for release this spring. With an ever-growing fan base and undeniable talent, Cloe Wilder is making waves in the folk and Americana scene. She is currently supporting Spencer Sutherland on his North American tour, including a stop in Albuquerque at the Sunshine Theater on February 25. With 26 shows lined up across North America (February 23rd through April 8th) and a fresh batch of music on the horizon, Wilder is proving to be an artist to watch in 2025 and beyond.
Wilder’s journey into folk and Americana music developed naturally. Though always drawn to the genre, she found her songwriting shifting toward folk a few years ago, feeling most at home in that space. Influenced by artists like Bon Iver, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, and The Lumineers, as well as growing up on Johnny Cash, she seamlessly blends traditional storytelling with fresh, contemporary elements. “I think that music was already in my blood,” she shares. “I had new stories to tell, and I felt really comfortable in the folk space.”
Critics and publications have taken notice of her unique artistry. Ones To Watch describes her songwriting as a lullaby that “lulls you into forgetting her short number of years in life’s whirlpool of bruised thoughts, feelings, and skin.” 1883 Magazine states that her songs feature “songwriting that could compete with some of the greatest storytellers of this generation.” Wonderland Magazine praises her “rustic sonic palette, soft vocal timbre, and evocative narratives,” while Pop Passion Blog compares her to “a Floridian young Taylor Swift.”
Despite her youth, Wilder brings a mature perspective to her music, though she has learned to embrace her age as part of her artistic identity. “My age used to be my whole songwriting personality. I
was obsessed with being young and proving I could be mature at the same time. Now, I just want to be the most honest writer I can be,” she explains. She acknowledges that while her age gives her a unique perspective, she hopes to maintain the same passion for storytelling throughout her career. “I also hope to have the same feeling in 30 years.”
As a songwriter, Wilder draws inspiration from the people around her—conversations, interactions, and moments of impact. “A song can come from something so earth-shattering, or just from a guy I talked to at a party,” she says. Her creative process is fluid; she no longer relies on a structured approach, allowing songs to develop naturally, whether through lyrics, melody, or an idea that lingers. “Sometimes, I sit down at the piano and play until something stands out. Other times, I’ll have written a few lines that I can’t shake. It’s all a little unexpected, which I’ve grown to love.”
Wilder made her musical debut at just 14 with her first EP, Teenage Lullabies, in 2021. In just a few years, she’s accumulated over 10 million total streams and received media support from Just Jared, Wonderland, 1883 Magazine, and Stitched Sound. She has earned a reputation for her emotive songwriting and captivating stage presence, seamlessly blending traditional folk roots with modern influences. Collaborating with artists like Angus & Julia Stone, Nicolosi, Merōn, EZI, Jackie Young, and Mike Molina, she continues to evolve as an artist, merging introspective storytelling with catchy melodies.
Tallahassee is one of her most personal songs, capturing a deeply specific moment in time for the artist. “I used to spend a lot of time in Tallahassee. My life has changed a lot in the last year, and I was grieving some relationships,” she reveals. Her connection to place is a recurring theme in her music, particularly her upbringing in Florida. “I’m obsessed with writing about Florida. It’s a beautiful place, but I got pretty angsty toward the end of living there. There’s something about being a teenager in Florida that shaped me.”
Though still emerging, Wilder has faced challenges breaking into the industry but remains confident in her artistic vision. “I’ve always been so sure of myself, and nothing ever really got to me. If something wasn’t working, I always parted ways with that person,” she shares.
With a bright future ahead, Wilder continues to embrace growth, both personally and musically. Her storytelling remains raw and heartfelt, capturing universal emotions through a deeply personal lens. As she prepares for her EP release and continues her North American tour, fans can expect even more compelling music from this rising star. Wilder’s journey is just beginning, and with her passion, talent, and authenticity, she is sure to leave a lasting impact on folk and Americana music.
Get your last minute tickets here: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/434185?tc=sunshinetheaterlive&_ga=2.255557519.669599578.1740435774-1080521248.1740435774
Follow Cloe Wilder: Instagram // TikTok // Facebook // Website // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Music
Article By ABQLive Staff
Photos Courtesy of Cloe Wilder
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