Chloe Castledine is a local singer-songwriter with an angelic voice. Although a graduate of Drama at the University of South Australia, Chloe has gone on to pursue her love for music and recently released her own EP, titled ‘Don’t Forget Me’ which is available on iTunes. Chloe’s career took a big step when she was asked to compose the theme song, ‘Don’t Forget Me’ from the feature film, ‘2.37’. As well as performing as a solo vocalist, Chloe sings in a jazz band, sings in the group “Angels” and provides the vocals to the character ‘bubbles’ in the kids show “The Fairies”.
I had the opportunity to catch up with Chloe and find out more about this exciting artist.
When did you start being involved with music?
When I was 5 years old, my parents organised piano lessons for me. When I was 8 years old I also learnt violin. I continued with both these instruments til High school. If there was anything musical at primary school, high school and university; choirs, musicals, orchestras, ensembles…I did it. Basically, when I have NOT been involved in music!
Has music always a big passion of yours?
Music is a huge passion of mine. It’s something I can listen to, sing, write, teach and perform all day and not get bored of it. I’m fortunate enough to now be earning money full time from something that has always been a hobby, so there’s never a dull moment!
I also noticed that you’ve done a bit of work on the film production and acting side of things, when did you realise that you wanted to be in the show business industry?
I’ve always wanted to be involved in acting. I worked at McDonald’s when I was 15 to pay for my own acting classes at Ann Peters School of Acting. I studied this for 4 years then after high school I majored in Drama and sub majored in Film Production at UniSA. This is where I grew to love the production side of things.
Do you prefer being on stage and in front of the camera or behind the scenes?
Everyone has always asked what I love more, music, drama or directing…and I have never been able to answer. I think anything that involves creating and then entertaining is exciting. I’ve swapped so many times from directing theatre shows, to starring in them and then being involved behind the camera, to then being in front. I will say though, when I’m behind the scenes…I always have a smidge urge to get up and do it myself! Ha ha.
How would you classify your style of music?
My style is something I can’t quite pinpoint. Let’s just say I’m not country, or hard metal! Anything in between I’ve dabbled in. The songs I’ve written range from Disney style ballads, R’n’B, dance pop, soul, gospel and a bit of rock. For my first album, “Don’t Forget Me” I decided to keep it a mix of urban soul and pop. This isn’t to say I’ll stick to it in the future!
How did you become apart of the group, The Angels, and the children’s show ‘The Fairies’?
As well as singing teaching, I work as a session vocalist. I’ve done loads of work from radio ads, jingles, backing vocals and character voice over’s. I handed a demo of my work to the creator of “The Fairies” in hope that she could use me, and it was just my luck that she needed a voice for the character “Bubbles!” Being involved in the music world has helped me make some wonderful new friends. Throughout the years, I made friends with Kiki Courtidis who then introduced me to Lesley Williams. Lesley had the idea of making a trio for her gigs at “The Lion,” so she shared this with Kiki who then spoke to me, and we all just met up and made it happen.
You composed the theme song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ in the feature film ’2.37′. How did that originally come about and what was that like for you?
When I was in university, I was looking for anything in the music, theatre or film world to get my hands on. I volunteered myself as an extra on the set of “2.37,” but spoke to the director and said that I would be the crew’s personal “runner” aka “coffee maker” for free, and full time. So I became part of the crew and made friends with director Murali K. Thalluri and d.o.p Nick Matthews. They found out I was musical when they had to re-shoot a scene ‘cos they could hear my piano playing in the take. I was accidently playing the piano in the cast room while filming was happening. After being told off, Murali then asked me to write a song for the film, using the theme of suicide awareness. I knew I had to make the most of this opportunity and the song came to me literally in 10 minutes. I spent the next day cleaning it up and perfecting it, and then showed Murali the next day. He loved it so much he decided to make it the theme song for the movie. I got busy arranging all the orchestral parts, and we got into the studio and made the song. In no time, I was in the cinema listening to my song as the credits were rolling. A huge moment for me!
Who are your major influences?
Learning classical piano from age 5, has played a huge part in my music creating. I love writing fake soundtracks for movies that don’t exist and I draw from Erik Satie’s moody sounds and also love Hans Zimmer’s crazy soundtracks in all the big blockbusters! I have always loved Michael Jackson, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a HUGE Barbara Streisand fan! I love Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera back in her glory days and I actually have an appreciate the clever catchy tunes of Lady Gaga (although not a huge fan of her!)
What is next on the agenda for Chloe Castledine?
This year consists of promoting my album “Don’t Forget Me,” gigging with “ANGELS” and of course as an acoustic duo. Writing music is a big passion of mine and I just want to get it all out there as much as possible and just create and sing great music for everyone to enjoy.
Chloe has a bright future ahead of her and is not to be missed live!
You can catch Chloe Castledine performing at the Coopers Alehouse at The Earl on Friday the 27th of May at 7:30pm. Click here for more information.
For more information about Chloe Casteldine herself, you can visit her myspace or Facebook.
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