An alt-folk singer-songwriter from Boorloo (Perth), Clare Perrott is ready to share her debut single with the world.
Inspired by the 1970s folk scene in Britain and the United States, Perrott's songwriting offers deeply honest lyrics and authentically raw feelings.After performing at Woodford Folk Festival 24-25, Clare's first official release is titled 'Philadelphia' – a song about losing someone to another city and the irreversible nature of the relationship being permanently changed.
Heartfelt, tranquil, comforting, raw, and fragile, 'Philadelphia' is brimming with all the feels as Perrott's distinct, clear vocals sway between beautiful brittleness and a powerful warmth that echoes a strength, which is palpable.
The acoustic nylon guitar coos brilliantly, the drums adding meat to the beat, before the slide guitar enriches the track with unbridled emotion, the searing electric guitar the proverbial cherry on top that congeals 'Philadelphia' into a burning folk ballad.
By the track's climax, Clare has crafted an acoustic belter frothing with intensity but lined with optimism despite the bitterness of the song's lyrics. It's a track any seasoned songwriter would proudly add to their catalogue, let alone realising it is Clare's debut song.
"'Philadelphia' is an alt-folk song about losing someone to the city of Philly and is hugely influenced by the 1970s Americana folk scene and British folk scene," Clare says.
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (16 May), today scenestr is delighted to premiere 'Philadelphia'. Enjoy.
"I absolutely adore Billie Marten, and her 2023 album 'Drop Cherries' absolutely destroyed me but it also introduced me to DADGAD tuning on the guitar which inspired me to write this track – thank you Billie!"
With her musical influences from artists of years past, Perrott's songs are powerful numbers that tell stories and tug on the heartstrings. "For creative direction [on 'Philadelphia'], we wanted something super intimate and vulnerable but also deliver a really heavy and forward band sound; almost to get you by surprise with a few Jeff Buckley tracks as inspiration.
"We last minute added more slide guitar parts in the track and I think that was just the icing on top for developing the 1970s folk sound we were after."
Clare plays the 'Philadelphia' single launch at Clancy's Fish Pub in Fremantle on 6 June. "Pls, pls, pls, come party with us to celebrate 'Philadelphia' with immeasurable talent: Oakabella And The Maeflies, Figurehead and Raymond Ouu playing – I love them all so much and so lucky to share the stage with them 🥹.
"My heart is so full to be able to put this on thank you Clancy's! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
