Unpacking the nature of change, Aotearoa’s alt-artist Cloudy unveils long-awaited sophomore EP, ‘Raincloud’
After two years in the making, two stunning single releases & shows, Kiwi-Austrian alternative singer-songwriter Cloudy is now ready to unveil her long-awaited sophomore EP, Raincloud, out now.
Through a blend of indie bedroom-pop and 90’s indie rock, Raincloud would feel at home in 90’s coming-of-age movie/TV shows like 10 things I Hate About You, Gilmore Girls and Dawsons Creek – but the real magic giving it a timeless feel, comes from Cloudy’s storytelling, songwriting and vocal talent.
A collection of seven tracks, Raincloud unpacks the nature of changing relationships through loss, heartbreak and self-discovery. Recorded between Roundhead and Halfwaydown Studios, Cloudy teamed up with locally esteemed producer, Morgan Allen (Erny Belle, Harper Finn, No Comply), to complement and expand her sound. She was also joined by a full live band made up of Connor Hurndell (guitar), Zel Kust (Bass) and Carl Stieller (Drums). Through this collaborative process, Cloudy uncovered what she describes as her most authentic sound yet and reflects her growth musically and personally.
“Raincloud introduces a new era within my sonic world. The shift from performing and recording solo to working with a band, really widened my music horizons and allowed me to test new waters. I got to explore a new way of making music and learn more about what I wanted to come through in my music.”
Due to the pandemic, Auckland floods and band changes, Cloudy says the project took a lot longer to make than she expected, but that it forced her to take her time and reevaluate why and for what she was making music – making the setbacks a blessing in disguise. “When I visualize the EP as a whole, I see it as a massive thunderstorm, and from that storm grew a beautiful garden full of flowers and bumble bees. All the songs are those beautiful flowers that came from the torrential rain.” The ‘flowers’ are previously released singles On The Edge and Grapefruit, alongside How Was Your Day, Don’t Disappear and new single Raincloud – which encapsulates the EP’s positive overarching theme of embracing the storm and overcoming it.
After her first studio releases (Dear Dunkin and Addicted To You), Cloudy released her debut EP Good Grief, featuring I’ll Stay and Self-Help Guide in 2021. The release was met with significant praise and editorial success, landing her a multitude of editorial playlist placements: Fresh Finds Indie (180,000+), Fresh Finds Rock (120,000+), Indie Arrivals (85,000+) and The Office Stereo (150,000+). The extensive coverage of Good Grief reflects Cloudy’s ability to nestle herself into a myriad of genres, appealing to audiences of all kinds. Raincloud is not different, and is a stunning sophomore EP not to be missed from this exciting emerging Aotearoa talent!
Photo Credit: Chris Cuffaro
