Clara Mann is entering a new phase with her debut album, ‘Rift,’ which explores themes of fragility and the strength found in solitude.
Stream: ‘Rift’ – Clara Mann
Drawing on themes of transitions, the French countryside, and a clear sense of identity, Clara Mann’s debut album, Rift, emerges as a robust compilation of life’s fragments. Released on March 7th through state51, this highly awaited debut unveils a meticulously designed emotional terrain, intricately interwoven with feelings that evoke both a sense of escapism and belonging. Mann’s album captures the essence of in-betweenness, converting quiet moments into strength and simplicity into depth. While Mann's voice gracefully floats above the understated musical foundations, Rift showcases her top-notch storytelling, creative vision, and personal agency. Initially melancholic, the collection gradually unfolds into a hopeful landscape—where sunlight breaks through, and rawness becomes a source of empowerment rather than sorrow.
Rift – Clara Mann
In this context, "rift" signifies not only conflict or geological shifts but also the deconstruction and rebuilding of one’s identity. Mann penned her debut album within such spaces. Here, isolation translates into a wellspring of creativity, with solitude fostering artistic independence. The project artfully navigates artist comparisons and genre boundaries, firmly establishing its unique identity—through her voice and storyline, she allows us insight into her essence, which she describes as “just Clara.”
An artist in every sense, Clara Mann has classical piano training, with her creative spirit extending beyond just music. During our conversation, she shared her creative space filled with her drawings and a piano at its heart. She compared the songwriting process to her initial passion for drawing, where each song is crafted meticulously, revealing an essential truth.
Clara Mann © Louise Mason
For me, Clara Mann’s album is distinguished by its storytelling.
With powerful lyrics that evoke deep emotions and spark reflection, the minimal production accentuates Mann’s unique songwriting style. Each track is an iteration, revisited and refined until it expresses its most authentic and vulnerable form.
Although Rift marks the beginning of an exhilarating journey, Clara Mann seems to have already discovered her musical home—summoning the comforting seclusion offered by creativity, blooming through cracked wood and sun-dappled spaces, drawing us into her intimate world.
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:: stream/purchase Rift here ::
:: connect with Clara Mann here ::
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A CONVERSATION WITH CLARA MANN
Atwood Magazine: Congratulations on Rift! It's such a beautiful album. How does it feel to have it released?
Clara Mann: I feel really relieved. It's a strange sensation—almost like carrying something for a long time. It’s akin to having a baby. While many of these elements remain significant in my life, I'm eager to release them now. I want others to take it in and relate it to their own stories. Carrying such a personal work and discussing it feels like a heavy responsibility that is both beautiful and daunting. I'm grateful for it, but sharing it with others is something I'm excited about.
Can you share more about the creative process behind the record?
Clara Mann: I've previously created two EPs, which felt entirely different. I often wondered how people could produce so many cohesive songs over an extended period. But the collaborators I worked with were incredibly inspiring and allowed me to play freely in the studio, making it a very organic experience. I never felt pressured; instead, I felt close to the songs and was invested in honoring them. My writing process took place in various bedrooms across England, and I retained a strong connection to the songs throughout.
What do you think helped maintain that connection during the creative process?
Clara Mann: I appreciated that no one was trying to take the songs away from me. The collaboration didn’t overshadow my creative control, and my collaborators were respectful of that. They recognized the vulnerability embedded in the songs, wanting to ensure I felt secure in bringing them to life.
Some songs feel distant to me now—like I'm far from the Clara who wrote them—while others remain close. I consider myself fortunate to have surrounded myself with supportive individuals. My intent was to write about experiences that weren’t merely expressive of current emotions but rather things I’ve processed over time. I usually need a little distance to articulate my feelings effectively.
Was creating an album different from making an EP for you? How do you perceive that distinction?
Clara Mann: There’s a gradual process of owning your project. I began writing the album at a young age, and as I wrote more, I could see where it was headed. Eventually, I was able to tie everything together and gain clarity on my vision, particularly when I wrote the song “Rift,” which solidified the album's theme for me.
That's interesting! What inspired you to name the album ‘Rift’? Can you elaborate on the themes and messages within the record?
Clara Mann
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By accepting vulnerability and discovering strength in solitude, Clara Mann is starting a new phase with her first album, 'Rift.'