Rain is falling heavily on the streets of Shoreditch as CLOVES (Kaity Dunstan) enters with a smile. It's been challenging to catch her for even this brief conversation, as she hops from one meeting to another – she has a recording session lined up right after our discussion. However, this busy lifestyle seems to align well with the Australia-born, London-based artist.
"My personality is such that I can't really remain still. I think that reflects in my music interests," she shares while we talk about her musical journey so far. "I also tend to immerse myself in one specific thing—playing it repeatedly until I become hyper-fixated, and then I just let it go!"
This mentality also influences her music creation.
"When you compose something you truly love, you feel such a high from it on the first day, but then as you refine it, you lose that initial excitement," she reflects. "If you can achieve that sensation in various ways, that’s the reward… It's all about pursuing that."
With this mindset, CLOVES has evolved through different phases. She started her independent career with a classic singer-songwriter style. Her debut record ‘XIII’, released in November 2015, and her first album ‘One Big Nothing’ in 2018 are rich in vocals, infused with warm jazz and soul elements set against an alt-pop/rock foundation. By 2021, however, CLOVES was taking bolder risks. Her second album ‘Nightmare on Elmfield Road’ is notably darker, broader, and more cinematic; more recently, she has embraced collaborations to ignite creativity as she approaches another EP release.
"It was very much singer-songwriter at first and then I transitioned into exploring the '90s sound," CLOVES notes. "Now I’m drawing inspiration from artists like Mazzy Star and Perfume Genius for this EP. I quickly get bored, so I latch onto one particular genre and soon feel the need to move on."
For CLOVES, inspiration is drawn directly from her emotions and experiences.
"When I relate to a mood or feeling, it gives me a sense of belonging and understanding, and I want to express that in my work," she explains. "It’s all about what I’m feeling at that moment and how it translates into sound and visuals."
The title of her upcoming EP, ‘Bittersweet Melancholia’, suggests the blend of emotions CLOVES aims to convey in this phase of her artistry, as well as her personal growth and self-awareness.
"I think in this next chapter, there’s a recognition that some things are melancholic, while others feel quite chaotic… it's a jumble of emotions," she says.
"Much of my earlier work… thematically revolved around 'I don’t need you, f— you'; now it feels more like, I do need people, and I need to understand myself better," CLOVES reflects. "I sense more strength in this perspective… I feel I’m now more receptive to my emotions."
CLOVES is clearly stepping into a new era of self-exploration and recognizes that others may resonate with similar feelings.
"We all have days when we feel fantastic and others when we feel awful, and I believe the overarching message is to embrace that nuance—that’s just how life is… Perhaps there’s space for something in between," she thoughtfully states. "That’s where the bittersweet melancholia resides: the highs and lows are all part of the same experience."
Amid her restlessness, CLOVES admits to grappling with perfectionism.
"Achieving perfection is simply unattainable. Perhaps this is my next step toward being healthier as an individual," she expresses.
Through songwriting and the often challenging, long process accompanying it, CLOVES has found a way to articulate herself.
"When I was younger, I thought songs just appeared out of nowhere — people often imply that!" she recalls. "But in reality, you must put in the effort to write a song; it won’t just land in your lap. It requires work! I also view songwriting like a sport; you have to consistently practice and give your best, and eventually, you'll play a great game."
With a sound that often leans towards the dramatic and cinematic, it's no surprise that CLOVES' music has been featured in several television shows and films. She mentions working on new film syncs and a podcast project with Audible, and she dreams of composing an entire movie soundtrack. Collaborations have also provided a fulfilling creative outlet, most recently with DJ/producer John Summit and previously with Dutch electronic duo Tinlicker. CLOVES explains how the immediacy of more upbeat genres resonates with her.
"I’ve really developed a passion for electronic music... that space is about people wanting to connect, feel something, and enjoy themselves, and I find that energy incredibly inspiring. I aim to create music for people to feel," she remarks.
These latest endeavors showcase CLOVES’ innate curiosity and openness, as well
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As the rain falls heavily on the streets of Shoreditch, CLOVES (Kaity Dunstan) steps through the door with a grin. It has been difficult to catch her for even a moment.