Claud has returned with their super-monstrous new sophomore album, Supermodels. Marking Phoebe Bridgers' label Saddest Factory Records' first release of 2023, the album highlights Claud's ever evolving diaristic approach to songwriting, exploring friendships, identity and growing up. Created on their new acoustic guitar and a second-hand upright piano, Claud crafted 13 songs that reach new depths of relationships and pressure as a recording artist.

"Over the last couple months, I’ve revealed the more intimate parts of Supermodels, but now I’m really excited for everyone to hear the windows down radio up moments of my album," Claud says. "Songs like ‘A Good Thing’ and ‘Paul Rudd’ capture an anthemic, everything works out in the end type feeling." We spoke to Claud for the first time in two years to dive deeper into Supermodels:

We love your new album, what a journey! How are you feeling ahead of the release?

Thank you! I do feel like 'Supermodels' is such a big step forward for me, and I’m excited to have this album out to represent me as an artist. 

How do you think you have evolved since Super Monster?

I’m just a slightly older person than I was before, with more life experience and comfortability accessing and processing some of my most difficult emotions. The biggest evolution is in my lyric writing by far.

What was inspiring your writing on this album? What did you hope to express, let go of and allow people to listen in on?

I wrote this album driven by a lot of sadness and heartbreak, but throughout it there is a looming sense of hope and a lot of pondering on how to find a brighter future.

Who were you working with? Who have you collaborated with that has really shaped your sound?

Dan Wilson of Semisonic, Ethan Gruska, and Brad Hale were all people I worked with and influencers of the overall sound of the record. I also produced a lot of the album myself as well.

Which song are you most looking forward to everyone hearing?

Screwdriver.

Which song are you most proud of?

A Good Thing.

What was on your playlist while you were creating this album. Or perhaps which books or films were you loving?

I was watching a ton of Paul Rudd rom-coms, listening to movie soundtracks like the one from 500 Days of Summer, and listening to music that reminded me of being in high school.

How has your visual world changed and evolved in this new chapter?

The artwork for this project is a lot more vulnerable and centred around photographs of myself as opposed to the illustrations and animations that represented Super Monster.

What is something you are passionate about right now - something you want to learn more of or implement in your life?

I’m passionate about being happy… I know that’s a kind of confusing or obvious answer, but I was so sad and unhappy for so long that I’m feeling SO ready to figure out how to feel better.

Where should fans play the album in full upon first listen?

In the car with your friends or in your headphones lying on your bed. 

Listen to Supermodels HERE.

@claud.mp3