Happy Homecoming week! Before the show tomorrow, get to know our headliner, Sir Chloe. Read on to learn more about the band’s background, their influences, and the music itself!
Lead singer Dana Foote is an impressive multi-instrumentalist who is skilled in guitar, piano, mandolin, accordion, and harmonium – you name it, she can play it (Broadcast Music). She began writing music in high school and kept sharpening those skills leading up to her collegiate thesis. In place of a traditional written thesis, she chose to put on a concert instead (Audiofemme). Thus, Sir Chloe was born. Foote studied music theory and composition with the band’s guitarist/producer Teddy O’Mara, who also performed at their first show. The band is now comprised of Foote, O’Mara, bassist Austin Holmes and drummer Palmer Foote (who is also Dana’s brother!) (Broadcast Music)
Why "Sir Chloe"? The band’s name has a multitude of meanings behind it. Chloe was the name Dana’s mother almost gave her, and Dana opted to add “Sir” to the band's name as an ode to androgyny. In an interview with Audiofemme, she explains “I feel like my gender performance is a little more on the spectrum. I wanted something that could be perceived either way and was a little tongue in cheek perhaps." In addition, the band’s name is also a reference to St. Vincent’s song “Chloe in the Afternoon,” a favorite of Dana’s (Audiofemme).
Their music has influence from many different styles. Cage the Elephant’s music has played a part in forming Sir Chloe's alt-rock vibe (American Songwriter). Dana has also drawn from her upbringing in classical music, notably citing Claude Debussy, Sofia Gubaidulina, Igor Stravinsky and Béla Bartók as inspiration. She explains that "If I'm thinking about an idea, classical music helps me turn the idea into a tangible melody with a chord progression and also [be] more experimental" (Audiofemme). The band also draws from Balkan folk music, which Dana describes as “a lot of really close harmonies and straight tone, a lot of singing that sounds like yelling" (Metro Times). These vocals can be fierce, akin to the passionate singing in Sir Chloe’s music. Foote says she loves aggressive music sung by a feminine voice – who could disagree? (Audiofemme)
You can hear these elements mastered throughout their discography. Their first official release is the 2019 single “Walk You Home,” which features a sick synth-guitar melody. In 2020, they released their first album Party Favors, with the song “Animal” becoming an instant hit – with good reason! It’s nearly impossible to get that catchy chorus out of your head. “Michelle” became very prominent on TikTok, a melody about an impeding breakup that's perfect to rock out to. The album has prominent, powerful themes – Dana explains “It’s about looking back in hindsight and being like, this is where I should have set the boundary and I didn’t so I am going to retell this story and make myself sound more empowered than I feel right now" (Audiofemme).
Soon after, the band worked with Luke Wild for “Fever Brain – Terrible Version,” a lovely indie bop about infatuation (a little different from the album's angst, something for when you’re feeling smitten!) In 2021, the band released a softer acoustic version of “Michelle” for those days you want something a bit lighter. “Femme Fatale” was released soon after, a Velvet Underground cover that’s worth giving a listen (or ten.) Their latest release includes singles “Company” and “Mercy.” Foote regards “Company” as “a song to flex your muscles to,” the perfect description for this punky tune (Paper). “Mercy” mixes delicate strings and light vocals with some heavy acoustics and passionate belting, the best of both worlds.
This is a FREE show you don't want to miss – make sure to be on the Pentacrest at 8PM tomorrow to see Sir Chloe with NoSo! Don't forget your costume either, we'll be giving a prize away to the best one out there!
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