Consolations

Bristolian newcomer Clara Mann releases her intimate debut EP Consolations via Sad Club Records. The 4-track EP stands both as a collection of reflections into her own private world, and as a soothing dose of medicine used to “console” herself. It documents the progression of adulthood, focusing on the fragility of the self and highlighting the importance of connection, whilst offering us a well-needed moment of tranquillity. These themes are embodied by coming-of-age title track ‘Station Song’ which joins previous singles ‘Thoughtless’, ‘I Didn’t Know You Were Leaving Today’, alongside new track ‘Waiting For The Flight’ which completes the release. Whilst nodding towards the sounds of other contemporaries like Shannon Lay and Dana Gavanski, Clara sets herself apart with her intimate soundscapes and unique voice, creating a distinct ethereal sonic landscape. The title ‘Consolations’ comes from classical piano track Consolations by Liszt. The EP is influenced by her upbringing in a small Catholic village in the South of France, with classical music ingrained into her everyday life. Clara recollects this piece from a vivid childhood memory with her mother, with the piece epitomising everything this collection of songs stands for: “I grew up with classical music all around me, from choral pieces to chamber music. I teach piano now, and after a lesson once I picked up the Liszt Consolations, which I remember my ma playing when I was little. The music was open on the piano one day over summer, and I just thought it reflected everything I felt about this collection of songs: the act of consoling, the influence of my childhood and the landscapes I grew up in, classical music. It struck me as such a beautiful word- and it’s also what music is, to my mind, meant to do- to console. Writing this EP has been a way of consoling myself through any hard times, and I’d like it to do the same for other people!” Clara Mann hopes that this EP can offer a sense of solace to listeners: “Writing this EP has been a way of consoling myself through any hard times, and I’d like it to do the same for other people!”