Brave Rival are a band that we have followed closely in recent years, and we spoke to Chloe along with her partner in crime Lindsey when the band released “Live at the Half-Moon.” Jumping in to have a word today, we wanted to turn toward Chloe’s solo work as she is going out on tour in May (details below) and is also following up her album “Colours” with an EP.
Based in the south coast of the UK and signed to Mayfield Records. Influenced by the soul legends, Motown, northern soul, funk, jazz, and blues greats. For those that like a bit of back history, 2019 saw Chloe releasing singles in preparation for her 2020 Album “Colours.”
Chloe is now collaborating with different artists to form her own band, which includes her husband Jon Parkins.
Chloe is full of soul and passion with a seriously impressive range. But it’s not just that; it’s her natural ability to emote beautifully in each song, taking you with her through every one of her lyrical stories, showing her true colours.
On with the interview!
I relistened to your 2023 album “Colours” and was struck by how upbeat so much of it is. “Mind Up” is a fast little number and “Take a Trip” always makes me have a dance around the kitchen as I am cooking! How do you reflect on that album and take it forward to your new EP?
Chloe: Oh, that makes me so happy visualizing you dancing around the kitchen. That’s one of my favorite things to do with my family! Usually to Elles Bailey! “Colours” celebrates the fun, happy, romantic, and soulful side of me and I’m so glad I got to share that part of me in that release. My next EP is tapping into my soul side again but will be more tender with a stripped back modern sound. It’ll have the heart of blues and the romance of soul but with a new edge.
One of our friends at the magazine is BB Kings daughter Shirley King, who we love! She tells us that as we get older, the blues becomes infused more and more in our songwriting and lyrics. Do you feel that? I know you have become a mother; do you feel that aspect of your life is reflected in your songwriting now?
Chloe: She sounds very wise and what a fabulous question! Yes definitely, to me what defines the blues is a ‘feeling’. It’s heartfelt. You can tell if someone has blues in them straight away, whether it be a singer or guitarist, you know when something is played with true feeling. As we get older, we face different challenges, heightening that feeling but with a new sense of boundaries and expectations, if that makes sense? Being a mother is a beautiful but difficult journey and that reflects in my writing. I was the first in my friendship circle to have children, all whilst navigating band life and at times it felt very lonely because you can’t quite explain the ache that being a mother can give you. I have squashed that down in my creativity but now I feel I can embrace it.
In our reflection piece on 2024 (here), Mark raised the following point about the plight, post-COVID, of many of our smaller venues, like the Cluny in his hometown Newcastle:
Mark: I’m concerned about smaller music venues closing. Artists need a living from live performances if they can’t get income through streaming music. It’s okay for huge acts like Oasis to sell stadiums at inflated prices, but for smaller acts, the audience only has so much money in these hard times. Small venues are the lifeblood of the industry and I’m sorry to see so many go to the wall (closing at the rate of 2 a week in the UK in 2023).
- Is this something you see as an artist? What can we do to help these smaller venues, the lifeblood for new bands/artists and the upcoming scene?
Chloe: Yes, it’s heartbreaking when you see brilliant venues close and honestly, I prefer those smaller intimate venues where you can truly connect with the audience and see their faces. First, it’s encouraging fans to book tickets in advance because I know that has a big effect on events even going ahead in the first place. I think another reason the smaller places close is because these places care about the artist and pay them what they feel they deserve and that could have an impact on them sustaining what they’re doing. For example, the wonderful Temperance in Leamington Spa is such a huge supporter of the arts, and they give 100% profit of ticket sales to the artist. It’s incredible! It’s a brilliant little venue for upcoming acts or acoustic shows but it concerns me at how sustainable it is for them and other venues alike. There must be grants out there for arts/roots venues, but I guess it’s just finding them. Running jam nights is great to bring custom into the venue or even opening the space in the day for local community arts groups or masterclasses or running work experience and getting funding from local arts colleges or universities. Utilizing the space as much as possible to ensure it’s on the map, popular – make it a creative hub with funding. I understand there’s lots of work that goes into that though, but it could change the whole outlook.
What can you tell us about the set list for the tour? Will it introduce some new material? Do you do a few classic cover songs at all?
Chloe: I’ll be performing pretty much all new material with a couple from ‘Colours’. Some shows will just be stripped back acoustic sets and then the show at the fabulous TNMC will be with a full band which will be a genre fluid night! I never like to stick into one box when it comes to writing so some are a little rockier, some are straight up gospel, a lot will be blues/jazz neo soul. It really will be an eclectic mix of music! Something for everyone hopefully! I haven’t yet decided which covers to do yet, but I’d like to try something modern and put my own blues/soul spin on it or even the other way round.
Given the success of Brave Rival, and the general family pressures we all have, do you find your solo work gets squeezed?
Chloe: Ha-ha yes! It was very hard to balance life beforehand. I was away 125 days in 2024 and I missed a lot with my family, and I didn’t really have time to do my solo work! I wrote one of the songs featured on the EP called “Feels Like Forever” whilst on tour in Czech with Brave Rival. My husband Jon sent me a guitar idea and the song just poured out of me. I then put it in a little box and ignored it all year. It’s only once I’d stepped away from the band at the end of 2024 that I had the capacity to even take in my own thoughts that I poured into the song. I only plan to do a small number of gigs each year and make them really count so that I can spend the rest of my time with my family. There’s a much healthier balance of music and family for me now. I can’t help myself doing projects but it’s on a scale I can manage now.
I am a bit of a fan of that classic jazz sound from Bix Beiderbecke to those twenties US jazz age sounds. In your solo work, I do feel jazz is an influence there. Do you listen to jazz much and do you feel that jazz helps shape your sound?
Chloe: Ooh interesting. I haven’t listened to jazz in a while, but I used to love listening to Ella Fitzgerald and would always try to keep up with her! Ella and Aretha are two of the greatest singers of all time. Fact! I’m a little obsessed with WILLOW now. Each of her albums have very different styles and not necessarily my cup of tea but her latest album ‘Empathogen’ has been very influential for me. She fuses jazz, experimental, soul and pop in a new modern sound. She experiments with melodies in a very jazzy way and really explores her voice, using interesting techniques as jazz greats like Ella would have. So, I’d say this new jazz fusion is an influence for me – whether I can achieve it is another question!
What can you tell us about the new EP? When is it out and what can we expect musically that you can share with us?
Chloe: The EP is called ‘Rebloom’ and it will be released on digital platforms and CD on 9th May. It will be heartfelt, honest lyrics fusing the feeling of blues and the passion of soul with a new, modern energy. Come and see it performed acoustically at The Square Tower in my hometown of Portsmouth on 18th May. I’m currently collaborating with some brilliant musicians to make new music so watch this space.
Last question—just a fun ending question. If you were able to be a character in your favorite movie and have played the part, what character and part would you have loved to play?
Chloe: Tough question! One of my favorite movies is an independent movie from the 90s, called ‘This Years Love’ which most people haven’t heard of. I’d love to play Kathy Burke’s character. She had the best, blunt lines and the most interesting journey as a character. Or I’d play Mary (Rachel McAdams) from ‘About Time’ – my other favorite movie.
And that finishes the interview with us, but all the tour information, date-by-date is below.
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Tour – Full information and links:
London— Monday 24th February 2025 — Today Chloe Josephine Announces 2025 UK Tour
Chloe Josephine is a vibrant performer and song-writer from Portsmouth. Her soulful vocals, expressive tone and extensive range gives her the astounding ability to combine the energy of Janis Joplin, theatrics of Kate Bush and vocal acrobatics of Ariana Grande. Achieving high praise in Brave Rival with award nominated albums, national radio play and extensively touring, all whilst navigating new motherhood, her stamina has been undeniable. Chloe released her debut solo album ‘Colours’ in 2023 with a sell-out launch show. Her next release is her ‘Rebloom’ EP, dropping in May 2025. With her versatility and likability, it is no wonder she is a finalist for Best Vocalist in the UK Blues Awards two years running.
Speaking about the 2025 dates, Chloe Josephine explains: “I am feeling both excited and nervous to share my new music. It is vulnerable, heartfelt and celebrates me in this walk of life as a mother and musician.
The Tuesday Night Music Club holds many special memories for me and I always feel so welcome in the space and I know the audience do too – that means a lot to me.
Watch me rebloom!”
‘Passionate and powerful vocal style superbly backed by her husband Jon on guitar’ – Chris Roberts, Blues In Britain/Portsmouth News
‘Chloe is an exceptional vocalist and songwriter…this Lady of Soul is a ‘star in the making’ and one to watch.’ – Dominic Elton, Mayfield Records
‘Chloe Josephine has a total powerhouse of a vocal and treats every performance like it is her last.’ – Nick Courtney, Promoter
‘Chloe is like an energetic Alanis Morissette on skates and moves from mezzo-soprano (Ariana Grande) to the tallest falsetto you can imagine (Minnie Ripperton)..’ Neil Mach, Raw Ramp Magazine
Friday 11th April 2025, 7pm – 10pm, Emsworth Music Club
The sensational Amba Tremain and her live band will be performing their excellent new songs and their well-loved tunes at this lovely local venue. Amba has been going from strength to strength as an original artist, a real treat to watch. Chloe Josephine will be doing a short but sweet acoustic support set to open up the night, featuring songs from her upcoming EP and will most likely get up and join Amba for some soulful BVs.
Band:
Chloe Josephine – vocals
Jonathon Parkins – guitar
Amba Tremain (Chloe Josephine support): www.emsworthmusic.club/event-info/amba-tremain
Sunday 18th May 2025, 6.30pm – 10pm, Square Tower, Old Portsmouth
Chloe will be performing two shows in one night, starting off the night with ‘Honouring Aretha’ where she will be performing songs from her biggest musical inspiration, Aretha Franklin. Singing Aretha feeds Chloe’s soul – let her feed your soul too! Iconic hooks and melodies, soulful sass and charm await you in this intimate early evening show, hosted in the stunning Square Tower. R.E.S.P.E.C.T, Say A Little Prayer, Think, Chain of Fools and many more.
The second show sees Chloe perform her latest original releases. UK Blues Awards finalist Chloe Josephine has told heartfelt stories through song since her singer-songwriter days. Known for being one of the critically acclaimed vocalists in blues rock touring band Brave Rival, she now focuses on her family and solo career. She welcomes you with open arms into her next chapter, and it’s truly bound to be a special night. Combining folk, blues, soul and americana with her trademark style of vulnerable lyrics & powerful vocals, you’ll enjoy a night of passionate, heartfelt songs. With the release of her new EP due to drop in May, Chloe will be performing her brand new material acoustically with her husband Jon Parkins and the talented, multi award nominated Thomas Heppell, who will be opening up the night in rootsy blues style.
Band:
Chloe Josephine – vocals
Jacob Humphreys – keys
Jonathon Parkins – guitar
Thomas Heppell – guitar
Honouring Aretha show: wegottickets.com/event/648780
EP Launch Night: wegottickets.com/event/648781
Both shows (saving £6): wegottickets.com/event/648785
Tuesday 8th July 2025, 7pm – 10pm, Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
After such a wonderful response, Chloe returns to TNMC with a completely new line-up of musicians and new music to go with it. This next chapter for Chloe is genre shifting, vulnerable and authentically her. Soul is at the heart of her new music, but she compliments it with folk, blues, americana and gospel. This is the Chloe many of us haven’t seen before but the TNMC can’t wait to welcome her back and make her feel at home in this brilliant venue that respects live music. Chloe is very excited to have her good friend Katie Rogers open the night up for her as it’ll be Katie’s debut of performing her original music. Katie has a gorgeously warm, smooth, and soulful voice with beautiful lyrics creating her jazzy blues sound.
Band:
Chloe Josephine – vocals
Jonathon Parkins – guitar
Thomas Heppell – guitar
Chris Wood – bass
Colin Lewis – drums
Katie Rogers – backing vocals
Chloe Josephine: thetuesdaynightmusicclub.co.uk/buy-your-tickets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chloejosephinemusic/?locale=en_GB
Instagram: chloejosephinemusic
Bandcamp: https://chloejosephine.bandcamp.com/
By Lorraine Foley
