Album Photo series | 1 |. Photographer: Leo Adef @leoadef. Creative Direction: Sofia Alazraki @salazrakii and Lolita Eno @lolita111000. VFX: Peter France @peterfrance. HMUA: Rubén Marmol @rubenmarmol. The images are manually crafted and are not the work of CGI and AI.

Chloe Saavedra, known to many as WTRGRL, has been an enigmatic and inspiring figure in the music world. Her track "Scream" being featured in Netflix's popular series "Young Royals" is just one of the many milestones Chloe has achieved recently. As she navigates through personal and professional growth, Chloe opens up about her experiences and shares insights into what drives her unique artistic vision. This interview offers a glimpse into the mind of a musician who continuously pushes boundaries and embraces the multifaceted nature of her craft.

Photographer: Maia Saavedra @maia_saavedra_. Creative Direction: Maia Saavedra. LD: Ben-Bradley Gilbert @benbradleygilbert and Tati Tate @tatiktate. Styling: Maia Saavedra, Chloe Saavedra, and Caris Kuhn @caris

Jag: Chloe, the last time we spoke, you had just launched your solo career as WTRGRL with 'Heroine,' adding another chapter to your extensive musical journey. Since then, a lot has happened. Congratulations on your continued success, particularly with your track "Scream" being featured in the first episode of Season 3 of Netflix’s "Young Royals." How was that experience?

Chloe Saavedra: Thank you! I’m so psyched that "Young Royals" used "Scream." I'm part Swedish, so I watch the show to keep up with the language and because it's wonderful and well done. I’ve played drums since I was 5, been in an indie band with my sister since I was 12. I made the song with my good friend and producer, Zhone. They created the instrumental shortly after Sophie’s passing, and the song is a nod to ‘It’s Okay to Cry.’ "Scream" indulges in softness, which is rare for me. I wrote the lyrics by singing stream of consciousness, which helped me tap into my true feelings. I was struggling with severe anxiety when Zhone and I made the song. Growing up, my mom didn't tolerate anxiety or mental issues well, so it's been hard to shake that upbringing. My partner Asa has taught me that it's okay to be soft and to cry. Surprisingly, the anxiety I experienced brought Asa and me closer. For the first time, I relied on someone for emotional support, which felt liberating.

““The inclusion of “Scream” in “Young Royals” marked a significant moment in Chloe’s career. It not only showcased her music to a broader audience but also highlighted the emotional depth and authenticity of her work. The process of creating the song was a cathartic journey for Chloe, allowing her to confront and express her inner turmoil through her art.””

Jag: Chloe, what's your emotional and spiritual state now that your full album Drïpsody is out today? Tell us all about it. Why was half of it released first? What’s the story behind the album? What influenced and inspired you, and what challenges did you face in making it possible?

Chloe Saavedra: I started this project with Zhone in 2020. During a difficult time with my sister Asy, from our band Chaos Chaos, we took a break, and I felt restless without a musical outlet. So, I began making music with Zhone. I released some songs between 2020-2021, then toured as the drummer for Caroline Polachek for two years, and later with Eartheater. Touring took so much time and energy that I couldn’t focus on my releases. Some of this material has been finished for a while, which I initially hated, but now I embrace it and feel proud. Music is cyclical.

“The journey of creating Drïpsody was marked by both personal and professional challenges. The initial creative separation from her sister and bandmate Asy led Chloe to seek new various other outlets, ultimately resulting in a fruitful collaboration with Zhone. Despite the interruptions caused by extensive touring, Chloe managed to craft an album that reflects her growth and resilience.”

Album Photo series | 2 | Photographer: Leo Adef @leoadef. Creative Direction: Sofia Alazraki @salazrakii and Lolita Eno @lolita111000. VFX: Peter France @peterfrance. HMUA: Rubén Marmol @rubenmarmol. The images are manually crafted and are not the work of CGI and AI.

Jag: It’s clear that you are multidisciplinary and that your work transcends mere profession. Can you take us through your ongoing inspirations and muses? What drives your artistic direction, and what's happening in these fresh phases?

Chloe Saavedra: I love life and its poetic nature. The ups and downs lead to self-discovery. I’ve played drums since I was 5, been in an indie band with my sister since 12, and toured since then. Playing an instrument, especially drums, is transcendental; it requires removing the ego, which keeps me grounded and inspired. I’m visual and cerebral with my influences, collaging various elements to create meaning. Currently, I’m inspired by Timbaland beats, and 90s U2 snare drum sounds, using my anger and resentment as fuel, revisiting my roots in music and fashion, and practicing authenticity. Letting go of how I present online and just being myself.

Album Photo series | 3 | Photographer: Leo Adef @leoadef. Creative Direction: Sofia Alazraki @salazrakii and Lolita Eno @lolita111000 . VFX : Lolita Eno @lolita111000. HMUA: Rubén Marmol @rubenmarmol. The images are manually crafted and are not the work of CGI and AI.

““Chloe’s multifaceted approach to her art is driven by a deep love for life and its inherent poetry. Her extensive background in music, combined with her ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources, allows her to create work that is both grounded and innovative. This phase of her career is characterized by a return to her roots and a renewed focus on authenticity.””

Jag: Let's talk about Drïpsody. Why this name, and what are your expectations and intentions with the album? What's the first thing you’re looking forward to now that it’s out?

Chloe Saavedra: I named the album after my favorite early electronic music piece by Hugh LeCain. My project’s theme is water, and LeCain feels like a spiritual papa to me. His piece is a symphony of rain droplets, slowed down and sped up to create music. My track "Drip Coda" draws from this, with Holly Waxwing creating water droplet synths. We’ve brought LeCain’s concept into the 21st century. I’m most excited about my release party at The Friend in LA on June 28th. My friends Melissa from Sextile and Sedona will DJ. I’m ready to celebrate and let loose. I'll be also DJing with my friends Melissa (Sextile) and Sedona today.

“The concept behind Drïpsody is deeply personal and artistically rich. Inspired by Hugh LeCain's early electronic music, Chloe's album explores the theme of water through innovative soundscapes. The upcoming release party is a celebration of this artistic achievement, where Chloe plans to revel in the joy of sharing her work with friends and fans.”

Jag: Can you tell us about the skills and talents that came together to make this happen? Who helped you? Also, who are you listening to these days? Any artistic crushes you'd like to disclose?

Chloe Saavedra: Absolutely! Timbaland has been a big influence. Zach Hill is a drum hero for me, and I’m obsessed with Clown Core right now. I’m leaning towards my childhood roots with live drums, live instruments, performing without backing tracks, and embracing improvisation and chaos to create transcendental experiences. Shout out to Zhone for their amazing production work and to everyone who has supported this journey.

“The creation of Drïpsody was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from Zhone and other talented individuals. Chloe's current musical influences, such as Timbaland and Zach Hill, reflect her desire to blend live instrumentation with experimental sounds. This approach aims to create authentic and immersive live performances.”

Album Photo series | 4 |. Photographer: Leo Adef @leoadef. Creative Direction: Sofia Alazraki @salazrakii and Lolita Eno @lolita111000. VFX: Peter France @peterfrance. HMUA: Rubén Marmol @rubenmarmol. The images are manually crafted and are not the work of CGI and AI.

Jag: Without giving too much away, can you share some of your future visions and creative ideas? What’s exciting you? Any specific to-do list?

Chloe Saavedra: I’m currently playing drums and singing live for my WTRGRL shows, and I’m excited to keep building that. My next show is on August 25th at Gold Diggers in LA. I’m dreaming of creating a unique architectural drum kit with triggers that sample sounds, unlike anything else. I want it to look organic, almost like something out of HR Giger’s world but with natural materials. It’s an ambitious idea, but I believe it’s possible.

Album Photo series | 4 | Photographer: Leo Adef @leoadef. Creative Direction: Sofia Alazraki @salazrakii and Lolita Eno @lolita111000 VFX : Lolita Eno @lolita111000. HMUA: Rubén Marmol @rubenmarmol. The images are manually crafted and are not the work of CGI and AI.

“Looking ahead, Chloe is excited about pushing the boundaries of live performance. Her vision of creating a unique drum kit that blends electronic and organic elements exemplifies her innovative spirit. This ambitious project aims to offer a one-of-a-kind musical experience that is both visually and sonically captivating.”

Jag: As pop culture becomes increasingly eccentric, what keeps you grounded? What should we expect to see in the WTRGRL world?

Chloe Saavedra: I’m thrilled about the direction we’re heading. I believe the social media craze is collapsing, and I’m delighted about reconnecting with reality. Contrary to popular belief, I think the AI takeover will push us to become more human and let go of the virtual world. I want to reconnect with joy and childhood bliss – jumping on trampolines, moshing in pits, and making love in forests. Pure, unadulterated joy.

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Chloe's perspective on the evolving landscape of pop culture is refreshing. She envisions a future where people reconnect with the physical world and find joy in simple, human experiences. “In the WTRGRL world, this means embracing authenticity, spontaneity, and the raw energy of live performance”. Her experiences and insights reflect a deep connection to her music and a profound understanding of the artistic process, making her a compelling figure in contemporary music. As she continues to evolve and innovate, we can expect more groundbreaking work from this talented artist.