A longtime lyricist in the Advanced BMI Songwriting Workshop and award-winning indie filmmaker, Cleo Handler is an LA native who was in Brooklyn for the past decade, but recently returned, recording "gold" at Wild Horizon Studios in Hollywood. "This album - and accompanying lyric videos - were born out of necessity, in the aftermath of an extremely disorienting, sudden breakup with my long-term (musician) partner. Writing was the only thing that kept me afloat, and the overpowering urge to channel my own music was the only thing that made sense. It became a compulsion and I held on for dear life, singing and strumming, even when my voice cracked and my fingers bled."
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Cleo Handler. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I've always been obsessed with telling stories. Whether it's putting on a play or making a movie or writing a jingle for a fake product you made up with your friends, it all comes from a desire to play, express yourself, and feel connected to others. And songwriting is a really powerful tool for forging those kinds of connections. When writing music I often find that by being as specific as possible and really trying to capture a particular experience that feels meaningful to you, you create a story that not only feels honest, but also has wide appeal, inviting others to see themselves in it and feel heard too.
Who inspired you to make music?
On a personal level, my parents are both musicians and they had a band when I was young, so music was all around me growing up. There was no way I wasn't getting hooked! But in terms of artists I was drawn to as a fan, Liz Phair was a really important early influence. Later on, my taste got a bit more scattered, from indie to emo to punk to theater... but no matter the genre, I've always been a sucker for a catchy hook and a winky lyric.
Your latest release is 'gold'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
"gold" came out of a really difficult time in my life - a period of massive upheaval and disorientation. The songs are about empowerment, self-actualization, and finding the courage to hope, sing, even laugh - in the darkest times. And hmm.... that's a fun question! I guess the weirdest thing that happened during its creation was that as I was emerging from the haze of writing and beginning the daunting process of searching for the right studio and collaborators to work with, I was literally wandering around a busy street wondering where to begin, when I bumped smack into a childhood friend I hadn't seen in 15 years, who immediately gave me a hug and connected me with everyone I needed. It was so wonderful and reassuring and made me feel at home, like I was in the right place doing the right thing.
Can you shortly describe each of the tracks that are on the album?
Oh man, I think there are too many to describe! There are 14 tracks, but they're all intentionally very short. I was trying to capture a messy sort of soup of emotion and experience, so I wanted each song to feel like one ingredient, adding a distinct flavor to the whole. No single element should overpower the rest, and they should all work together to contribute to a meal that feels at times surprising and abrupt, but hopefully nuanced and satisfying overall. Each song is "part of a complete breakfast," you know... if you're eating spicy soup for breakfast.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
Ha I don't know if I do! When I was younger, I was much more proactive about going to festivals and scribbling down the names of every cool band I wanted to check out, and then diligently following up with my research at home to stay on top of things. Now, I try to listen to as much as I can and ask friends to send me what they love, and say yes to concerts even if I don't know the artist because I love being surprised by something great. Running and driving are the main times I listen to new things, so I love stumbling across gems while huffing along or getting stuck in traffic. Majorly improves the experience!
What makes you different from others?
Hmm I don't know... a family member always told me that I have an unusual ability to "eke out a good time." I'm not sure if that's just a personality trait or if it translates into the way I make art (it probably does), but in general, I think he's right... I have a certain level of optimism and an unwillingness to give up that can be quite stubborn.
What’s an average day like for you?
My schedule fluctuates a bit from day to day - sometimes I'm more focused on music, or sometimes on writing a script or doing voiceover or trying to make a project with friends - overall, I keep it varied, but dive really deep into whatever I'm working on at the moment. And I walk a lot - it helps me clear my head and listen to things that inspire me. Plus, you never know who you're going to roam into, and what path that might send you down! Though it often sends me to buy an overpriced matcha latte... which is a daily habit I do not recommend adopting.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
I love when people reach out and tell me that they connected with something I made! It's an amazing feeling. People can feel free to message me on social media or my website - it always makes me smile.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Hmm I guess the main advice I'd give is to not feel like you should wait around for anyone else to give you a chance. As much as you can, shake off that idea of needing permission, and try just jumping in and making the things that you want to make - whether it's solo or with friends. Of course you have to think about budgets and make sure you don't totally burn yourself out, but there's something really empowering and exciting about figuring out a way to make it happen on your own instead of banging on someone else's door, even if you start small. That attitude took me a while to learn, but I've found it really liberating.
What are your plans for the future?
There are a few projects I'm juggling at the moment and I'm not sure exactly which one will shape up first, but I know for sure that I'll keep making music and films and sometimes combining the two. Anyone who is interested, please follow along! You'll hear some tunes and watch some scary, maybe funny, maybe sad things - who knows. We'll try to stay on our toes.