This is an interview done with @clarasmallmanmusic, read her story below! If you, or anyone you know, would like to be highlighted in The Zillennial Zine, shoot us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!

Q: Tell us your story! Where did you begin and how did you reach the caliber you’re currently at?

A: Music has always been a part of my life! My parents put all four of us siblings into violin when we were little & I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was around 9. I used to post covers and original songs on my Youtube channel in elementary and middle school, but it wasn’t until quarantine that I began to learn how to use a DAW and record music to then put on Soundcloud (which you can still stream :D). From there I’ve been very fortunate to connect with a lot of people through my music online and in person, and I feel very lucky to continue to grow my audience and share my music with so many people. I enjoy posting covers still, and I have one out on streaming platforms!

Q: What makes you love what you do? How long have you been making music? Would you call it your passion?

A: I am very passionate about my music yes 🙂 I value songwriting so much and I love expressing myself and what I’m feeling in that way. I enjoy music in every capacity, and I feel the same way when I’m singing alone in my room in the middle of the night and when I’m performing. I love the collective experience of sharing music with people, making music with people, co-writing, all of the above. I love it all, truly.

Q: What are some accomplishments or milestones you’ve reached lately?

A: Today I reached 1.5 million streams on my debut release which is so mind boggling. I’ve also reached 50 thousand followers on TikTok which would blow my elementary school self’s mind (who used to average at around 20-30 views per cover posted). The craziest things that I value the most though are the other artists that I feel grateful to have been connected to through social media. I have a little folder in my phone where I keep screenshots of artists liking my videos or following me because I am a true fan girl at heart.

Q: Tell us all about your latest project!

A: I posted a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Picture You” on TikTok in the summer, and since then people have really resonated with it. I feel lucky to be a small part of people sharing their stories and expressing their emotions using my audio on TikTok, and I can’t even fathom how grateful I am to have reached so many people. It blows my current self’s mind. I am also working on original music which will be out soon 🙂

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who might admire you? What do you think is the key to success?

A: As an artist who is still continuing to grow and establish herself, all I can say is to keep going and keep sharing as much of yourself and your relationship with music with the people who care. As a fan of so many people, I love when artists are authentic and vulnerable with their audiences, and I can only hope to provide the same openness with all of you. True success wouldn’t feel like success to me if I wasn’t being honest.

Q: What do you want our readers to know about you?

A: I appreciate your interest in my music 🙂 I have so much love for anyone who has stumbled upon my platforms and felt the urge to follow along. Thank you – and thank you for reading!

Find Clara Smallman on social media!

Instagram: @clarasmallmanmusic

TikTok: @clarasmallmanmusic

YouTube: @clarasmallmanmusic

SoundCloud: Clara Smallman

Spotify: Clara Smallman