Despite her premiering on Monday night’s episode, we were able to meet with North Dakota resident and artist Chloe Fredericks after the show. Learn more about her home state, her hidden talents, and what’s next for her after the American Song Contest. All that and more below!
Hi there Chloe, welcome to ESC United! We’re delighted to be able to interview with you and help our readers get to know you better. Why don’t you introduce yourself?
Hey everyone! I’m Chloe Fredericks and I’m so grateful to be writing to you!
Wonderful thank you! Now you’ve been cast as North Dakota’s official representative in the American Song Contest this year. How does it feel to be part of such a large TV show and represent your home state?
I don’t even have words to express the gratitude I have for the opportunity to represent my home state that I love, and to do it on such a wonderful platform.
And since a lot of our readers come from outside of the United States, a lot of people might not know much about North Dakota. What are some of the best things about your state that make it unique?
Honestly some of the best things about North Dakota would have to be the things you can see. The rolling farmland, the badlands, and the livestock that resides there. If the wind blows when we have green summers, the fields will look like green ocean waves. It’s beautiful.
I was reading that you’ve been writing songs and performing since a very young age – but when did music become a career for you?
In 2019, I had a wonderful opportunity to record an EP with someone successful in the industry. I was able to learn many tricks of the trade from him and it definitely shaped who I am as a professional today.
Who are some artists in the industry that influence or inspire your work and music?
I am a big fan of Yebba right now and the way she is able to not only inspire the people she surrounds but also the events in her life and how she chooses to write about it. In a musical sense, lyrical sense, I’m also inspired by the writing of Brandi Carlile.
Here’s a bit of a hard question for you – if you were able to perform a one night only concert anywhere in the world, where would you choose to perform and why?
That is a hard one! Honestly, it would be incredible to experience a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Not only is the sound incredible, but the energy geographically is also something amazing.
Finally, what is one thing our readers would be surprised to learn about you – like a hidden talent or passion you’ve never shared?
I’m actually also an artist. When I’m not singing or writing, I’m doing some level of creative work with a paint brush, exacto knife, or clay. Also, PLANTS. I am an inspiring and avid gardener.
Oh wonderful – maybe you can help my poor dying succulent… anyways let’s move over to the American Song Contest, as I’m curious to know more about your participation. How did you first learn about ASC and what motivated you to submit a song?
I had a couple talent scouts reach out asking if I wanted to participate in the show and I had a song in my artist bank I would consider show material. I never thought I would go for a TV show but I’m so grateful I did.
Can you tell us a bit about what the songwriting process looked like for this song? Was it different from your normal process at all?
Absolutely! It was mid-pandemic, I was back at the ranch in North Dakota and had a session with my wonderful co-writer. This song poured out of me and in November of 2020 I took it to Studio 637 in the South Bay. Everything is recorded with people I know and love and it’s a baby I’m so proud of.
Looking beyond ASC, what is next for you as an artist? Any new music, tours, etc. on the way?
Definitely a lot of new music I cannot wait to share. There are shows I’m looking at booking and when the opportunity presents itself, absolutely a tour. There’s so many moving parts to executing releases and when it’s finally time to release, I’m overjoyed.
For our readers who want to connect with you ahead of or after the contest, where can they find you and your music?
Anywhere you can stream music is where you can find me (Youtube, Spotify). I also love when people reach out via social media and tell me how the music is inspiring their life. (Instagram, Facebook)
Alright, one last question for you – is there a final message you’d like to share with our readers?
If you have the desire to create, go for it. You never know where it will take you, the people you will meet, and the lessons you’ll learn that will set you up for a lifetime full of joy and opportunity. Keep chopping wood, hauling water, and doing the most to build a life you are most proud of. I appreciate the love and support I receive from you all, that’s what really shapes this life in the most beautiful way.
Well Chloe, I want to thank you again for your time today and we wish you the best of luck in the American Song Contest moving forward!
Remember #YOU can see if Chloe will qualify for the semi-final this Monday night, April 4th at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM Central. #YOU can also jump into the ASC discussions on social media @ESCUnited, on our discord, or on our forum page!
