Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Clara Cloud describes the music on her latest album as “fairy-like.”

Take one look at Cloud—flowing red hair; big doe eyes; whimsical clothing—and it’s not hard to see why.

The indie folk artist released The Woods in April, after working with more than 30 local producers and artists—including Tiffany Williams, Jonas Pascual, and Robbie Hebert—for the past two years.

The project is an eight-song album with corresponding videos that add up to a short film inspired by nature and inner-child healing. The goal was to give listeners something they could resonate with.

“I think it’s very rare,” Cloud reflects, “that we’re given the chance to play roles that accurately represent who we are.”

Cloud grew up in the Kootenays performing in a variety of local concerts, cabarets, and musical theatre productions through both her school music program and community music, dance, and theatre associations.

She says she has always loved storytelling in all of its forms, whether that be acting on stage, writing, or singing.

“The creative process is a product of living,” she says. Every time a melody, a feeling, a line, a phrase, or even a story concept pops up in her head, she saves the ideas to use them as  building blocks for future creative pursuits. 

Last year, two songs from The Woods—“The Archer” and “Weathervane”—were longlisted for the Faith Nolan Award for Music through the Surrey Muse Arts Society. 

“The Archer” explores female rage. Lyrics such as “Help me stay/I’m far too tired of being swept away,” symbolize the struggle against confinement during the pandemic—when she wrote the song—and the desire for freedom.

“Weathervane”, on the other hand, explores the depth of self-doubt and internal struggles, creating a parallel between the video’s oceanic visual elements. “And say that I’m not afraid of being swept away/Oh, what pretty lies these lips can say,” she sings, demonstrating how fluid our emotions and experiences are.

The Woods’ songs balance harmonies, violins, and major chords that balance well with her distinct visual storytelling style and complement her angelic voice.

She says her album was born out of a desire to create and collaborate with other artists in Vancouver, especially because she is a new musician on the scene.

When the album was ready, Cloud organized a release party that brought together many of the creatives she worked with. She’s grateful that they were able to create a “magical, welcoming, warming space,” and that she “ended up building more than a community I could’ve ever hoped for.”