Perth/Boorloo-based indie folk artist Clare Perrott knows how to wear her heart on her sleeve. Her latest single “How Can I Tell You?” is a love letter to the friendships she’s grown up with, wrapped up in a cocoon of honey-like music and melody. We caught up with Clare to chat about the new tune, as well as when we’ll get to hear more of what she's got in store.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a musician? I knew I definitely wanted music in my life since I first saw Hannah Montana, but I didn’t really think songwriting would get me there! One of my first loves was the drum kit, and I was determined to become the best drummer ever… However, after failing to play “Rosanna” by Toto, I quickly discovered it may not be for me and, coincidentally, had been encouraged to start songwriting by my music teacher. From there, I have just been the luckiest person ever and have been able to pick up the guitar and share a few tunes here and there, and music has integrated into my life.

How did your new single “How Can I Tell You?” come about? “How Can I Tell You?” came about when I was away in Sydney and had bought my first nylon guitar. I couldn’t believe it, yet at the same time realised how much music took over my life and that sometimes left me less present, and that potentially I hadn’t been the best person as I was often too busy thinking about music and how to better that side of myself. I have amazing friends and people in my life – it’s so important to tell them all how you feel, and feelings are awesome and deserve to be shared! And from this train of thought, “How Can I Tell You?” was born and holds such a sincere place in my heart.

What’s the one thing that you’re the most grateful for? My amazing family. :)

Besides music, how else are you creative? Creativity is so awesome! I am a journalism student, and in my spare time I love writing film reviews and creating soundtracks to films I love and worlds I would love to live in. My best friends and I go to a Movie Monday deal where students get $10 tickets, and we indulge in some awesome flicks and then do a big debrief afterwards, and then I try to put my thoughts down. But I must say they are not anything to brag about. However, I have such a good time and it fills the soul.

What do you think is the most underrated feeling? In this hay fever season, I am loving sneezing five times in a row and getting it all out.

Who are your musical heroes? Faye Webster has a hold on my heart like nothing else. Her melodies and instrumentation are serene, and I cried the whole time I saw her live – how does she wear her heart on her sleeve and on the pedal steel? Billie Marten changed my life. Drop Cherries for me is one of my favourite records and her softness and sincerity opened me to a world I didn’t know existed. Adrianne Lenker is, I think, the most incredible and vulnerable songwriter and artist to ever exist, and Big Thief is the definition of fairy bread on your sixth birthday – the best thing ever. Every record and lyric reminds me how small we all are, but with big feelings, and I love it.

When will we hear more of what you’re working on? “How Can I Tell You?” is the start of new music coming soon which I am excited about, but I’m really just enjoying the feeling of this song being out there. It has been a long time coming and I am extremely thankful for my band for putting it all together and using their talents to record it. But I’m very excited for some cool shows and music coming soon!

Feast your ears on Clare Perrott this-a-way. For more rad music chats, peep your eyes on our chinwag with Matahara or have a squiz at our chat with Julia Stone. Plus, sign up to our newsletter to stay in the music loop.