Interview with Claire Parsons and CHAILD Spotlight on two young Luxembourgish musicians, the music scene and local production

Claire Parsons

Claire Parsons was born in 1993. From a young age, she studied music at the Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg . In 2020 she received a master's degree in "jazz vocals" from the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles (Belgium). She has played concerts on many national and international stages and festivals, won various nominations and awards, sings in several bands and is currently working on her new album...

When Claire was in the womb, her mother used to play music and sing melodies to her. Consequently, as a small child, she couldn't fall asleep without her mum humming a lullaby and she was drawn to her parents' record collection, where she would take out several albums from a large cupboard every day, and listen to them for hours on end. And so she devoured all styles of music from Elton John to Pink Floyd.

Around this time, she discovered the piano and played her first melody: the theme tune to Titanic. She was hooked and ever since music has played a major role in her daily life. Why not make it a profession? Claire didn't realise that she could turn her passion into a profession until she was 19, not knowing any professional musicians until then. She began to study music and her previous training in Luxembourg gave her a solid foundation.

And exactly this music education in Luxembourg , Claire Parsons believes is one of the country's greatest assets. The emphasis is placed on diversity and accessibility to learning which, no doubt, will pave the way for many more talented musicians in the future. Moreover, the Luxembourg music scene is highly committed to helping musicians and it's easy to make contacts. The stakeholders, at all levels, offer a tailor-made and personal service for each and every musician. This is unique in the world and Luxembourg's geographic location also makes touring and international cooperation much simpler.

Claire cites the experience of recording the album in the studio as a major moment in her life. To appreciate how a composition becomes a piece of finished music is both fascinating and a challenge in itself. Generally, you have to make a decision about a particular version, moment or note that is recorded while in jazz, the compositions vary each time they are performed. Finally, to hold the finished product in your hands is the greatest reward of them all!

To all those youngsters who dream of becoming a rock star, Claire advises them to follow their dream and make music, not because they hope to become famous but because they can’t live without it. They have to be true to themselves and never compromise. They have to do what they love and love what they do; the rest is out of our hands. The passion will be transmitted naturally to the audience. 

CHAILD

CHAILD is an artist on the rise. He has a unique voice, which is both soothing and intense at the same time. In his songs, he blends the southern European roots of his family with modern electro-pop. He is a musical "Gesamtkunstwerk", supplementing his performances with fashion and modelling. His budding curriculum vitae already lists many achievements: winner of the Screaming Fields festival, support act for various stars, headlining the Rotondes, etc. 

"I continue to work and I want to succeed. Not just for myself but for those supporting me; I want to prove to them that they were right to believe in me."

Luxembourg's central location at the heart of Europe is ideal: it has given CHAILD the opportunity to travel extensively from one city to another for concerts, gatherings or work meetings. The local music scene is growing fast, with a new wave of talented artists appearing on the musical landscape, the financial support is important, and it's easy to make contacts... Personally, he finds it gratifying to have had numerous opportunities to gain more experience in a relatively short space of time in our small country, which would have taken much longer in a larger country. 

From a professional perspective, being the support act for Dean Lewis at the Atelier, remains the musician's favourite moment. As a result of this first major concert, he met lots of people and conquered many hearts. He followed up this achievement with supporting Mahmood, his idol... Since, he has played his first "sold out" concert at the Rotondes. It was an unforgettable event, having the crowd just for himself! A fan showed him a tattoo with the title of one of CHAILD's songs – a heart-warming memory that will live with him forever.

He is a fan of MAZ, Francis of Delirium, Edsun and C'est Karma, and is enthralled with their sonic creations. He also cites Tuys, Turnup Tun and Bazooka Brooze amongst his favourites. For CHAILD music is a matter of taste, but it doesn't stop you from appreciating another artist and their work.