CHLÖE HOWL

As it was my honour to conclude our Tipping Point series in 2012, it is my pleasure to open proceedings of Tipping Point 2013. We begin this new year with a very strong candidate indeed, in the shape of a 17 year old electro-pop artist operating under the name Chlöe Howl. With the aid of Pitchfork, Howl burst into prominence in the last few weeks of 2012, with her debut track ‘No Strings’ now clocking up over eighty thousand plays.

There is currently very little information about Howl, with her Facebook and Soundcloud both rather sparse. However with a brief search, many blogs have seemingly concluded she is one of Colombia’s latest signings, and it’s hardly surprising given how radio friendly ‘No Strings’ is as a track. However unlike a lot of current major label output, Howl is a fresh breath of ‘Pop’ air. Her first effort is hardly ground-breaking  but for what it lacks in striking originality, it makes up in its damn catchiness. ‘No Strings’ demands at least a second a listen, though its true genius lies in its ability to strike straight into the mind of the 16-24 age group, passionately dealing with the issues of love, sex, and the turbulent relationship which eclipses both. If British Pop music, One Direction aside, is going to make a serious return in 2013, then Chlöe Howl will no doubt be part of the rejuvenation.

Words by Ben Blackburn

Tip courtesy of Robin Seamer from Breaking More Waves