"Jupiter & Stone Between," Forest Claudette's Voyage to Self-Discovery
Credit: Lissyelle Laricchia
Forest Claudette, the rising alt-R&B star, takes us to Sidereal space with their latest production, "Jupiter & Stone Between." The groundbreaking EP, released via the major label Warner Records, merges two of their 2024 projects into a unique listening experience that takes you on a journey of self-discovery full of silky R&B and driving beats.
Music has always been present in Forest Claudette’s life. As they grew up, spending some time in Victoria, Australia, and then in the US, Claudette looked up to artists like SZA and Moses Sumney. With the objective to follow their steps, Claudette tuned their music skills at an alternative high school until they got the attention of national radio. Soon after, it became clear they would become someone to pay attention to on the music scene. They have collaborated with multiple artists and won two ARIA Awards for Best Soul/R&B Release and Best Cover Art. More recently, Claudette joined Omar Apollo on his “God Said No” tour around Australia.
The latest step in their artistic career is the combined EP, "Jupiter & Stone Between." An examination of the challenges and triumphs of coming out, the importance of self-acceptance, and the complexities of human relationships. From the title, Claudette talks to us about the dual nature of their journey, with "Jupiter" representing a safe haven for them, especially as a non-binary person, and "& Stone Between" symbolizing the soul odyssey, the innumerable obstacles encountered along the way.
“Jupiter titling came from thinking about the ways we gender things. If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, maybe I could be from Jupiter.”
— Forest Claudette
Even though both of these projects shine in their own way when separated, listening to the combined experience takes them to a whole new level. The soundscape presents a mysterious and tempting road that unfolds themes of attraction, family ties, and identity. Their writing creates emotional verses, but it is the honesty of their dairy-like style that makes it impactful.
Every song in the collection deserves to be there, just like every moment of their life taught them to be exactly who they are right now. Tracks like "Kobe Beef" and "Big Wigs" offer captivating insights into Claudette's personal perspectives. The first explores the necessity of stopping pretending and accepting one's true self, while "Big Wigs" reflects on the many roles we play in life and the pressures to prioritize irrelevant things, leaving our happiness as secondary.
Beyond the music, the EP's message is taken to the visual realm on a 360-degree viewing experience in collaboration with the innovative company Arcturus. The idea is to let all the fans enjoy the intensity of a 3D concert from any place in the world. Piotr Uzarowicz, Arcturus' VP of Partnerships and Marketing, says about the video, “We teamed with Forest and Warner Records to deliver an artist’s authenticity in an unprecedented way; ushering a genuine performance into augmented and virtual realities.”
Forest Claudette's "Jupiter & Stone Between" is just outstanding. Music, attitude, lyricism, and artistry are present in every second of this journey to authenticity and self-expression. By sharing their personal experiences and emotions, they create a safe space for listeners to connect with their own lives and feelings.