Chloe Hawes shares new single “James Dean”

Manchester-based artist Chloe Hawes stands at the crossroads of British folk, Americana storytelling and punk rock impact, a blend that’s equally intimate and anthemic. Brought to life by their rich vocal delivery, their music recounts tales of identity, queerness and the experiences that come from living life without a safety net, turning that context into songs that feel human, relatable and entirely their own. Originally from Essex, Chloe’s path has always been informed by geographical, emotional and artistic movement.

Their sound takes cues from modern British folk but reaches across the Atlantic, stitching in the cinematic warmth of classic Americana and the defiant heart of punk, resulting in a fusion that mirrors their story of discovery, self-confrontation and finding connection through disarray. From playing in the hushed quiet of a folk club or before a festival crowd, Chloe has the ability to make each performance feel personal.

Their down-to-earth presence and honesty have earned them a loyal following across the UK, Europe, and the USA, with recent highlights including sold-out shows, appearances at Manchester Pride and support slots alongside Will Varley, Beans on Toast, Amythyst Kiah and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Capturing their sound in the studio, they made their official artistic entrance in 2014 with a debut EP, which they’ve since followed with a string of well-received EPs and singles, their first full-length record, Remains/Reminders, landed in April last year.

Now, Chloe Hawes returns with their brand new single titled “James Dean,” this time leaning into a stripped-back, punk-tinged outing that digs into the mythology of self-destruction. Thematically, Chloe dismantles a a sense of rebellion, framing a pursuit of meaning and the way people chase turmoil for validation or keep company with ghosts because silence feels worse. Brought in by the roll of drums and Chloe’s expressive vocal leads, they cast a subtly buoyant folk pop scene that flows with memorable melodic leads and picture painting lyricism.

Gliding with the patter of percussion, pulse of bass and intricate guitar notes, their voice crafts an alluring listening experience that filters a poignant context through a bright and infectious lens. Building the energy with punchy drums and surging instrumentation, the delicate flicker of lead guitar line add flashes of energising melodic passages as the arrangement progresses with smooth ebb and flow throughout.

It’s a spectacular display of Chloe’s songwriting talent and performance panache, serving up a timeless pop-focused folk outing that’s sure to win over fans across the UK and beyond. With “James Dean,” Chloe Hawes proves once again that profound themes, when sung with conviction, can hit harder than any act of rebellion. As they continue to shine on their enduring musical story, we can’t wait to see what comes next from this exciting singer-songwriting on the rise.

Listen to James Dean below

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