Atlanta’s own 365 party girls, Coco & Clair Clair have been delivering sharp lyrics and floaty beats since 2013, and with a new album and a tour both on horizon, they aren’t looking at letting up.
From their viral track “Pretty” which blew up on TikTok in 2017 to their debut album Sexy in 2022, Coco & Clair Clair’s trademark blend of sardonic and witty lyricism matched with an ethereal, airy sound has taken the music world by storm, putting them on the map.
However, it kind of feels like the alt-pop duo are still just a couple of friends hitting up house parties, shopping for nice clothes, and making beats together. We caught up with Coco & Clair Clair ahead of their new album Girls: here’s what went down.
If your upcoming album, Girl were a girl, what type of girl would she be?
C: The type of girl to have a very long block list. Also the type of girl to have a very long “my devices” list on her bluetooth.
CC: She’s mysterious, your favorite friend to party with, very kind, and very sexy.
The album name, Girl feels pretty topical, given all the online discourse about girlhood, female friendships, and the popular “I’m just a girl” mentality. What are your thoughts on the discourse surrounding ‘girls’ and ‘girlhood’ right now?
C: I don’t use TikTok or watch Reels or anything so I don’t know what this discourse is about. I’m 28, unfortunately, but I hope they’re saying good things about girls. We rock 😉
CC: So…yeah…that’s a huge coincidence that we didn’t put any thought or effort into, but it’s great. I’m happy people are talking about girlhood and finding new, better ways to challenge it and make it work for them. I just want girls to feel safe and cool and for everyone to be nice and happy.
We know you guys as the ultimate besties, making music together that speaks to other duos too. Given that the friendship bracelet is kind of overdone, what’s the new way that best friends are matching right now?
C: Matching jewelry charms why not!
CC: We have a tradition of going jewerly shopping together after a release or major milestone and buying something gold. I like gold because of what it represents – compassion, wisdom, luck, etc. – and I know it’s something we’ll have forever. Even if the pieces don’t match, it’s nice to look down at my bracelet or my ring and think about our friendship and all of our successes together.
Your sound is so ethereal but your lyrics have a bite to them, talking about “cussing people out,” “packin’ knives” and “fucking around.” What is it that draws you to this contrast?
C: Girls just wanna have fun.
CC: We really do.
In your opinion, what’s “in” this summer and what’s definitely “out”?
C: In: flip flops, french pedicures, gimlets, Love Island USA, Psilo gummies, silence, being hydrated, boho braids, watching the sunset. Out: loafers, paying for gas, vodka sodas, Netflix, ketamine, Law and Order SVU (season ended).
CC: I second all of that but will add more. In: knowing your bra size, Inside Out 2, peppermint tea, Free People, playing pickleball with your parents, and tanning by the pool (I finally understand the appeal). Out: drama, shitposting, cilantro, and narcissism.
So much hyper-masculine rap has famously been born out of Atlanta, where you’re both from. How did you find approaching the rap scene from a new perspective, adopting an alt-pop-meets-glam-rap style? Was it challenging or does it feel like people have been waiting for this?
C: It took people a while to “get” what we were doing but since starting this project we’ve always been shocked by the people who do get it and are actual fans of what we’re doing. I don’t know if anyone has been waiting for this but I’m glad it’s resonating.
CC: Our approach was pretty unintentional. I wish I could say we really thought about it but the truth is we’ve always just been ourselves and made the kind of music that we felt like making at the time, which I think people respond really well to. But like Coco said, people didn’t really “get” us at first, so it was definitely hard to navigate the music scene in the early stages of our career because it’s so heavily male-dominated and men hate when women do things differently or dare I say better than them. But we’ve always had some kind of fanbase, whether it was our friends or strangers online, and that’s what kept us going. I think people just like our vibe…I don’t know if they’ve been waiting for us but I’m happy we stand out as something new and refreshing.
What’s a trend right now you’re obsessed with?
C: I’ve been rewatching the show Girlfriends and it’s been making me obsessed with little y2k babydoll tops that happen to be trendy now. I finally bought one off eBay and it looked like **** on me.
CC: Wearing scarves as skirts, tops, belts, anything.
The club scene is kind of undergoing its biggest revival in recent years, with women in particular looking for new nightlife spaces where they can hear music they like. Where’s your favourite place to party right now?
C: Johnny’s Hideaway in Atlanta.
CC: Yeah, Johnny’s Hideaway or a house party. You really can’t beat a good house party in my opinion.
If you could send a gift to each of your fans, what would you choose for it to be?
C: A CD of our new album accompanied by a shot glass that says “HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT” in red font.
CC: $1,000
Lastly, is there anything else on the horizon you’re excited about that you can share with us?
C: We’re going on tour baby. See you soon.
