Canadian-American musician and composer
Claire Rousay (styled as claire rousay) is a Canadian-American experimental musician and composer based in Los Angeles. Rousay, who is currently signed with Thrill Jockey, is known for using field recordings to create musique concrète pieces.
Early life.
Rousay was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and moved to San Antonio, Texas, with her family when she was ten years old. Rousay's interest in music began at the age of three when she began piano lessons with her mother, a professional pianist. Rousay grew up in an Evangelical Christian household and played drums during church events until she distanced herself from Christianity. She dropped out of high school at the age of 15 and became a solo percussionist.
Career.
In 2020, Rousay released the album "It Was Always Worth It" via Longform Editions.
In 2021, she released "A Softer Focus" via American Dreams. The album was a collaboration with San Antonio-based visual artist Dani Toral, who first met Rousay in middle school.
Rousay has also collaborated with her best friend and fellow Texas-based experimental musician Mari Maurice, who performs under the name More Eaze. They have released two collaborative albums together, "An Afternoon Whine" in 2021 and "Never Stop Texting Me" in 2022.
In 2023, Rousay signed with American record label Thrill Jockey and released the album "Sentiment" in April 2024.
Musical style.
Rousay uses a Zoom H5 Handy Recorder to record everyday sounds and uses them to create musique concrète pieces. Her music has been described as experimental and "emo ambient".
Personal life.
Rousay, who moved from San Antonio to Los Angeles in 2022, still maintains her Canadian citizenship. She hosts a weekly online show on NTS Radio.
In 2019, Rousay came out as a trans woman. The proceeds of her 2022 album "Wouldn't Have to Hurt" were donated to The Trevor Project. She also has a dog named Banana.
References.
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