Spill Tab's Artistic Evolution: The Journey Behind "Angie"

Spill Tab, the musical project of 27-year-old artist Claire Chicha, has recently released her debut full-length album, *Angie*, which marks a significant milestone in her career. This lo-fi album blends introspective vocals in both English and French with experimental production, showcasing Chicha's commitment to artistic evolution. She describes her creative process as a "sonic collage," where each song is intentionally crafted to feel distinct from the last. “If the music is not evolving, then I feel as though I'm not evolving,” Chicha explains, emphasizing her desire to explore new sounds and ideas.

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The lead-up to the release of *Angie* was fraught with anxiety for Chicha, who felt the pressure of the music industry's focus on singles. Despite her nervousness about including slower songs, the response during her subsequent tour was unexpectedly positive, with audiences singing along to deeper cuts. “It made me feel so seen and understood as a musician,” she reflects, noting that this validation helped alleviate some of her anxiety. However, she acknowledges that managing her vulnerability remains a challenge, stating, “I don’t know if I've ever been really good at managing any kind of anxiety.”

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Chicha's artistic vision extends beyond music into the realm of visual storytelling. Her music videos are often likened to short films, rich in emotional texture and surreal imagery. She collaborates closely with the directing duo Sweetie Pie, who help bring her initial ideas to life. One notable inspiration for her video for "Pink Lemonade" came from the TV series *Maid*, where a character's desire to disappear resonated deeply with Chicha. “I’ve definitely felt that way—where you just want to disappear, get swallowed up by your mattress,” she shares.

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Looking ahead, Chicha is preparing for a West Coast tour that will culminate in her hometown of Los Angeles. Despite the physical and emotional toll of touring, she finds joy in the live performance experience. “Touring is grueling and painful, but you deal with all that stuff for that one hour you get on stage with your friends,” she states. This commitment to her craft is evident as she aims to continually improve her performances, expressing a desire to create a better show each time.

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Chicha has expressed her initial reluctance to create a deluxe version of *Angie*, but she later recognized her attachment to the songs that didn’t make the final cut. “There were songs I dropped that I really loved,” she noted, indicating her ongoing connection to her work and the creative process.

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• “If the music is not evolving, then I feel as though I'm not evolving.” — Claire Chicha, Spill Tab

Newsweek

• “It made me feel so seen and understood as a musician,” — Claire Chicha, Spill Tab

Newsweek

• “I’ve definitely felt that way—where you just want to disappear, get swallowed up by your mattress.” — Claire Chicha, Spill Tab

Newsweek

• “Touring is grueling and painful, but you deal with all that stuff for that one hour you get on stage with your friends.” — Claire Chicha, Spill Tab

Newsweek

Through her work on *Angie*, Spill Tab continues to redefine her artistic identity while navigating the complexities of vulnerability and connection with her audience.

Newsweek