Meet Claire Sully: Pop Singer & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire Sully and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind my success is patience. Nothing in life comes easy. Nothing happens overnight. I had a dream of becoming a professional singer at 13 years old, and it was a lot of performing at open mics, bars, restaurants etc.. not only that, but building a brand, or a name for yourself takes a lot of work. I had to deal with a lot of rejection, and at the end of the day, you become stronger because with every no you get told, it just pushed me to work harder. I was releasing songs on Spotify, apple music and iTunes every day praying someone would listen to me and want to pick me up. However that wasn’t the case. Eventually I gave up and said, I want to write music because I love it, Writing is my outlet. As soon as I hit my mid teens that’s when I was getting more attention. Recording artists were reaching out wanting to write with me, producers were inboxing me with collaboration ideas, so I am not one to say, it can’t happen. I am a firm believer in if something is meant to happen it’ll happen for the right reasons. Building a name or a brand can be just as difficult. The key with building a brand for yourself is consistency. I would post covers, my singles, my photoshoots that I had done with photographers. I used a lot of hashtags and even made my name a hashtag to the point where google recognized it. #clairesully 🙂 I really think patience is the key to success. I think that if you want something bad enough, you have to work for it. Not everyone can be called up the next day and be offered a record deal like Justin Bieber. You start at the bottom and work your way up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m Claire Sully. I’m a 21 year old pop singer and songwriter from Boston Massachusetts! I grew up in Milan Italy with family in Argentina. When I moved from Milan, I had no friends, I wasn’t the most popular girl in school. I was the new kid. Every day, I was on a bus, and to and from I was singing to myself. Music was my only friend. At 13 years old I did my first open mic in Burlington Vermont and as soon as I finished my set, I knew it was something I was interested in. It wasn’t until I turned 15 and I had watched music documentaries and learned to play guitar and piano that this became more than a hobby. It became my passion, my way of life, my dream. Growing up, I dealt with a lot of rejection. I auditioned for American Idol a few times, The Voice, and I kept getting told no. That pushed me to work harder on my style and vocals and performance skills. I also had a tough time figuring out where I belonged in the music industry. I love pop, however I also write country music, so I was constantly battling with, do I quit one genre to do the other?, Do I write more of one genre than the other? And I’m still figuring out where my heart truly lies. My music is constantly changing, I like to keep it upbeat and fun. because It also demonstrates who I am as an individual. I am an extrovert so I like to keep my tempos upbeat haha! I think down the road, you’re going to see a little change. As an artist we’re always looking for ways to change our sound and look. I wouldn’t change anything because I’ve learned so much through this incredible musical journey. I’ve had my ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I’m a girl in my room writing lyrics in my notes on my phone. I love what I do, I love working with different artists and producers. I love hearing people’s story, how they got into music. Music is very story telling and I think that’s why I rely on it so much. I have a story that I Want to tell the world I’m not the best at academics, school never came easy for me. However you put me on a stage, public speak, sing for a crowd, I’ll get an A. I will say, I worked really hard in school because the only thing that was on my mind at the time was, graduate and then put all your effort into music. Anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Go into everything with an open mind and open heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in Boston would have to be, The Prudential Center Berklee College of Music, The Top of the Hub, Sea Port New England Aquarium North End I am a big shopper and I love fashion so, the Prudential Center in Boston is the place to be to shop! Berklee College of Music, not only is it an incredible school, but even before attending there, I was going to Berklee to record music with artists that were at that school. I love that place and think very highly of it. The Top of the Hub is a very fancy restaurant in the city so I would definitely bring my best friend there for a nice dinner Sea Port is in Boston and it’s filled with so much to do, there are places to go for lunch or dinner and It’s another very fancy area I’m a big fan of the New England Aquarium, if there’s anything I’m going to have my best friend do before she leaves, is go there. There are tours, you can see so many different aquatic animals, learn so much, You would definitely leave there with a smile on your face Lastly, I’d take my best friend to the North End. That place reminds me so much of when I lived in Milan Italy. People there speak Italian so I can show off haha! I’d also introduce my friend to the Gelato, the fresh products from Italy, and I’d end it with Mike’s Pastries. They have the BEST Cannolis! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel like we’re at the Grammys! I have so many people I’d love to thank and shout out! First and foremost, my parents for having my back all these years. The constant support from them has been incredible. From driving me to Burlington Vermont for my first open mic at 13 years old to supporting me wanting to continue my education at Berklee College of Music at 21. My twin sister Ana. She’s been a source of light and purity since the day I told her I wanted to become a singer. I love you Ana, thank you for everything you do for me! Lerumo the Popstar (EXXDOUT) My co writer and producer. Without your support and love, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Thank you for not giving up on me and taking a chance on me. I am so grateful for our friendship and beyond ecstatic to see where our music journey takes us. My best friends from Boston and Milan Italy , Katie, Mark, Davide, Lorenzo, Plautilla, Thank you for having my back, listening to my unreleased music and giving me your honest opinions. I love that I could come to you with anything and everything. Your endless support means the world to me. I love you guys!

Website: https://clairesullymusic.weebly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairesully27/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-sully-64a077137

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9-3dqLatuKfx9fGOGxt7rg

Image Credits
Tim O’Toole Jonathan Route Karl Jacobson Ana Sullivan