Clairo
Profession: Musician
Born: August 18, 1998
Age: 27 years old
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Known for: Pretty Girl
Biography
Clairo is an American singer and songwriter best known for her hit song “Pretty Girl” and also for evolving her bedroom-pop sound into acclaimed albums such as Immunity, Sling, and Charm.
Clairo who grew up in a creative household, was raised between Atlanta and Carlisle, Massachusetts. Her father worked in marketing and her mother in visual media, where music and storytelling were part of daily life. She began teaching herself the basics of production, posting songs and refining a gentle vocals that felt immediate and personal.
Clairo draws inspiration from her father and mothers musical ideologies, with influences from the likes Billy Paul, AI Green, and Cocteau Twins.
Her music career came into being in 2017 as her webcam video for “Pretty Girl” became popular online. The clip’s unpolished and plain spoken lyrics connected with millions and established her as a defining figure in the early wave of bedroom pop.
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Rather than being a flash in the pan, the attention set the stage for deliberate artistic growth: she released the diary 001 EP in 2018 and used the opportunity to explore more projects and live performances.
She got exposure for the release of her first studio album “Immunity”, in 2019. She expanded her sound with richer production, collaborations and sharper songwriting that addressed identity, mental health, and intimacy with a newfound clarity. Clairo has been noted by critics for her move from bedroom sketches to more studio craft, while leaning towards storytelling with the release of Sling in 2021, as co-produced by Jack Antonof.
Beyond her music releases, Cottrill’s milestones also include headlining tours, high-profile Television performances, and an expanding global fanbase. She has been opened about mental health and chronic health struggles in most of her interviews.
She took another turn with her self-produced album Charm alongside Leon Michels in 2024, as it embraces 1970s soft-rock and soul music sound.
Some of her popular songs include; Amoeba, Sexy To Someone, Just For Today, Nomad, Bubble Gum, and many other.
Today, Claire Cottrill balances creative independence with broader commercial presence. She continues to experiments with production and writing songs that translate private moments into collective feeling. Her career arc from laptop webcam videos to top-ten albums and a devoted, global audience illustrates an artist who has managed to grow without losing the candid voice that first drew people in.
Clairo has been credited for her effort in the music industry, having won a handful of awards such as; Boston Music Awards for Top Artist of the Year in (2018, 2019) and also earned nominations like Best Alternative Music Album at Grammy Awards 2025, and Song of the Year at Boston Music Awards in 2019.
Career Timeline
- 2017 – Pretty Girl – Singer/Songwriter
- 2017 – Flaming Hot Cheetos – Singer/Songwriter
- 2018 – diary 001 (EP) – Singer/Songwriter
- 2019 – Immunity (Album) – Singer/Songwriter
- 2019 – Bags – Singer/Songwriter
- 2021 – Sling (Album) – Singer/Songwriter
- 2021 – Blouse – Singer/Songwriter
- 2024 – Charm (Album) – Singer/Songwriter
- 2024 – Sexy to Someone – Singer/Songwriter
Personal Details
- Alternative name: Clair Elizabeth Cottrill
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 3 in
- Parents: Geoff Cottrill (father), Allie/Allison Cottrill (mother)
- Official Website(s): Instagram – @clairo
Trivia
- She shot the video of her viral song “Pretty Girl” on a laptop webcam and filmed in her childhood bedroom.
- She went to Syracuse University in 2017.
- Her name Clairo is pronounced as “Kleuh row”.
- She began posting music at around age 13 and released many DIY EPs before signing to a label.
- Her early criticism about industry connections led to a public debate, which she navigated while proving her craft on record.
- Clairo co-produced parts of Immunity and co-produced Charm, showing growing control over her sound.
- Her song Charm was recorded partly to analog tape to capture a warm, live feel—an intentional move away from bedroom lo-fi.
- She plays multiple instruments, including guitar, piano, and clarinet.
- She has performed on late-night TV stages and sold out headline shows around the world.
- Her fans often praise her lyricism for feeling like “handwritten notes set to melody.”
- She made it open to her fans via twitter that she is bisexual.
- Clairo has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2025.
