Claud

Debuting as one-half of the dream pop duo Toast, the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter known as Claud crafts warm, synth-based indie pop. Following the 2018 release of the Toast EP, Claud branched out on their own, sharpening production and revealing a more personal lyrical side with beat-forward songs like "Never Meant to Call" and "If I Were You." Singer/songwriter Phoebe Bridgers took note, and made Claud's full-length debut, 2021's Super Monster, the inaugural release on her Saddest Factory label. Born and raised outside Chicago in Highland Park, Claud Mintz spent much of middle and high school as an introvert, focusing on guitar playing and voice practice. These efforts paid off once they arrived at Syracuse University in fall 2017. Within months, they met Josh Mehling, who would become the other half of Toast. Delving head-long into music, they recorded their self-titled EP in their dormitory. With its playful dream pop sound and charming, candid lyrics, Toast (Terrible Records) helped secure the duo various opening slots, performing around the U.S. and building a dedicated fan base, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Mintz then decided to leave Syracuse and pursue their burgeoning career, going solo and performing as Claud. Flourishing in the queer scene in New York City, they continued to perform live and record. Upbeat "Never Meant to Call" arrived in 2018 and was soon followed by the equally wistful "Easy" and "If I Were You" in 2019. Building their audience while touring with the likes of the Neighbourhood, Bleachers, Girlpool, and Hatchie, they signed with Phoebe Bridgers' label Saddest Factory in 2020. The first release for the Dead Oceans imprint was Claud's song "Gold," issued in October of that year. That same month, Claud was featured on the track "You & Me" from the debut EP of Quarter-Life Crisis, a project of producer Ryan Hemsworth. Just a few months later, in February 2021, Saddest Factory issued Claud's debut album, Super Monster. Recorded at New York's famed Electric Lady Studios with Mehling co-producing, its guests included, among others, Claire Cottrill (aka Clairo), Nick Hakim, and Jake Portrait (Unknown Mortal Orchestra). ~ Neil Z. Yeung & Marcy Donelson, Rovi