Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Claire Khodara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Claire , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I am a singer, using my voice to convey messages of peace, healing, comfort, and inspiration. My journey began at the age of five when I declared myself a “star rock.” Over the years, I’ve had remarkable opportunities, from being the soprano soloist at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI to participating as a contestant on American Idol. Despite performing on international stages, I don’t need an audience to know my true calling as a singer.
In the past decade, I’ve focused on building businesses as an agent, representing and championing other talents. However, a profound turning point occured when faced with the mortality of my mother. Her passing compelled me to reflect on my own mortality and recognize the imperative for the artist within me to shine. This realization sparked the creation of Modern Lullaby, a heartfelt project born out of my deep love for my mother, my children, and the multifaceted journey of motherhood. Modern Lullaby serves as an expression of gratitude, encapsulating the essence of parenthood with all its unpredictable twists and turns. As a mother of three children, I use music to communicate and create a sense of peace in our home. My children are exposed to different genres of music: pop, jazz, lullabies, hymns, chants, and more. Lullabies, in particular, hold a special place, bringing back feelings of safety, protection, and love. My children and I sing lullabies every night to wind down for bedtime, a time and space we hold to feel peace. ‘The Prayer’, an encore to Modern Lullaby, is a dedication to my husband and children who inspire me every day.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a recording artist, autism activist, and founder based in Los Angeles, California. My soulful and soaring sound is inspired by folk and Americana icons like Brandi Carlile and Bonnie Raitt. I transcend musical genres with my classical background and modern, sultry vocals, which have shaped my international, 25-year career.
I was born in Philadelphia in 1985 and trained at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, studying classical opera under the legendary Italian soprano Renata Scotto. I spent two years honing my technique and promoting art and music before being honored as the Pope’s Benediction singer for Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI from 2004 to 2006.
After studying at Imperial College in London, I returned to Philadelphia to complete my Bachelor of Arts at Temple University. In 2010, I became a contestant on Season 9 of American Idol in Los Angeles, propelling my musical career into the spotlight.
Realizing my ability to advocate for myself as an artist, I founded the production company STARROCK in 2012. It provided custom acts and live entertainment for global events, including fashion weeks in New York, London, and Paris. In 2014, I released my debut album, “Brand New,” with my London band, featuring mid-tempo, folk-inspired jazz sounds.
By 2016, I moved to New York City, securing residencies at prestigious venues and forming the band Khodara with producer Billy Pavone. Khodara’s debut EP, “Where’s Your Love,” received critical acclaim, blending electronic music with a soulful sound.
I “[found] power through beauty,” wrote Cool Hunting, with the ultimate goal to “demonstrate the versatility of pop music around the world.” BlackBook hailed me as “the gorgeous songstress [who] has been compared to, amongst others, Lana Del Rey.”
In 2017, I became a mother to Winston, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Drawing upon my advocacy experience, I actively supported autism awareness and acceptance, integrating music therapy for my son’s struggle to find his voice.
During the pandemic, my family relocated to Los Angeles, where I opened STARROCK’s bicoastal office, continuing to support a network of 200+ artists annually. STARROCK was voted the best women-run global entertainment company by Luxe Magazine and the #1 Wedding Vendor nationwide by The Knot in 2021.
Today, I am a proud mother of three—Winston (6), Constantin (4), and Olympia (3). In 2021, my mother, Martha Madigan, was diagnosed with cancer, inspiring me to create the compilation album “Modern Lullaby.” It is a cathartic outpouring of love for my mother, children, and children everywhere, featuring cover songs in my soft and stirring style. My eldest son, Winston, also features on “Twinkle – Wonderful World.”
“The Prayer,” released on September 15, 2023, is an encore to “Modern Lullaby,” both produced by Ken Stacey. All proceeds from the album’s sales go towards autism education, awareness, and advocacy.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a deep sense of purpose rooted in personal experiences, a commitment to family, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the world through the power of music and advocacy. As a singer, my mission is to use my voice as a vessel for messages of peace, healing, comfort, and inspiration. In sharing my creative insights drawing from my experiences as a mother, singer, and businesswoman, I aim to connect with others on a deeply emotional level, which allow me to contribute positively and make an impact on the world. The projects I undertake, including “Modern Lullaby” and “The Prayer,” are not only a celebration of artistry but also a commitment to giving back.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I distinctly remember the moment when my son received an Autism diagnosis. In that instant, I sensed the demanding journey that lay ahead, one requiring resilience. Navigating the complexities of raising a child with unique needs was not without its difficulties. However, within the challenges we faced, the inherent beauty of uniqueness revealed itself.
Witnessing my son’s brilliance unfurl has been an awe-inspiring journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations — a journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary. The belief that everything unfolds for the best, even in the face of adversity, forms the cornerstone of resilience. This perspective transforms challenges into opportunities for growth, learning, and understanding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clairekhodara.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/clairekhodara
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/clairekhodara
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/clairekhodara
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/clairekhodara
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2hTsfDf1qa1MdTu0vCWtw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/starrock-productions-brooklyn