Chantal Claret
Born: Chantal Claret
21st February 1982 Berkeley, California
Bands: Morningwood (2001-Present)
Early Life Chantal Claret was born in Berkeley, CA but has lived in New York city since the age of five. Claret was attending film school in pursuit of a career in directing music videos when she met Pedro Yanowitz (who had played drums for the Wallflowers, Natalie Merchant and Money Mark before turning to the bass) at a birthday party in 2001. The duo immediately began writing songs together, and was soon joined by former Cibo Matto drummer John Paul Keenon O and guitarist Richard Steel formerly of Spacehog. The four spent the next year recording demos on their own independent label, Rockhardcock Records. They also became noted for their off-the-wall live shows and Clarets high energy performances. Morningwood soon built up a loyal following in their hometown of New York. Musical Career In 2002 Morningwood were spontaneously added to a showcase for Capitol Records executives and were later signed to the label following a impressive live show. In 2005 the Band travelled to London's Rak Studios to work with the respected English producer Gil Norton, known for his work with the Pixies, the Foo Fighters, and Echo and the Bunnymen. The band released their self titled debut album in January 2006.
The album received mixed responses from critics. Jonathan Ringen of Rolling Stone called it "a catchier-than-Chlamydia mix of power-pop hooks and effects-heavy riffage" but noted that "all the candy-coated excess might leave you feeling a little like Courtney Love after a heavy night". Johnny Loftus, on Allmusic.com, referred to the songs as "sexy catch phrases around rhythms that have been heard before". The album peaked at #102 on the billboard 200 and #1 on the Heatseakers album chart. The band spent the rest of 2006 touring the U.S. to support the album. They also toured with fellow New Yorkers Mindless Self Indulgence and the English Alternative Rock band Kasabian. In September 2008 Morningwood appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman with a debut live performance of their new song “Sugarbaby.” Trivia Chantal Claret Links BabeInvasion | Bestzilla | Celebrity Link | Chickipedia | Famous Hookups
