Doll Klaw is the solo music project created and composed by first generation Mexican American of indigenous descent and Los Angeles native, Jessica Caro.
After being the vocalist for several short-lived bands since the age of 17, Jessica dived into music software which allowed her to create music from the comfort of her bedroom. Influenced by dark wave, post-punk, and synth pop, she self released her first EP “Battery Tongue”. Embracing her weirdness in “Battery Tongue”, Jessica allowed her childhood traumas to be the drive behind her avant-garde live performances and her music as an avenue to release her rage.
Recently, Jessica headed to Seahorse Sound Studios to record her newest EP, titled “Thorns”. “Thorns” introduces Doll Klaw’s transition to its new polished sound, returning to Jessica Caro’s roots as a vocalist and demonstrates her vocal capabilities. Calling in elements of indie/dream pop/electropop, “Thorns” showcases Jessica’s growth as an artist and sets the tone for the new era of Doll Klaw.
Thank you for taking this interview! How has the New Year been for you so far as an artist?
Honestly it has been a little stressful lol but totally worth it. I’ve played a few shows and have been focusing on my new releases.
Can you tell us how you've transformed from the beginning to now as an artist? Throughout these years I have definitely built more confidence as a musician and performer. I’ve been able to experiment with different sounds and been able to truly realize and envision my goals.
How did you come up with your latest project?
I really wanted to polish my sound and push myself to compose to my best ability based on where I was at the time so I made the effort to record at a legitimate studio for the first time. As with most of my music it was really just me venting and turning my life experiences into music.
Where are you from originally? I grew up in El Monte, CA! :)
Where do you live now?
I currently live in Downtown Los Angeles.
Do you think where you live impacts how your music is made?
I mean sure. I’m a very sensitive person and my surroundings have an impact on me but I love my city!
What was the inspiration to make music your career?
I’ve always had a strong love for music. From as long as I can remember I always wanted to be a musician. Whether it was me as early as I was allowed to join band and choir at school or writing in my childhood Dr. Seuss book where you fill out the blanks. At the end of that book it says “What I want to be when I grow up” and has two pages filled with all these different occupations. I wrote in my messed up backward letters writing “singer”. I don’t even think that was one of the options listed! Lol I still have that book. :)
How do you want to shape your career?
I want to build a safe space for people who feel misunderstood or feel unseen. As much of an advocate I am for empowerment and being a bad bitch I’m also a softie and am very emotional. I’d love for Doll Klaw to become a space for people who can relate to that.
Do you work on a tight timeline always or do you go with the flow when it comes to your music? I initially set out timelines and in a perfect world they would be executed in a timely manner but I feel like it's almost impossible when you have to work around other people’s schedules.
How did your latest title of your music come to be?
The title of my last EP was named after the last song of the EP, “Thorns”. Thorns is a song I wrote about my mental health struggles. I believe mental health can be more important than physical health because it will eventually also affect your physical health. Openly discussing these topics can be a start in destigmatizing mental health issues.
Is it hard to let go of the music when it is done? Not for me! :) I am constantly coming up with new ideas and always feel like whatever is currently released isn’t an accurate representation of where I’m at musically because I’m always pushing myself to grow and evolve. So, I can’t wait to release stuff so I can move on and release everything else that I’m working on.
Do you feel an emotional attachment to your music? Yes, of course! All of my songs are my babies. Writing music is extremely vulnerable and personal. I put pieces of myself into each and every one of my songs.
How would you describe your music in one word to someone who hasn't listened to it yet?
Empowerment
Where do they go to listen NOW? My music is on all music streaming platforms! So Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, literally wherever you listen to music I’m sure you’ll be able to find my music lol :)
What has been the best fan reaction to your music? Someone had reached out to me to tell me that my song “Inside” got them through their breakup. To think that something I created was able to actually positively affect another humans life, I was ok that makes everything worth it, I can die now lol
Is there anything exciting coming up for you? Yes! I’m in the process of releasing my next single “Music Fest”! So be on the lookout for that!
Are you performing the song anywhere LIVE? Yes! I’ll be performing the song at every upcoming show I have.
Give us all your socials and links so fans can link up with you! Instagram: @dollklaw TikTok: @dollklaw