Brooklyn-based alt-pop artist Chloe Lilac moves on from the classroom to the dancefloor on her latest single “High School,” out today (Nov. 6) via RCA Records, with the accompanying video premiering exclusively on Billboard.
The track finds Lilac adapting to a new state of mind with high school fading in the rearview and the promise of adulthood and independence approaching. Though it’s an undeniably exuberant affair, Lilac easily balances maturity with the revelry.
“The song is all about the relief of high school being over,” Lilac tells Billboard. “I had a really tough time in high school so when it was done I was so, so, so happy about it.”
The joy is palpable in the accompanying visual transports Lilac from neon-tinged bedroom gossip sessions to a liberating, sweat-drenched dance party until both scenes bleed into one hazy escapade. Lilac makes a compelling lead as she keeps her cool despite an unpredictable range of situations, whether it’s a quiet moment sharing a cigarette with a potential love interest or getting swarmed by a mob of clubgoers.
Trending on Billboard
For the visual, she shares, “[Director] Jasper Soloff and I wanted to depict the stereotypes that define the typical high school experience. We captured scenes of me and my friends on our phones, a house party scene and the excitement of a new high school sweetheart — all with a raw, Gen Z spin.”
Paired with her honest yet accessible lyrics, the visual puts Lilac’s confidence on full display as she proves that she didn’t need the social conventions and cliques to find herself; she already knows exactly who she is.
The release of “High School” coincides with the beginning of a North American tour with mxmtoon in Toronto on Wednesday, to be followed by additional November dates with Role Model. Check below the jump for full tour information.
Catch the visual for “High School” below.
Tour Dates:
Nov. 6 — Toronto, Canada @ Velvet Underground*
Nov. 8 — Boston, MA @ The Sinclair*
Nov. 9 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry*
Nov. 11 — Atlanta, GA @ Purgatory at The Masquerade*
Nov. 15 — New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre*
Nov. 29 — Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg^
Nov. 30 — Washington, DC @ Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House^
* supporting Mxmtoon
^ supporting Role Model