Clean Bandit's Grace Chatto Unveils Secrets Behind New Single 'Higher' and Life in Lockdown

Lockdown Creativity and the Birth of 'Higher'

For Grace Chatto, the cellist and co-founder of Clean Bandit, the past year has been a paradox of stillness and creative explosion. As revealed in the exclusive conversation documented in Screenshot (550).png, Chatto describes lockdown as 'wearing' but also feels 'in good spirits' thanks to the band's ability to release new music. Their latest offering, 'Higher'—a collaboration with Puerto Rican-American rapper Iann Dior—is an 'uplifting' track penned by Bastille's Dan Smith, capturing the 'intoxicating feeling of love.'

Working across continents, the trio (Chatto, Jack and Luke Patterson) faced the technical hurdles of a transatlantic FaceTime session. Dior recorded in Los Angeles while Clean Bandit remained in London. Yet Chatto notes a silver lining: 'The extra time we’ve had to work on production ideas has been really nice and calming, because normally we’re in a rush between concerts or festivals.' This slower pace allowed for endless experimentation, a luxury the band rarely enjoyed during their whirlwind touring schedule.

Inside the Songwriting Process with Clean Bandit

When asked about their creative dynamic, Chatto revealed that the band often works best when they gather around a piano with lyricists and songwriters, crafting tracks from scratch in a single day. 'Usually, the best songs have come like that, but in a really short space of time, like never more than a day for the actual writing,' she explained in Screenshot (550).png.

The 'Rather Be' Origin Story

One of the most charming anecdotes from the interview involves the genesis of their global smash 'Rather Be'. Chatto recalled watching Jack Patterson compose the iconic violin melody on the London Underground, using his laptop keyboard as a makeshift instrument. 'He just had his laptop open, and he was using the laptop keyboard as a keyboard,' she laughed. 'Then we just kind of made it into a song.'

Musical Idols and Dream Collaborations

Chatto’s admiration for Rihanna is no secret. She declared the pop star her ultimate idol, but with Rihanna currently on a music hiatus, Chatto has turned her attention to The Weeknd. 'I love what he’s been doing. “In Your Eyes” is my favorite song of last year, and that whole album and the videos just blew me away.' She praised his ability to push boundaries while delivering 'perfect pop music' with depth.

When asked about dream collaborations—dead or alive—Chatto listed Prince, Mozart, Miley Cyrus, Sam Smith, and Lewis Capaldi. But she circled back to Rihanna as the top choice.

Current Playlist and Musical Trends

Hand her the aux cord, and she’ll blast CJ’s 'Whoopty' on repeat. For full albums, she favors The Weeknd’s After Hours over Taylor Swift’s Folklore, which she deems 'not really good car music.' Chatto also professed a love for reggae-infused pop, a trend Clean Bandit explored with 'Rockabye' and 'Come Over'. She credits Ace of Base as pioneers of that sound and acknowledges her affinity for dancehall rhythms and Swedish pop vocals.

Life After Lockdown: Performing Live Again

The pandemic has forced the band to postpone touring, but Chatto is yearning for the return of live shows. 'Seeing people happy without their smiles covered. It’s just the best feeling, connecting with people in that unique moment where the sound and the energy is all connected.' She also misses the camaraderie of touring—'we always play loads of games after the shows.'

She is especially excited to perform 'Higher' with Iann Dior, whom she describes as 'incredibly charismatic.' During video filming, the rapper needed minimal direction. 'We’d just kind of say “go” and he’d just totally came to life with such compelling performance. I think being on stage with him will be really fire.'

The Lasting Impact of a Global Pause

Chatto acknowledged that lockdown will inevitably shape Clean Bandit’s future work. 'Being forced to stop and be still, and reflect will definitely influence us going forward. The global trauma will no doubt play into what we create next.' Yet she remains committed to the band’s core mission: making 'uplifting bangers.' With their highly anticipated third album expected in 2021, fans can expect a blend of introspection and infectious energy.

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