* En anglais uniquement
Debuting as one-half of the dream pop duo Toast, the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter known as
Claud is a solo artist who crafts warm, synth-based indie pop. Following the 2018 release of the Toast EP,
Claud soon branched out on their own, sharpening their production and revealing a more personal lyrical side with beat-forward singles "Never Meant to Call" and "If I Were You." Signing with the Saddest Factory imprint in 2020, they released the single "Gold."
Born and raised outside Chicago in Highland Park,
Claud Mintz spent much of middle and high school as an introvert, focusing on guitar playing and voice practice. These efforts paid off once they arrived at Syracuse University in fall 2017. Within months, they met Josh Mehling, who would go on to be the other half of Toast. Delving headlong into music, they recorded their self-titled EP in their dormitory. With its playful dream pop sound and charming, honest lyrics, Toast (Terrible Records) helped secure the duo various opening slots, performing around the U.S. and building a dedicated fan base, especially in the LGBTQ+ community.
Mintz then decided to leave Syracuse and pursue this burgeoning career, going solo and performing as
Claud. Flourishing in the queer scene in New York City, they continued to perform live and record. Upbeat first single "Never Meant to Call" arrived in 2018 and was soon followed by the equally wistful "Easy" and "If I Were You" in 2019. Building their audience on tour with the likes of
the Neighbourhood,
Bleachers,
girlpool, and
Hatchie, they signed with
Phoebe Bridgers' label Saddest Factory in 2020.
Claud's first release for the imprint was the single "Gold." ~ Neil Z. Yeung