Clea
‘Love = Cost’: A Mantra for Modern Love and Creative Integrity
In an era of overstimulation and fleeting trends, Clea stands apart — an artist who invites us to slow down, listen, and immerse ourselves in the otherworldly realms she creates. Following the dreamy, cinematic release of ‘Cali’, she returns with ‘Love = Cost’ — the second instalment in a trilogy of video previews that blur the line between memory and the imagined.
More than just a shimmering slice of alt-pop, ‘Love = Cost’ is a mantra-like reflection on the delicate balance between intimacy and sacrifice — a deeply personal yet universally resonant meditation on what it means to show up for love. In this interview, Clea speaks candidly about the emotional truth at the heart of the song, her uncompromising creative vision, and how nature, slow living, and intentionality ground her ever-expanding artistry.
Shot with longtime collaborators Nick Maguire and Tom Carroll, the visual for ‘Love = Cost’ feels like a glimpse into Clea’s internal cosmos: thrifted fashion, celestial symbolism, and an aesthetic that is equal parts sensual and surreal. It’s a world where every detail matters — and where compromise, while inevitable, is transformed into something powerful, poetic, and achingly real.
With both ‘Cali’ and ‘Love = Cost’, Clea continues to establish herself not just as a musician, but as a multidisciplinary storyteller — one who builds universes from the ground up, guided by intuition, vision, and the quiet power of presence.
"Love = Cost" feels like such a personal yet universal song. How did your own experiences shape the emotional core of this track?
It’s the realisation that every action has a repercussion, even in love. Love is something you work on and nourish and as I get older, I realise how important it is to actively care for love in my own relationship and in friendships. Even with pets, you know that one day they’ll leave us, and that pain will be unbearable but it’s so worth it for the years of love and companionship!
You've chosen to create a trilogy of cinematic video previews instead of traditional music videos. What drew you to this concept, and how does it enhance the storytelling of each song?
I wanted to create as many visuals as possible and showcase my strongest ideas through short previews. The way we consume content is so different now, so I thought I’d try out a shorter format for the first three releases. I’d been wanting to work with Tom Carroll (Egumei) for a while, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to create these otherworldly, punchy visuals that take the meaning of the songs to a whole new level.
You're deeply involved in all aspects of your work — music, production, visuals, styling. How do you balance the different creative roles while staying true to your vision?
Being involved in every part of the process means there’s no compromise on my vision. As the years go by, I become even clearer on what I want, and I find it easier to be involved in all aspects of the work rather than step back. That level of involvement keeps me fully aligned and in check with my creative expression.
Both "Cali" and "Love = Cost" explore the compromise demanded by love and ambition. How has your relationship with the idea of compromise evolved over time, personally or artistically?
It’s evolved a lot, especially in an industry that constantly offers ideas on how you should present yourself. I’ve become stronger in articulating what I want and following through. At the end of the day, the only person I need to impress is myself and that’s key to a fulfilling, sustainable career.
Nature and intentional living clearly play a big role in your creativity. How do these influences surface in your music-making process?
Nature grounds me. It reminds me that this, being here, creating is what it’s all about. That kind of reassurance allows me to follow my instincts and make what I want without overthinking.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from the third instalment of the video trilogy? Will it continue to blur the line between reality and imagination?
Absolutely! Expect Cher energy and fisheye sass :)
Photography: kyledobie.co