In Ditch the Label HQ, we’re huge fans of Chlöe Howl’s music and so we were delighted to send Nicola off to speak to her about Ditch the Label, music, bullying and pretty much everything in between. Thanks Chloe, it was a pleasure!
Ditch the Label: Hi Chloe, thanks so much for talking to us today, we are so excited!
Chlöe Howl: No problem! Being a part of anything to help equality and anti-bullying is definitely a good thing, so I really wanted to get involved. I think other people should get involved too as it is such a big issue, and Ditch the Label is really tackling some key issues.
Ditch the Label: Our research shows that almost 1 in 2 experience bullying at some point, what are your thoughts on this?
Chlöe Howl: There are lots of layers to bullying and I think a big problem is that many people don’t realise when they are being bullied or targeted, so having something like Ditch the Label to help raise awareness is important.
Ditch the Label: It’s great to hear that you support us. So what experiences do you have of bullying?
Chlöe Howl: I was bullied at primary school, and throughout secondary school I noticed that some of my friends were being subtly bullied. For example they were treated differently, like an unwanted friend or the focus of bitchy comments. Because it was subtle, maybe they didn’t really notice but I think if you are being treated in a way that is less than you deserve, you are being bullied. I don’t feel that these issues are addressed properly in school, and I certainly didn’t receive any help during my experiences.
Ditch the label: What help were you provided with by your school?
Chlöe Howl: There was no help! I was told to “man up” numerous times which was obviously no help at all. To really help young people who are experiencing bullying at school, there needs to more help on offer and more advice and not just leaving people to deal with it alone. Because you don’t have to do it alone. There are many different ways to find help. For me, my family was a huge support network but that is not the case for everyone, which highlights why there is a need for Ditch the Label.
Ditch the Label: We couldn’t agree more. Why do you believe that you were bullied?
Chlöe Howl: Because I’m ginger [laughs]. It was everything from playground teasing, to being excluded from other groups and being forced to be on my own. As I said, I was incredibly lucky because I had a supportive family to talk to about it. My mum asked “would you rather be like everyone else or different?” which massively helped build my confidence. She made me own it. If everyone was the same, things would be boring; you should embrace the things that make you different and unique. I was also quite shy and reserved because of the way I was being bullied. I felt different and weird because that’s what people were telling me. And because I was quiet, they probably felt like they could say those things to me. It’s a vicious cycle.
Ditch the Label: We have found that the majority of people are bullied because of attitudes towards how they look, which goes on to have huge implications on their esteem. Have you ever experienced it?
Chlöe Howl: I guess. I mean there were times when I wished I looked like the “pretty” and “normal” girls, but my mum and family always reinforced that there was nothing wrong with me. I have half Indian little sisters, and they too have experienced bullying and nasty comments, being told there are no brown Barbies and stuff. It’s jealousy on some level, and there is a need for various people to be like everybody else, so when they see someone different, they target them.
Ditch the Label: That’s awful. So you actually wanted to change your appearance as a result?
Chlöe Howl: Yes, to start with. Throughout school I always felt like I had to dress the same as everyone else, but when I got home after school I would dress how I wanted. I had to avoid dressing how I wanted on non-uniform days to avoid being targeted. I used to like dressing weird as it made me realise how I was most comfortable. At that age, experimenting is part of growing up and discovering yourself. I had to try stuff to find out who I was! You find a style and personality as you grow up, but unfortunately there was and still is a lot of bullying and judgment at that age.
Ditch the Label: School can be very hard. But you clearly have learnt from your experience. You are clearly very fashion forward and have a unique style. Do you find that you still receive hostility or negativity toward the way you dress?
Chlöe Howl: To be honest, I’ve been through all the teasing and now, I couldn’t give a sh*t [laughs]. I have found my style and feel more comfortable dressing in a unique way. That’s me. I have gained confidence and truly believe that if you are happy with yourself and within yourself, no one can say anything. You do what you want to do no matter what people say. No one else matters.
Ditch the Label: What advice would you give to a young person who has been made to feel like they should look a certain way to fit in?
Chlöe Howl: It is tricky at school to hear advice like “be yourself”. It’s not valuable and being yourself often means you will be excluded, talked down to or treated differently. But I would say that school is not real life – focus on being the best person you can be because essentially “unordinary” people go on to do extraordinary things. People who fear being different and don’t embrace it wont ever achieve that. Be confident and happy.
Ditch the Label: Did you notice an increase of negativity online as you became more successful?
Chlöe Howl: Well, nothing has been said to me that I haven’t heard before. I wouldn’t necessarily say there’s been an increase, but I can get several nasty and petty comments a day. But I can take it. People have said I look like a boy or Justin Beiber because I have short hair. But I guess from hearing similar things at school I was mentally prepared. Sometimes I retweet petty comments because I find them funny, which isn’t the reaction some people want. The internet is amazing, but it makes people feel brave, like they have a freedom of speech where bullying is okay but it’s not. I am keen to expose those who make really horrible comments about sexism, homohate, racism etc. because that is just not okay! I have a sense of humour when it comes to petty little comments about myself, but when they are offensive to humanity I have to shut it down, and make people aware that it is not okay to say those things online or offline.
Ditch the Label: Now, we just had to ask you about your music! What would you say is your main inspiration?
Chlöe Howl: When I was growing up I would listen to my parents’ music, so it was a lot of The Smiths, The Cure, The Beatles and New Order so I definitely used them as references for my music. In terms of topics, I wrote “Rumour” and “No Strings” when I was still at school, so they are based on a lot of school issues and teen life, which has always interested me. There are a lot of “high school politics”, often seen as just being a part of school life. But when I left school and took myself out of the situation, I was able to gain a different view and pick it apart from a less serious perspective. You think that being hated or bullied at school is the end of the world, but it really isn’t, there are so many more important things going on!
Ditch the Label: What one bit of advice would you give to your younger self?
Chlöe Howl: Nobody knows you, or what you want more than you do. Even if someone is older or more experienced and they tell you certain things, if it’s not right within yourself, it is not right. You are always right when it comes to your own feelings. You make decisions on how you want to look, what you want to do, your personality and your image. Don’t let them tell you what to do.
Ditch the Label: What advice would you give to someone who is being bullied?
Chlöe Howl: Firstly I would say it is worth talking to someone. As many people as possible because then you will know you do not have to go through it alone. Also, you are not as weird as they make you out to be or think you are – everyone is weird! Embrace your differences because in the long run that is why you will love yourself. And finally to remember that it will always get better. As bad as it may seem at the time, it will get better.
Ditch the Label: Finally, what one thing can you tell us about yourself that will surprise our readers?
Chlöe Howl: [laughs] I don’t know! I’m going to sound really boring if I can’t think of something aren’t I? I can’t think of anything surprising, as it is all probably on twitter!
You can follow the wonderful Chlöe Howl and keep up with the latest over on her Twitter page. Don’t forget to follow us whilst you’re at it!
