Claire Heywood’s Water Is All I See marks a major moment for the Denver-based singer-songwriter, whose debut full-length album dropped on May 1, 2025. Known for her distinctive fusion of folk, indie rock, and country, Heywood is rapidly emerging as one of the most engaging voices in the city’s thriving music scene.
Her creative journey began not with a guitar, but with poetry. Long before performing on stage, Heywood filled notebooks with verses that would later evolve into songs rich with emotion and meaning. After taking online voice and guitar lessons, she began crafting her signature sound — an evocative blend of literary precision and heartfelt storytelling. As CPR News aptly observes, “Singer-songwriter Claire Heywood is first and foremost a poet… a voice that refuses to go unnoticed.”
Heywood first made waves with her 2019 EP The Wind, It Howls, earning recognition for her “low, smoky” voice and captivating presence. Out Front Magazine described her sound as “a homey mix of 70s art-deco and modern-country sentiment,” praising her performance as “graceful, poised, and confident” — one that “easily transports us to another plane.”
In “On Water Is All I See,” Heywood deepens that artistry. The ten-track album — produced in collaboration with Matt Hoffman of Strange Americans, who also co-wrote five songs — highlights her continued growth as both a lyricist and performer. The project was supported by a Sonic Guild grant, further underlining its creative significance.
Music critics have already taken notice. Two Story Melody draws a thoughtful comparison, stating, “Heywood’s casually charismatic delivery is reminiscent of a less angsty Courtney Barnett, but her brassy and mature vibrato sets her apart.”
A familiar name across Colorado’s live music circuit, Heywood has performed everywhere from Red Rocks Amphitheater’s “Film on the Rocks” to the Underground Music Showcase (UMS) and JAS Aspen-Snowmass. Her performances consistently showcase both her musical depth and poetic grounding.
With Claire Heywood Water Is All I See, Claire Heywood cements her reputation as a bold and essential voice in modern indie-folk — one whose work bridges the emotional resonance of poetry with the timeless intimacy of song.
Water Is All I See is available on all major streaming platforms. To stay up to date on performances and news, follow Claire Heywood through her official social channels.
Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, events, and more.
