San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Golden State Entertainment signs alumna of early Lizzo band
Tiny Deaths, the newest addition to Golden State Entertainment’s roster, is a perfect fit for the Warriors’ music division. Fronted by the multitalented Claire de Lune, a Los Angeles-based dream-pop singer-songwriter, prolific sports podcaster and NBA columnist.
Golden State Entertainment has partnered with Tiny Deaths for the release of its latest single titled “Enough,” with a full-length album expected to follow later this year. The new song serves as a follow-up to 2018’s independently released LP “Magic,” 2017’s “Elegies” and the 2020 EP “If I’m Dreaming.”
Tiny Death’s music showcases deeply personal and cinematicsounding compositions that have drawn comparisons to Phantogram, Beach House and Purity Ring. Notably, de Lune’s soulful creations also reveal traces of iconic 1990s pop and R&B figures such as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.
Reflecting on her journey with Tiny Deaths, the 33-yearold de Lune told The Chronicle, “I feel like I’ve gone through a lifetime. When I started making music in my 20s, I had imposter syndrome. Now I feel a lot more confident
“Tiny Deaths... feels like a side of myself that has a particular sound and energy.” Claire de Lune
in my intuition, taste and creativity. I feel more comfortable in my skin.”
The band’s name, Tiny Deaths, pays homage to the French phrase la petite mort (orgasm), while also providing de Lune an opportunity to embody a persona distinct from her role as a popular sports podcaster and columnist for the Guardian newspaper.
“Tiny Deaths is its own entity,” she explained. “It feels like a side of myself that has a particular sound and energy. I liked that the name was a little sexy and a little macabre.”
Tiny Deaths’ music has already gained recognition beyond de Lune’s burgeoning fan base, having been featured in the Netflix series “Atypical” and the video game “Tell Me Why.”
“Claire possesses a rare and unique voice, in all meanings of the word,” said David Kelly, chief business officer of Golden State Entertainment and the Warriors’ chief legal officer. “Her voice shines through in her rich singing ability, songwriting, insightful journalism and social media wit.”
De Lune’s musical journey began as part of the Minneapolis hip-hop group the Chalice, alongside Lizzo and Sophia Eris from 2011 to 2014. That group served as a springboard for Lizzo’s subsequent rise to
multiplatinum stardom, which de Lune said was inevitable.
“It’s surprising when anyone gets that famous,” she said, “but had you told me that this person would become this famous, I would not be surprised because I know how badly she wanted that.”
De Lune described her time with the group as a significant learning experience that marked various milestones, including an invitation by Prince to his legendary Paisley Park studio.
“We had a lot of firsts together,” she said of the Chalice. “It was our first time having any level of success. It was our
first time being in a magazine. It was our first time having national management.
“We were all quite ambitious at that time,” she continued. “It was a really valuable learning experience that came into my life at a formative time. It helped form my perspective and goals. I got a chance to re-examine my ambitions and re-evaluate what I want out of life — and that’s to make music I can stand behind and feels like me.”
The Golden State Warriors officially launched Golden State Entertainment in the spring of 2022, aiming to produce original documentaries,
collaborate with recording artists, and host events at the NBA team’s home venue, Chase Center, in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood.
Other musical artists on the label include soul singer Georgia Anne Muldrow, K-pop star BamBam, and the hip-hop acts Mayzin, Rhymefest and J.U.I.C.E.
“Golden State Entertainment looks forward to releasing her new music,” Kelly said of Tiny Deaths, “and helping to build the recognition she so richly deserves.”