More Than a Tour: Claire Rosinkranz Closes a Chapter at Meow Wolf

Article & Photography by Maddie Browning

“It just means the absolute most,” Claire Rosinkranz expressed, wiping tears from her eyes.

Charting the confusion and pain of chronic illness, she created a heartbreaking and powerful moment with her single “Chronic” as she closed out her My Lover Tour at The Perplexiplex at Meow Wolf in Denver on June 10. 

In 2023, the now 22-year-old singer-songwriter canceled the remainder of her tour after suffering from a mysterious chronic illness. She explained that it took a full year to recover, and she was overjoyed to be back on stage.

Rosinkranz didn’t know how to tell people what her illness felt like, so she turned to music. “Chronic” beautifully encapsulates the fear and acceptance of being sick and not knowing what recovery looks like, or if it’s even attainable. 

“I don’t remember, how could I evеr forget?/ I wanna feel better, but somеthing about being sick is/ Easy, twisted, comfortable,” she sang over reverberating drums. Her emotions were palpable as she shared this intimate part of her life with the audience. 

Her career skyrocketed in 2020 when her song “Backyard Boy” went viral on TikTok. She signed with Slowplay/Republic Records at 16, released two EPs and two albums, and opened for Maroon 5 and Alex Warren. 

On her sophomore album “My Lover,” she expands on her signature breezy, staccato alt-pop with more complex electronic compositions laced with dreamy and nostalgic synths, disorienting vocal manipulation, and whispered harmonies. 

Rosinkranz seems to draw inspiration from Remi Wolf’s bizarre funk pop, “Bad Guy” era Billie Eilish, and AURORA’s haunting harmonies in weaving dizzying melodies about chronic illness, emotional vulnerability, and enchanting infatuation. 

A significant number of teens and tweens swarmed Meow Wolf in flowy white tops, cropped tanks and jean skirts. They screeched as Rosinkranz waltzed onstage. 

She wore jean overalls and a peach-colored long-sleeve with bangles on her wrists and a silver clip pulling back her long blonde hair — the epitome of girl next door. 

Rosinkranz twirled across the stage on her electro-pop bop “Lucy” as whimsical pastel lights lit up the psychedelic cathedral set. The song carries an undeniably sticky melody, but her lyrics also chart internal anxiety over being vulnerable with another person. 

Her vocal style follows a sing-speak rhythm, which wasn’t always as strong live. However, she excelled in her charming authenticity. Rosinkranz leaned into her awkward yet adorable persona with animated facial expressions as she sang about the giddy teen emotions of romanticizing a boyfriend on “Kiss” and “Frankenstein.”   

As she continues in her career, Rosinkranz explained that she wants to be more honest with her listeners. “Home” was the first step on that new path.

Written with Alex Salibian, Eddie Benjamin and Shawn Mendes, the song departs from her typical sonic style — it’s stripped-down and acoustic-driven with vulnerable lyricism about opening yourself up to another potential heartbreak. It’s a stunning new direction with exciting prospects for the future of her music. 

Near the end of her set, scattered audience members held up paper heart doilies as a cute fan project. Rosinkranz said it was lovely to see how people continue to show up for her. 

Her compositions are more impressive on Spotify than in-person, but she maintains a joyful optimism that’s infectious. She grows on you.