Chantal Claret
The charismatic frontwoman of Morningwood who brought a shot of glitter-dusted, unapologetic rock and roll swagger to the 2000s indie scene.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American singer-songwriter·Birthday: February 21·Millennials
Biography
Chantal Claret didn't just sing rock and roll; she embodied its playful, rebellious spirit. As the lead singer of Morningwood, she became an instantly recognizable figure in the mid-2000s New York City rock revival, known for her powerhouse vocals and a stage presence that mixed vintage glamour with punk attitude. The band's self-titled debut, with its sticky-sweet yet gritty single 'Nth Degree,' became a left-field hit, soundtracking commercials and video games. Claret's voice, both sultry and commanding, was the engine. After Morningwood's hiatus, she carved a multifaceted solo path, exploring soul and jazz influences on albums like 'The One, The Only...' and diving into writing, including a series of historical romance novels. Her career reflects a creative restlessness, always chasing a new form of expressive storytelling, whether through a microphone or a keyboard.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chantal was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chantal Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Chantal's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led Morningwood to a recording contract with Capitol Records after a buzzed-about performance at the 2004 CMJ Music Marathon.
- Performed the song 'Nth Degree' on a 2006 episode of 'Late Show with David Letterman,' bringing the band to national television.
- Released her debut solo album, 'The One, The Only...' in 2011, showcasing a shift toward soul and jazz influences.
- Authored a series of romance novels, beginning with 'Femme Fatale' in 2017, expanding her work into historical fiction.
Did You Know?
She is married to musician and 'Jackass' star Bam Margera's younger brother, Jess Margera, drummer for CKY.
She hosted a weekly radio show called 'The Chantal Claret Show' on the SiriusXM channel 'Volume.'
She voiced a character in the popular video game 'Grand Theft Auto IV' on the in-game radio station 'Liberty Rock Radio.'
Before music, she worked as a wardrobe stylist for photo shoots and music videos.
“I'm here to sing loud, be glamorous, and shake up the rock and roll scene.”
