Chloe Gilbert is pretty comfortable defying people’s expectations. But it’s all in a day’s work as an 18-year-old female metal artist.
“I’ve had people come up to me after shows and say, ‘I just didn’t expect that from you. You look so sweet! I wasn’t expecting you to be screaming!'” Chloe says, a proud smile forming on her face. “People think girls can’t do this type of music. But in reality, it can get pretty heavy.”
She’s been fronting her Florida-based alt metal band, Dove Bomb, since 2024 (although real ones will recognize her from the fashion pages of our October/November 2026 issue, on newsstands now!). And despite all the hardcore energy she and her bandmates bring to their songs, the backstory behind the group’s name is pretty heartwarming.
“Growing up, my parents’ nicknames for me were always like ‘Dove,’ ‘Lovey,’ ‘Lovey dovey,’ things like that,” she recalls. “When my dad and I were trying to brainstorm a band name, he was like, ‘Wait, what about Dove Bomb?’ and it just immediately clicked.” It fits, for a girl who, one minute, is gushing about her love of her fave Disney Princess (that’s Rapunzel, tyvm) and the next, is screaming her heart out on stage.
We sat down with Chloe to chat about everything from Dove Bomb’s origin story to her personal autumn playlist to her secret obsessions. Spoiler alert: Expect the unexpected.
Girls’ Life Magazine: Who were your favorite artists when you were a kid?
Chloe Gilbert: Funnily enough, even though I do rock now, my first-ever concert experience—besides Yo Gabba Gabba [laughs]—was Taylor Swift. I loved her growing up, even though I don’t really listen to her now. But if 1989 or anything from around that era comes on, I get nostalgic. I remember that concert was on Halloween night so I skipped trick-or-treating to go see her.
GL: How did your band, Dove Bomb, officially form?
Chloe: Dove Bomb formed in 2024 when I was 16. And in the last two years, we’ve played dozens and dozens of shows, which I had to grind to book. I just loved music so much and I had been doing classes and vocal lessons, but I wanted to do something of my own and make original music. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of new people and even make new best friends from it.
GL: If you could dispel any misconception about the type of music you make, what would you want to set the record straight on?
Chloe: Ooooh, that’s an interesting question. Probably the idea that Dove Bomb isn’t heavy at all. A lot of people will see that there are women in the band, see that there’s a female singer, see the name, see the logo and assume that it’s pop or pop rock. But we do heavy, metalcore-type music. Especially the stuff that’s coming out soon.
GL: Do you ever get nervous before a big performance?
Chloe: I remember when I was first starting out, there were so many times I was nervous to get on stage. I still get stage fright. I just hide it well. I get anxious that I’m going to forget things or that somebody will mess up. I’ve had shows where I get so in my head worrying that a certain person in the audience isn’t enjoying the set. Then, that’s always the person that comes up to us afterward and is the biggest fan.
GL: What’s one song that’s on your current playlist?
Chloe: I really associate The Cure with this time of year. And anything you’d expect to hear in the soundtrack of the show Charmed, which I grew up watching with my mom. I love that witchy ’90s vibe.
GL: Anything fans of Dove Bomb should look forward to in the coming months?
Chloe: We’re working on new music soon, and there will be an album eventually! Oh, and hopefully a music video, once we’ve put our little finishing touches on it and added all the pixie dust.
Four fast facts with ✨ Chloe Gilbert ✨
Hidden obsession? “I’m a major Marvel nerd. I’m watching every movie the day it comes out. I am sat for Avengers: Doomsday.”
Perf onstage outfit? “Anything black and shiny. I have this PVC gown that I think has such a cool look to it.”
Comfort watch? “I’m a huge Tangled lover. That’s the greatest Disney movie ever.”
Advice for fellow girls chasing their passions? “I’d honestly just say take that leap of faith. Make a fool out of yourself. The worst thing that can happen is you get a ‘no’.”
Listen to Dove Bomb HERE and follow @girlslifemag on IG for more music recs!
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Slider and top image: @chloedynamo
