CHEL
Interview conducted on July 10, 2021
By Dan Locke
Channelling the likes of Jessie Reyez and Mae Muller, CHEL pens highly relatable lyrics that are backed by infectious beats, captivating rhythms and dynamic, powerful vocals making her one to watch in the modern pop sphere.
TRACK & VIDEO FOR LATEST SINGLE “VIEW FROM DOWN THERE” OUT NOW
You were born in Springfield, IL. What was your upbringing like?
I grew up in the woods. Our house was buried by trees all around us. I spent a lot of time exploring the woods climbing trees and playing outside. In Springfield Illinois, a lot of the extracurriculars are things like softball, basketball, soccer, camps, all of which I took part in. I have a very tightknit family and so I would say I have a fond memory of my upbringing.
How did you discover your love for music?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been singing. I don’t really have a specific moment that comes to mind when I realized I loved it because I’ve always been doing it. It’s like it’s ingrained in the fabric of who I am.
Your uncle was a musician who used to let you sing in his band. Tell me how that all started?
My uncle was making music long before I was born. He used to let me come to his house and recorded songs. He had And still has a band. He knew I love to sing so whenever they would have a show, he would let me come up and do a few songs with them. He has always encouraged my dream of singing and given me an outlet.
When did you start to write your own music?
I don’t really have a specific age on that. I remember being very little and writing songs that would annoy all my family members because I was just singing the same thing over and over again. I would say I was probably between six and eight? Around 14 my parents started sending me to a camp where I could write and record a song and I did that camp until I graduated high school.
Describe your music in a few keywords.
I would say my music is anthemic, empowered, and vibey.
What was your first performance like?
I was very young the first time I performed. I think it was probably a recital when I was around six. I know when I first started performing, I was absolutely terrified.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Yes, I am with BMI.
How was it to sing the national anthem for the IL state senate inauguration?
That was a pretty cool moment. It’s one thing to perform on stage at a concert, it’s something completely different to represent your entire state. It felt like an honor. I was only sad but I was at the tail end of an ear infection and a sinus infection so I did my best, but I know I could’ve done better. Either way, it will be something I remember.
What was the Summerfest 2019 like?
My 2019 summer tour was a blast. I got to go on the road with my band who are some of my best friends. We got to perform some massive stages and that always feels good. Summerfest was awesome because it was a big stage and a big audience. There weren’t many people in the crowd when we got there but it definitely packed out once we started and that felt really good.
Are you planning to do any festivals this summer?
There were a few different festivals that I had talked about doing but most of them got pushed back into the fall. I am considering doing some in the fall if they’re still happening. Right now, I am very focused on the digital side of things.
What do you think makes a good songwriter?
I think there are many aspects to a good songwriter. First in for most, someone who can tell a story well. The listener has to be able to believe what the artist is saying. It should make them feel something. The other components are structure, cadence, sometimes tail words rhyming, and rhythm. It all factors into a good song.
Did you record your first original song?
I did record it! It was part of a summer camp I went to where you write and record an original song.
What is the process of writing your music?
The process of building the production, the melodies, the lyrics, the harmonies, the ad libs… it’s all amazing to me. My favorite way to work is to get together with a producer, sit down and listen to a few songs to catch the idea of the vibe I’m going for, come up with a basic production or guitar/piano chords, lay down a bunch of melodies, choose the melodies we like best, write the lyrics, record the lyrics, then harmonies, ad-libs, and stacks! Sometimes we separate this into two days so we can sit on the song and decide if there’s anything we want to change.
Tell me about your highly acclaimed single “Nasty Woman”?
For the holidays, my grandma decided to send each of her grandchildren a little bit of money to do whatever they wanted with it. I decided to take that money and to write a song in honor of my Grandma. My Grandma is one of the most inspiring women I know. She was in the first class of women to go to Wharton Business School. She had 4 children and then went to American University for law school at 45. She was one of only 2 women over the age of 30. She worked for Ralph Nader, and she helped pass bills that are still in effect today. She marched to protest the war in Vietnam. She started her own business in a male dominated field. She put all of her grandchildren through college and for some, graduate school. She has always been a woman without boundaries. She allowed me to see what it is to be a strong woman. She raised 3 strong women and because of the three strong women she raised (who are all equally impressive) she has strong granddaughters. We grew up knowing we could shoot for the stars because she paved the way.
When I wrote Nasty Woman, I thought about how there is a trend in current popular culture of calling strong women “Nasty”. I wanted to make a women’s empowerment anthem that is pretty and gritty all at the same time. I wanted to speak on the fact that women are still paid substantially less to do the same job as a man. Women Olympians make HALF what the men make. I wanted to address women being objectified and turned against each other instead of Being encouraged to supporting & empower each other. I don’t believe in superiority, but I believe in EQUALITY. My grandma, who I wrote this song in honor of, worked hard for change so that I could have the CHOICE to live the life I live today. The reason this is important to me is because there is still change that needs to happen all around the world. In many cases it is being covered up. I want to make a statement and I want it to be LOUD. I want our daughters and granddaughters to know equality and if I can help move that ball, I want to do so.
Tell me about your new single “View from Down There”?
This song is about someone who has fought really hard to achieve their goals and has now achieved a lot of them. Through this process, they had support from close family and friends, but not from everyone. Fast forward to now, when this person is doing well, all the people who neglected to support them in the past, are now trying to be a part of the momentum. The song is a bit tongue and cheek, and it feels good to sing it and to say it because it is a story I have lived.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I enjoy streaming music. It allows me to listen to all the new music that comes out and to discover new music. I do know it doesn’t always pay the artist as well but as a listener, I enjoy streaming.
You are part of Dorothy Combs Models DCM. How did you become part of them?
I have been a brand ambassador for a few years and did freelance modeling gigs on the side. One day a friend of a friend submitted me to her agency, and they decided to take me! It was never something I saw in my cards, but it has been an exciting journey! I really like my agency and the people I work with.
How was it to be part of the Sports Illustrated Swim Search?
It was pretty amazing. I met so many incredible girls. There was so much comradery. It was also pretty unbelievable to be selected to be featured on Sports Illustrated multiple times. It was a dream!
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I don’t think anything can kill live music. I do think it is temporarily halted but I believe it will be back in no time. Music is a part of life. I don’t think there’s any getting rid of it. It may adapt to the times, but music production and distribution has been changing rapidly as long as I can remember.
In your option which 4 social media performs are the most powerful?
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube
How was it to see yourself on a billboard in Time Square?
It was moving. It was one thing to see it in a picture and a whole other thing to see it in person. It made me lose my breath.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Make a lot of content and release it regularly! We live in a digital age. People are looking for new content constantly! Get creative. Find ways to cater to your fans from behind a screen.
What is your happy place?
My happy place is either in the studio or with my family.
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