After a run of incredibly emotive singles in the last few years, London’s Chel recently brought her distinctive R&B sound back to the fold with the immersive new single ‘Still Working’.
Joining forces with fellow vocalist Zeenomusik for the new release, ‘Still Working’ sees her in one of her most alluring guises yet as she sweeps and swoons throughout this new delight. So we caught up with her to find out more about what has been inspiring her and what influences she looks for when writing new material.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
It’s the age old story of most musicians, ha! Started singing in a school choir as a child and never stopped! I was even in a band at one point. I’ve been recording music in the studio since I was 15. Music is an outlet for me to express my actual feelings and to explore make believe scenarios. Some people played the sims for that, I played the sims, read novels and wrote songs!
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
My early influences were Aaliyah, Ashanti, Jojo and Usher. This developed into Tank, Eric Bellinger, and Kehlani amongst other artists, as I’ve matured. I wouldn’t say I necessarily seek to sound like them, but I want my listeners to have the same feeling of being engrossed in the music! That’s how I feel about the artists I’ve mentioned.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
Honestly Jojo was my biggest influence, she could story tell so well at a young age I felt like I was living what she was singing right then and there. In terms of my performances Britney has been one of my biggest influences, that’s why my videos historically have always been so BIG and VIBRANT. I know what you’re thinking that’s not R&B! Whilst R&B is a major influence for me. I am honestly inspired by all artists that give their all.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
My listening party in 2021. Being an independent artist you feel like no one is watching or listening. I had over 115 people attend. It was a surreal feeling to see people singing the words to my song. It made everything worth it. I want to have that again soon!
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
Honestly you’d be so surprised at how easily it comes. My music is simply an extension of me: If anything it helps me timeline my experiences and feelings and lay it out in a coherent way! Instead of sending that text or getting into an disagreement I make it a beautiful melody. It’s fun to listen back to over the years. sometimes I catch myself thinking “oh my gosh I can’t believe you felt that way about X” or “Thank God you don’t think like that anymore”. However it’s important to note that whilst some of my songs have some truth to it. They’re not always real or my experiences. Sometimes I’m inspired by others or films/series. I would like to focus on feelings of joy and happiness moving forward as that’s where I’m at in life.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
The main issue is not being taken seriously or as if I don’t know what I want or what I’m talking about when it comes to music. I’ll be real though I’ve had very little bad experiences. I only work with good people. Once people see that I don’t expect any handouts and I fund and support myself, and the music is still at this quality. People quickly catch on and join the movement! At the end of the day I work just as hard as a man, if not more, so I expect exactly the same reception, not less. Above all I’m human, therefore I expect a level of kindness and respect.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
I’m in an era of my life where I feel at my most beautiful, most sexy, most intelligent, most confident. Im embracing life and all it has to offer, even the parts that are challenging. That’s what I want to be conveyed in my music, a grown women navigating life and taking ownership and accountability of her life!
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
I always create the melody first and then write lyrics. I am very much an instrumental driven person. If I don’t have a melody within the first 10-20s of hearing a song, I usually cannot write to it. With “Still working” I had the melody in seconds. I see images/scenes of the event in writing about in my head when I’m writing music. The vibe of the instrumental usually dictates the theme/context of the song. I developed a new tactic a little while ago where I have top lines or key words in my notes, sometimes I’ll pick a keyword from there and write the song based on this. I always write the first verse and chorus first and usually the bridge last. Producers usually send me beats to review or I have a nice leisurely scroll on beat star to find a producer I resonate with. The real masterpiece is working with my engineer Levelle London, who is my twin flame in music. He harnesses the sound and understands what I hear in my head when I write.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I hope they can listen to my music and say “yes girl, this is exactly what I meant” or “I want to do that”. It’s hard being an independent artist but it’s worth going for your dreams and I hope that inspires others to do the same, whatever their dreams are.
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Watch the new video for Chel’s latest single ‘Still Working’ ft. Zeenomusik below.