Chelz Danielle

How did you get your start in music? Do you come from a musical family?

In sixth grade, I joined my middle school band class and learned how to read music. I spent the majority of my education playing percussion in concert band and drumline. I always knew I liked to sing, but never thought it would be something I wanted to pursue outside of school. It wasn’t until high school that I realized I wanted to learn how to write my own music and perform it. In my junior year of high school, I took a music tech class where I learned how to do basic music production. Although I was a shy kid, I also started doing piano/voice covers of my favorite songs and posting them on Instagram. During my sophomore year of college, I made it a goal to post my work, so I started posting my own beats and versions of popular songs on Instagram. In posting consistently, I was able to catch the attention of some of my favorite artists, while simultaneously making connections with musicians from other states that I’d later collaborate with. In 2022, I released my self-produced debut EP, Of The Essence, on all streaming platforms. 

​

I would say that my entire family is creative, visually and musically. Although my parents aren’t musicians, they raised me on Erykah Badu, Sade, and Luther Vandross. I didn’t understand this music much when I was a kid, but I really grew to appreciate these artists when entering adulthood. 

​

Who are your musical influences? How do they impact your music?

I first heard of the jazz singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding in 2017. My high school music tech teacher asked if I’d ever heard of her, and recommended I watch her performance of “Sunny Side Of The Street” on YouTube. When I saw that performance, it really inspired me to start singing. At that point, I started researching more artists like her, and it expanded my love for jazz, bossa nova, R&B, and neo-soul. One thing I love about Esperanza Spalding is that she explores different genres within her discography.

My biggest inspiration at the moment is Moonchild, an alternative R&B/neo-soul band. I am really inspired by Amber Navran’s smooth vocal melodies. I also love Moonchild’s production. They truly have a no-skip discography, in my honest opinion. 

I also love Hiatus Kaiyote (Grammy winning progressive R&B band from Australia). Everyone should listen to them. They actually just released their new album last night, so I will be streaming as soon as I get the chance. 

​

What has been one of your biggest obstacles in your music career?  How did you overcome it?

I think the one consistent thing about an artistic (or any) career is that there will always be financial obstacles, especially in this day and age. Equipment is expensive, travel is expensive, releasing music can be expensive, merchandise can be expensive, website hosting is expensive, and running ads can be expensive. 

Secondly, socializing and making connections through talking to people and going out to shows is essential to getting gigs and being able to perform more. As a former shy person who is also a homebody, that can be mentally and physically draining if you aren’t taking care of yourself. 

These are battles that I face constantly since I’m not yet a full time musician and I still work a regular part-time job. On top of that, I’m still just a girl with social anxiety. However, the way I overcome these battles is by realizing that I do music because I love it, not because I want fame or wealth or to climb to the top of the social ladder. Doing what you love will always be a battle as long as you don’t deconstruct the individualistic mindset. I do music because I love the inviting and supportive community that comes with it. I don’t expect everyone to love what I do, but I appreciate those who do. 

​

If there is one thing you wish you knew before you decided to pursue a music career, what would it be?

I still have so much to learn about the local scene, as I only started performing a little over a year ago. But one thing I wish I knew when I first started recording and writing music is that it’s okay to say no. If someone asks to collab and you’re just not feeling the track, or you can’t see yourself on it, you’re not required to do it, especially if there’s no compensation. I think it’s a difficult thing, especially as a woman in a male-dominated scene, to people please because you don’t want to come off as rude. But it’s really okay. Just wish them the best of luck and keep it pushing! 

​

How do you stay inspired to write music? Have you experienced writer’s block. If so, how did you overcome it?

I have experienced writer’s block many times, and have taken a break from posting beat videos because of it. Generally, whatever’s going on in my personal life at certain times can impact how much energy or motivation I have to write. Sometimes all it takes is one situation to make me write a whole song in 20 minutes, and then other times I have to dig deep into my memory for weeks to find something that will inspire me to write.

​

What is your writing process?

Generally, I have a track before lyrics are written. I usually write my verses first, and then I write my choruses. I like having a double chorus at the end of my songs, like in my new song, ‘Find It’ with Jaye Locke. But it generally differs with each song. I don’t have a set plan, but I like my songs to tell a story. 

​

What is the story behind “Find It”?

After graduating college, I was struggling with the interview process for all the jobs I was applying to. Despite having a degree and being qualified for the jobs based on their requirements, I didn’t get any of those jobs. It was frustrating that I had to go through all of that disappointment for stuff that I wasn’t even interested in doing. I felt a little bit of imposter syndrome, seeing my former classmates be able to support themselves with well-paying jobs, while feeling like I made the wrong decision with my major. That’s when I came up with the lyrics to “Find It.”

 

I don’t wanna talk about it, 

So I guess nothing can be done. 

I’m tired of working for it, 

Time could be spent under the sun. 

(Oooh) tryna find the finer things in this life, 

Wanna do a million things that I like.

Damn, I’m so tired of feeling behind

​

You not only write your music but you also produce them as well. Have you worked with other people on their projects? If you have, tell me about them. 

I have worked with other people on projects plenty of times! I will say that I enjoy writing songs and creating harmonies more than the producing part, simply because I still have so much more to learn about production. But I do know some people who specialize in producing or mastering and they’re great at it! My most recent song, “Find It” was actually a collaborative project with my friend Jaye Locke (@itsjayelocke). It was produced by him, as well as Sean Silverman (@seansilverman), and mastered by Mat Leffler-Schulman (@mobtownstudios). These guys are great. Because there’s so much that goes into every part of a song, from the art, to the production, to the songwriting, to the mastering, I definitely see better results when I commission people for the specific thing that they specialize in. 

​

How do you think the music/entertainment industry can improve with representation and nurturing an environment for women talent to flourish?

I think a good start is to make every space a safe one for women. Make it known that predatory behavior isn’t welcome in any part of the music scene, regardless of gender. 

I also think there should be better representation of women who produce and/or play instruments. I’ve heard many horror stories of women walking into music retail stores and immediately having simple things explained to them in a patronizing way, even if it’s information that they already know. Unsolicited advice and misogyny isn’t welcome!

​

If you could give any advice to an aspiring musician, what would it be?

Work hard, make friends, take care of yourself, practice, be kind, be welcoming, be open to learn more things, and do your research!

​

What project or music can we look forward to in the future? 

No projects in progress at the moment! 

​

Be sure to check out Chelz Danielle at Bynx for the Breaking Sound showcase on September 4th!