Born in St. Louis, self-empowering rising pop star Chel sat down with Respect My Region to answer a few questions. Coming off a release to her new video, “I Smell Nice” Chel talks about the feedback she’s been receiving from her fans and what the rest of 2019 looks like moving forward. Chel also touches on her busy lifestyle and discusses what she’s been up to more recently as she was involved with a couple of different events such as New York Fashion Week and Curvy Con. Along with that, Chel talks about her experience as an independent artist and what her progression and career has looked like up until this point. As someone as determined and talented as she is, Chel is someone you won’t want to sleep on. Either way, with or without your support Chel will continue to bloom and do what she has planned to do since day one.
Exclusive Chel Interview
*This interview was edited for clarity*
How are things going so far? Seems like you’ve been pretty busy lately!
Things are great! It’s been a long and hard journey but it feels like all the work is starting to pay off. I’ve been very busy lately and traveling all over the country! I couldn’t be happier that all the different aspects of music mixed with body positivity and modeling have come together as one big picture!
Looks like you have your hands in a couple of different things like walking during New York Fashion Week and participating with CurvyCon. How was it to participate in NYFW and do you feel like you can balance everything out pretty well?
Walking in New York Fashion Week was terrifying and a dream at the same time! As someone who struggled my whole life to find clothes that fit me and to fit in with fashion, it felt pretty surreal to walk in one of the biggest fashion events in the world. When I moved to Los Angeles, I started over because I didn’t know anyone out here. When I didn’t have anyone to work with musically, I focused on my radio show, learning how to take my own photos, and social media influencing/ brand ambassador-ing because I had access to those things. It is a lot to have on my plate now because all the seeds that I planted are blossoming and I’m having to tend to all of them but I’m happy to do it because I enjoy all of it.
What was the best part or biggest takeaway from Curvy Con?
The Curvy Con was amazing. My biggest takeaway was a feeling of support. It is only just beginning to be popular to be curvy. Brands are just starting to get on board with size inclusivity. Most plus size women have dealt with rejection or bullying in some form or other throughout their life. The media is constantly telling us about the next diet trend or that we would look so much better if we just lost some weight instead of encouraging people to feel beautiful at any size or shape. At The Curvy Con, people stood tall and confident and told one another they looked beautiful. You could feel the inspiration and love in the air. It was very special.
What sort of feedback are you getting from your fans after releasing the official video to your song “I Smell Nice?” It’s a lovely track by the way.
People seem to like the song! I wanted the video to represent me telling my younger self not to let people get you down and to love yourself. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that they loved the message and especially a lot of youth that resonate with it.
Chel – I Smell Nice (Official Video)
Do you have any plans to release anything the rest of 2019? Or do we have to wait until 2020?!
There’s a good chance there might be another release in 2019 but I’m going to keep you on your toes about it!
What has been your reasoning behind staying independent as an artist?
If I’m honest, no label has given me the time of day. I don’t know why. In any case, I’ve worked my ass off and it feels really good to have gotten where I am independently.
What’s one positive thing and one challenging thing about being independent?
The positive is that you are your own boss! You decide what songs you like and want to release. You decide what videos you want to put out. You decide who you work with and you don’t have to give up all your percentages of your work. The challenging part is that everything is harder. You have to make your own connections and spend your own money (and everything costs) to make it happen.
Would you recommend remaining independent to upcoming artists? If not, how come?
I think to each their own! If somebody gets an awesome label deal, I think they should take it! I would’ve loved to have the help although I’m not mad I didn’t. If someone is going to remain independent I have so much respect for that because it means they’re a hustler!!
What’s one of the biggest reasons why you think your fans rock with you so hard??
I think because most of them know how hard I work and that I’m unapologetically myself. I’m not trying to hide anything.
On a deeper level, if you don’t mind sharing, what has been your why that has kept you going all this time?
Well, 1. because I’m stubborn and 2. because it has been my dream since I can remember having one. I’ve known that I wanted to be a singer my whole life. On top of that, having that dream and having everyone tell you it’s not for you because you’re too fat or it’s unrealistic either make you quit or want to prove everyone wrong and like I said… I’m stubborn.
Last question here, but when are we going to see you out on tour or in Seattle for a show?!
Haha as soon as I can make it happen. Let’s get my people and your people on the phone.
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