Chel

CHEL Oozes Self-Confidence On 'My Name': Exclusive - “My Name” is CHEL’s attempt to do just that. With its snappy piano-backed beat and unapologetic vocals, CHEL embraces things like the shape of her body, and the fact that she doesn’t wash her hair every day. She shows off an impressive vocal range, sliding effortlessly from a high and clear pitch to the song’s belting chorus as she sings, “If my name is what you’re saying/ I guess I’m doing something right.” - Billboard Magazine

“Popping under the radar... her jams aren’t just another empowerment song: they are born to make you have a better relationsip with being #bodyposi.” - Galore Magazine

It's always refreshing when artists look to address and loosen the grip of antiquated views of society and LA-based modern pop starlet Chel takes aim at the standardized perception of modern beauty in life, music and beyond with "My Name". This soaring indie-pop heavy hitter is a celebration of individuality, in an empowering, incredible catchy manner. - New Music News

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SMS - She is likely the most unknown artist on this list, but possibly one of the most talented individuals our city has to offer the world of music. St. Louis super-producer Tech Supreme has finally found an experimental pop artist that is capable of meshing her poetic songwriting ability with his hard-hitting and ever-evolving production. I'm often harsh on newcomers but over the course of time she has made me a fan and a believer. You won't be able to find any of her music at the current moment. She has performed at Grove Fest and has toured the midwest region, breaking the ice as a performer. Her music merges the dance elements of hip-hop with the sing-along enjoyment of pop music. I wanted to be the first music critic to write about her, because once the trigger is pulled her career in St. Louis will be automatic. She has a slight bit of soulfulness that comes quite unexpected when you consider her range as a singer. In 2014 I am predicting she will have a breakout year and convert more than a few music lovers into fans of her movement. - Riverfront Times

She drew in the crowds at SOHO and has already dropped a number of her own songs, Chel, just 25 and from Springfield is our latest Central Illinois Featured Artist.

Age: 25

Occupation: Singer/songwriter

Band: Chel

Vocals and/or instruments: Vocals

When did you begin performing? Age six

What is your favorite music to perform? Ballads

What is your favorite music to listen to? Top 40

How often do you rehearse? 15 hours a week

When did you launch the band? 2012

Where is you favorite place in Springfield to gig and why? The SOHO festival because it is an enthusiastic crowd out to listen to great, local, music.

What is your favorite song to sing? Crazy by Gnarles Barkley

From where do you seek inspiration? In life events, but also through the other musicians who surround me.

Tell us about your background in music? I started singing from the time I was three and began lessons at the age of six and began giving lessons at 15. I was in choirs and musicals until I got the opportunity to write and perform my own music. I started touring with the Nelly School in St. Louis and haven't stopped moving yet.

If you could perform with anyone who would that be? The band Queen or Stevie Wonder.

Find out more about Chel and her upcoming gigs by visiting her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/musicbychel

Here's Chel's latest video:

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She drew in the crowds at SOHO and has already dropped a number of her own songs, Chel, just 25 and from Springfield is our latest Central Illinois Featured Artist.

Age: 25

Occupation: Singer/songwriter

Band: Chel

Vocals and/or instruments: Vocals

When did you begin performing? Age six

What is your favorite music to perform? Ballads

What is your favorite music to listen to? Top 40

How often do you rehearse? 15 hours a week

When did you launch the band? 2012

Where is you favorite place in Springfield to gig and why? The SOHO festival because it is an enthusiastic crowd out to listen to great, local, music.

What is your favorite song to sing? Crazy by Gnarles Barkley

From where do you seek inspiration? In life events, but also through the other musicians who surround me.

Tell us about your background in music? I started singing from the time I was three and began lessons at the age of six and began giving lessons at 15. I was in choirs and musicals until I got the opportunity to write and perform my own music. I started touring with the Nelly School in St. Louis and haven't stopped moving yet.

If you could perform with anyone who would that be? The band Queen or Stevie Wonder.

Find out more about Chel and her upcoming gigs by visiting her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/musicbychel

Here's Chel's latest video:

Chel 1.jpg
Chel 2.jpg
FACEBOOK0 TWITTER GOOGLE LINKEDIN0 PINTEREST - Est. 1821 Magazine

If you love fierce and empowering female popstars, then you’re going to adore Chel.

The St. Louis beauty has just released her debut album Proof, which is fast becoming one of our favourites. Influenced by an array of genres, including pop, reggae and rap, Proof is a rebellious album which pushes musical boundaries in our eyes. Whilst a lot of the tracks are catchy, radio friendly anthems, there is an air of vulnerability throughout as the singer-songwriter pours her heart and soul into her unique brand of music.

Having struggled with her appearance for a number of years, Chel has since grown confident in her body and uses her music as an outlet to spread a positive message. A beautiful person inside and out, Chel is an incredible role model who aims to inspire others who also have their struggles.




We recently got to chat to Chel about her debut album, her role models, plans for the future and much more.

Hi Chel, it’s great to be asking you some questions today! First off, can you tell us about how you got started in the music industry?

Hi! Of course! It all started about 4 years ago when I began taking voice lessons at Nelly’s Ex’treme institute in St. Louis. I was picked to go on their summer concert tour with Murphy Lee and met a producer who asked if I would like to start making music. Seeing as that was all I ever wanted to do, that was literally music to my ears! I’ve been engulfed in the industry ever since.

You recently released your debut album, Proof, which we love by the way! Our favourite tracks are ‘Game Changer’, ‘Let Go’ and ‘Higher’, but which song are you most proud of?

I think my favorite song on the album is Grasp. The whole album came from a place where my heart had been broken and my dreams crushed all in one fell swoop. The whole thing I wrote about getting back on my feet but Grasp was the one I cried writing. I poured my heart into that song. It still makes me feel the same emotion every time I hear it.

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Chel 1

What’s the reaction been like to your album so far?

Good! A lot of people have been telling me they like it and my favorite is hearing which songs are their favorite. It is so interesting to see which ones people like because it always changes based on the person.

You’ve got a rather unique method of songwriting – which song on the album did you find the hardest to get right?

Actually… they all came to me so fast! I had only worked with rap beats up until this album. When I got to work on these amazing pop tracks it was like the lyrics just fell into place. None of them seemed very hard to me and that’s thanks to my producers Wyshmaster and Joel Kern.

What makes your music different to anything else that’s already available on the market?

I feel like all my song are pop but they all have their own uniqueness! I like so many different genres that I try to add a different feel to all of them!


Your music is incredibly empowering – we love your attitude and think you’re an awesome role model. Who would you say is your role model?

Thank you!! If I can do one thing in this life it would be to help others to see their own worth. I would have to say my parents are my role models. They are both incredibly strong people with big hearts. They both work very hard and have shown me that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. They also do what they can for everyone else in their life and community. They never cease to amaze me.

You’ve openly struggled with your appearance but have grown in confidence over the past few years. What advice would you give to other young girls with similar struggles?

I would tell them to write down the things that they hate about themselves, look at it, and then tell yourself that those are the most beautiful attributes you have. You may not believe it at first but if you continue to find the beauty in your flaws eventually they will become your power and not your weakness.


You’ll be opening for David Correy on his US tour in March. What do you love most about performing?

There is something about being on stage that is like nothing else. Baring it all. You are completely vulnerable but at the same time powerful. It is a growing experience every time I perform. I learn something about myself every time I get on stage. I think I love the self-realization of it and the opportunity to share my story and my passion.

What else does 2017 have in store for Chel?

I am so excited about 2017!!! I think this is the most excited I have been for a new year in a while. I can’t wait to go on tour, release new music, and to move to LA!

Thank you to the beautiful Chel for her time! Look out for more from this promising popstar, we think she has a super bright future ahead of her. - Celebmix

If you don’t know Chel, honey, it’s time that you do. Just dropping her debut album “Proof”, Chel is a has a voice to be reckoned with. Musically, she effortlessly glides through ballads and spoken, she’s fearless on breaking norms. We got the absolute pleasure of speaking to her.

SRS: Hey Chel! You have such a beautiful, unique sound. How would you best describe it?

“I like to think my voice is a little bit classic, a little bit soul, and a little bit raspy. These are all things integrated into my vocal journey. I tend to pick things up that I like and mesh them into my singing. Something that has never changed is my love for soul and ballads. I think that will always be a big factor in my sound.”

SRS: You’re album “Proof” just came out! Tell us about it.

“Proof is a story. I named it proof because for a long time I told my self that my dream was unobtainable. This album is proof to myself that I can. I was at a really low point in my life when I started writing this album. Writing is therapy for me. These songs were a compilation of rebuilding and putting my pieces back together. I feel like I ended up stronger after. It is proof that you can Stand back up after a fall. It is proof that you can be bullet proof or better yet, Chel Proof.”

SRS: As of this exact moment in time, do you have a favorite track?

“I think Grasp is my favorite song from the album.”


SRS: How did you touring with X Factor’s David Correy come about?

“A little over a year ago I started working with Andrew Lieber, a booking agent. He called me up and asked if I was interested. I think David Correy is insanely talented. I love his music. I feel as though my music meshes well with his and I could not be more honored/excited for the opportunity!”

SRS: You’re very vocal on your faith and body image. Massive kudos! What inspired you to do so?

“I spend most of my life hating myself for not being the medias standard of what is beautiful. Even more so I hated that I felt like my dream was unrealistic because of my size. One morning I woke up and it just clicked. I woke up and thought no more. My beauty is my own to decide. I decided to start focusing on myself and working on really loving who I was. I decided that no matter what size I was I was going to own it. That was the start of a whole new life for me. When it comes to my faith I have always felt very connected to the Jewish religion. I love the concept of mitzvah, a good deed or an act of kindness. I truly believe that by loving our neighbors we in turn find our own salvation, strength, and love.”

SRS: If you could tell your eight year old self anything, what would it be?

“You are beautiful and your struggles will only continue to add to your beauty. The sun always shines brighter after the clouds pass.”


SRS: Is there any advice you’d give to someone trying to break into the music business?

“Only walk this road if it is what you love. It is not easy and you have to be ready to fight for it which means you have to love it. It is a roller coaster ride. That being said, if you love it, don’t give up. Just when it get the hardest you will somehow find a stepping stone. Another thing would be to not look at it as one big picture. If you look at it like “why am I not on the radio” when you just put out your first song it is easy to get discouraged. Make your goals based on what you can do in a week or in a month and try to accomplish it in little manageable steps. Before you know it you will be farther than you imagined.” - Stage Right Secrets