In a society where so many of us find ourselves judged on the way we look rather than who we are and what we do and bring to the world, the need for body confident, empowering individuals and artists is perhaps more important than ever. So, everybody, meet Chel.
Despite being told by many that she didn’t have the looks or the body type to make it in the music industry, she refused to give in to the bullies and the haters and stayed true to herself and her ambitions. Today, she’s so far played stages at big events like SXSW, hosts her own primetime show on DASH Radio and she’s a model. She’s a confident and inspiring testament to the fact that there’s so much more to us all than our appearance, and someone who can and wants to remind everyone she meets or who listens to her music that no one can stop us from achieving our dreams if we just believe in ourselves.
With the lyric video to new single “Nasty Woman” having dropped today, Chel spoke to PopWrapped about the incredible, family oriented story behind the track, the message of its visuals and shared her advice for
At what age did you first realize you had a connection to and passion for music?
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a singer. My parents put me in lessons at five years old because I was running around the house singing at the top of my lungs. I remember my dad being annoyed at me for writing songs that were basically just the same line repeated over and over again as a child.
Is there one particular artist or band that influenced your decision to make your own mark on the industry?
I wouldn’t say there’s anyone in particular that made me want to make music, I’ve always wanted to do that. I will say that as a plus size woman seeing artists like Adele, Meghan Trainor, and Lizzo have inspired me as far as wanting to make the industry more body positive.
What would you say is your unique selling point as an artist? What one thing about you makes you stand out?
I am unapologetic. I am not afraid to speak about the topics I truly care about. When I write my music, it comes from my heart. I feel as though that is felt when listening to my music.
What do you most want listeners to take from or think about when they hear your music?
I hope that my music can be a release for people. I think that everyone listens to music and takes what they want from it. If someone can listen to my music and feel anything from it, I will feel as though that song is a success.
Is there a particular story behind your latest track “Nasty Woman?”
Yes! 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 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 are Cutler women, and we grew up knowing we could shoot for the stars because she paved the way.
I thought about how there is a trend in the current popular culture of calling strong women “Nasty”. I wanted to make a women’s empowerment anthem that was 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 supporting each other. I don’t believe in superiority, but I believe in EQUALITY. My grandma 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 and 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. It is important to do this now because people are listening.
With the elections around the corner and a woman as or Vice-Presidential nomination, there has never been a better time to unite and push for a better future. Why not try to change history and for the first time EVER get a woman Vice President? We can only do this if we unite and fight for change. The time is now!
The song is very much a track about female empowerment – would you like to see and hear more artists championing and calling for the same?
Absolutely! I think to truly normalize something it needs to be talked about regularly. The problem we are having today is that not enough women are speaking up. If we had more artists, and well-known artists in particular, speaking up I definitely think we would see more change.
You’ve been championed by the likes of Billboard among others, but do you pay much attention to what critics and the like write and say about you, or are you more concerned with what your fans think? What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said or written about you, and how do you handle any negative comments that are directed your way?
To be honest, I have battled criticism from the beginning. I learned early on to take any constructive criticism I could and use it to grow but beyond that, it is all a matter of opinion. Some people will love what you do, and others won’t. It is of course an honor to have a publication like Billboard take notice, and yes, it is very validating… But at the same time, I must find validation within myself. How can anyone else believe in what I’m doing if I don’t believe in it? I couldn’t tell you what the nicest thing someone has said off the top of my head but getting compliments from people telling you that you have inspired them or that your music has moved them is probably the best compliment I could get.
We live in a technology obsessed society and you’ve earned yourself more than 100,000 followers on Instagram and racked up more than 30 million views on YouTube. Taking that into consideration, do you believe it’s at all possible for an upcoming band or artist to be successful today without having that online interaction with an audience? Do you think there are any downsides to being so reliant on technology, both personally and professionally?
Of course, it’s possible! We haven’t always had social media or online streaming and there have been many successful artists and bands. I am a huge fan of current technology though because I have gotten to where I am from my online presence. I think personally, the downside for me is that I can’t enjoy social media like others do because for me it is a business.
As well as being a singer and performer, you’re also a model and radio host. How do you juggle all the different aspects of your life and what do you like to do as and when you get any time to yourself?
Most of the time I feel like a chicken with my head cut off just trying to keep my ducks in a row lol. I am so thankful for my mom who calls me or texts me a few times a day and reminds me of the things I need to do. I love what I’m doing though, so I’m never mad at the amount of work. Outside of my professional life, I LOVE to cook and binge watch tv shows. I also love getting dolled up and going somewhere (anywhere really). I love spending time with my friends and game nights are always a blast.
Is there one ‘role’ you enjoy more than the other or do you consider yourself grateful for being able to do them all? Has for instance one taught you something that’s proven helpful in another?
I am so grateful for any opportunities that I get. Ultimately, Music was always the main goal… The others happened by chance. I would not take any of it back though. Each opportunity has taught me something or pushed me to try something new. Each opportunity has also introduced me to new people and taught me new skills. Everything I have learned through radio, modeling, music, and social media has all come full circle. They all feed into one another in some way or other.
As someone who has overcome criticism and adversity to become a hugely successful name, what advice would you give to anyone who is struggling to make their way in whatever profession they’re looking to be a part of, or who is constantly being told that they’re “not good enough”?
Believe in yourself. Anything is possible if you believe it and you work hard enough. Know that there’s always room to grow, don’t limit yourself. Strive to keep learning. Don’t put too much weight on one person‘s opinion. Even if multiple people tell you you’re not good enough, there’s always someone out there who thinks you are. Art is subjective! Keep your head up!
The Corona Virus has thrown pretty much everyone’s plans for this year out of the window; how have you been handling the lockdown/restrictions, and have you started looking towards next year at all yet? If you could do only one thing when life returns to “normal”, what would it be?
I feel as though I have made the most of my time during this pandemic. It forced me to re-allocate my time. I took it as a chance to really dive into my online platforms. I created a TikTok and grew a whole new fanbase. I took this time to release music that I’ve been wanting to put out for a while. It has been an amazing time for creation. I’m excited to continue to put out new music and to see what new opportunities come out of this weird new time. If things get back to normal, I’m mostly looking forward to traveling and performing!
Finally, then, many, many years from now, when your part in music history is set in stone what’s the one thing you want people to remember you for? What legacy do you wish to leave behind in terms of your career, your music, and your life?
I want to be someone who pushes boundaries and who bends genres. I want to challenge ideas and to use my platform to create change for the better. I hope that whatever legacy I leave, it makes people feel something.
As an extra little something for PopWrapped readers, Chel shared with us some of her current favourite tracks:
Heat Waves- Glass Animals
I love the mix of genres here and the way it makes me feel. It is happy but vibey at the same time.
After Party- Don Toliver
This one hyped me up. I have no idea why I love it so much, but it makes me want to party.
BLEACH- BROCKHAMPTON
I just really love this song. It’s not new but I can’t stop listening to it.
Imported- Jesse Reyez
I love Jesse Reyez and 6lack so this collab is everything to me. They both body their parts and I always want to sing along.
Hungry Hippo- Tierra Whack
Tierra Whack is a queen and I idolize her as an artist. This song is fun and short and makes me feel good!
Watch the video for “Nasty Woman” below and for more information on Chel, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
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