Check out our interview with talented Rising Indian/American R&B Singer chae who recently released her lead single off the EP, “I Tried.”
chae spent the beginning of her career as a vocalist/songwriter in the EDM space, collaborating with prominent artists such as Rome in Silver, yetep, and William James. She’s now ready to tell her own story with a collection of tracks that dive into her deeply personal experiences. Her forthcoming project reflects a new side of chae, one that veers into the R&B corner and sees her depart from the comfort of her usual dance sound.
Follow chae @yourchae
Describe yourself in 3 words?
passionate, curious, and resilient
How did you guys meet and start in the business?
I met Kaiyo through Instagram in 2020. I found one of his videos on my explore page and instantly messaged him. We started writing together soon after and made music throughout the pandemic, which eventually turned into the ‘Letters I’ll Never Write’ EP.
How has this changed your life?
It has made me find peace with my past and celebrate what once was. It has also shown me what I’m capable of, which has pushed me into pursuing my solo project ‘chae,’ even more.
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get into the industry?
After college, I landed an internship at a small label in New York and began songwriting for producers on the side. Slowly and surely some of those opportunities paid off and I was able to work my way up to writing some sick records with artists that I am blessed to now call friends.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Sensual, aquatic, and honest
Do you play any instrument?
My voice is my main instrument but I dabble on the piano and guitar.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time.
Tell us about your debut EP “Letters I’ll Never Write?”
The EP is a tribute to a very important chapter in my life. I had fallen in love, deeper than I ever had before, and unfortunately, it didn’t work out. During the relationship, there was a moment when things got complicated, and I remember being somewhere between completely frozen in fear of losing him and willing to move mountains to make it work. So instead I wrote him a letter, and we recovered. But when we suddenly ended, several months after, I was forced to find my closure within all the love he had left in me. So it felt fitting to think of these as the “Letters I’ll Never Write”. It’s a bit ironic since it is a letter, not the traditional type, but it sums up where my mind and heart were and will always be with this chapter.
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And about your single “I Tried?” What’s the message behind the song?
That love continues to live on, somewhere inside us, even when things change or come to an end.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Writing the music to heal myself and then getting to see how the music heals others.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Trust yourself, especially your gut. Your body is smarter than you think.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Your best is more than enough.
How would your best friend describe you?
‘A powerhouse’
What’s next for chae in 2022?
Currently, I am working on a second EP which may come out next year, but definitely have a bunch of singles lined up.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Not sure how healthy this is haha, but I can never say no to Salmon Onigiri.
And your favorite cheat food?
Fried chicken from Jollibee – the best fried fast food I’ve ever had.
How would you explain your fashion style?
All black, blue hair.
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness isn’t a constant feeling. It comes in moments, and for the rest of the time, for me, it’s being content with where you are at.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Michael Jackson. I have been a fan since I could walk and supposedly wouldn’t eat my food unless the ‘This Is It’ album was playing from the living room.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
The Atlantic Ocean yacht week with my closest girlfriends would be pretty sick.
Where do you see yourself and your career 5 years from now?
Hopefully on tour, maybe even on the lineup of a couple of festivals. But in all honesty, I just enjoy making the music and if the only thing it does is resonate with people then I’m pretty content.
Favorite song? Why?
Off the EP, ‘Neverland’ for sure. I’m really proud of the writing I did on that record.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s necessary for this current social climate, it’s been great seeing artists have agency over their success and reach.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @yourchae
Twitter: @_yourchae
TikTok: @yourchae
Book: Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Quote: “And in the end, it’s you against you, fighting for yourself’ – Anjali Chatrurvedi
Movie: any Disney classic
TV Series: Peaky Blinders
Favorite Food: my mom’s cooking
Travel Destination: Italy – planning on retiring there
Sports Team: Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots
Window Photo Credit: Connor Sigmon
