Check out our interview with American singer, songwriter, poet, director, and cinematographer Chad Post.
His first single, ‘Unlovable,’ came out in 2018 with a cinematic and captivating music video which caught the eyes of producers who, impressed by his sound and captivating lyrics, wanted to collaborate with him. Soon came his nostalgic alternative pop debut EP, ‘The Gilded Age,’ which spawned thematic music videos and garnered critically-acclaimed Spotify success.
In January 2020, Post released his first full-length album, ‘Delusions of Grandeur,’ through his production house, Post + Present Productions. The album has 16 songs, artistically curated by season, and explores themes of self-discovery, love found, and love lost. Skirting a fine line between nostalgic dance pop, unfiltered dark R&B pop, and acoustic ballad pop, it is clear Chad Post has created his own genre. Drawing influence from idols like Lana Del Rey, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Adele, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Fleetwood Mac, Destiny’s Child, Lady Gaga, Craig David, and Bon Iver, it is obvious his music is a kaleidoscope of those sounds and visuals.
Hailed as the “Prince of Pop Poetry” and a “pop juggernaut” by various music publications, Post has been quoted as saying that his 3 albums are a trilogy that tell a story together…
Chad Post released his second full-length album, ‘KINGDOM + EXILE’ in June or 2021! ‘Soul’ is a stand-out authentic gem.
Follow Chad @chadpost
Hi Chad, please tell us a little about you?
I’m Chad Post and I am a singer, songwriter, and visual artist based in New York. The first single, ‘If I Was God’ from my third album is out February 9th!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative. Passionate. Sensitive.
How did you get started in the business?
I have sung and written music for most of my life, but the change really happened into making music my full-time career a few years ago when I started taking vocal lessons with a master vocal coach in New York. From there I made a lot of connections and began releasing my music.
How has this changed your life?
I honestly cannot imagine doing anything else in life besides making art. All I think about is creating things 24/7/365. Meeting cool and creative people to work and collaborate with is really important in this business, and also one of the best parts. I love the people that have come into my life and pushed me to be better. I’m so grateful for all of those artistic partnerships.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Talking to a LOT of people. Studying artists and my peers. It is literally a full-time job and exhausting, but so damn rewarding. When strangers sing my melodies and words I wrote while I was alone in my room I am always floored. That never gets old.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Poppy. Dark. Bossy.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
No one in my family ever played or made music, so I don’t know where it comes from completely! All I can say is we were constantly listening to music in my house or in the car. The radio was always on. I was fortunate enough to have a few vocal coaches early on who were nothing but inspiring for me. They motivated me with small comments that encouraged my belief in myself. I write and sing constantly and I’m so grateful I get to do it all the time. As far as artists and genres that influenced me..definitely pop, hip-hop, and R&B—especially 90s. Lauryn Hill and Lana Del Rey are my favorite artists and songwriters. And of course, Adele.
Do you play any instrument?
My voice is my instrument and I truly mean that. My vocal technique is rigorous, and my vocal coach is tough. I think of it like vocal Olympics. I do play piano and that’s how I write most of my music, but I am definitely not an expert piano player.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes! But there is such fine line between nerves and excitement. Performing on stage makes you realize that. When you’re so excited to see a friend you haven’t seen in a while, and when you’re about to go on stage—they’re both excitement. Changing that perspective really helps for those who struggle with stage fright.
Tell us about your new single “If I Was God”?
‘If I Was God’ is a banger, and probably the most abstract pop song I’ve released. It is dark, brooding, and contradictory—but also poppy and fun. There is no fluff, I’m just telling it how it is. It is me admitting that I still would have a hard time saying no, if that person ever came back into my life. Stylistically I think ‘If I Was God’ is the perfect representation of my career so far. If you put my first two LPs into one song, something like this track would come out. That is really cool to me because it was completely unintentional. I didn’t know this would be the first single off of my third album when I wrote it. It just felt like the perfect way to say, ‘hey, I’m here still. And I’m ready.’
What’s the story behind the songs of the album?
I released my sophomore album ‘Kingdom + Exile’ last July. Since then I’ve really been curating my sounds and visuals for this departure. I wanted to elevate all of my previous works into a uniform, understandable sound, while not compromising any of my artistry. I really think I’ve done that with this single and the others I have lined up after.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Giving something to people that sometimes helps them. Having people sing my music and hooks—more specifically getting texts or DMs from friends and strangers that they’ve had my hook stuck in their head for a week. People singing along at my shows is the craziest feeling. Getting messages that my music makes people dance, or cry, or helped them through the day. That is just, wow.. Knowing something I created can bring joy or excitement or happiness to people is really rewarding. Also, I know this one is shallow, but getting recognized on the street in New York. Obviously it’s an ego boost, but aside from that, it’s like, wow, people know my music. That’s so exciting.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
‘BIG MAGIC’ by Liz Gilbert. She is the writer of ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’ ‘BIG MAGIC’ is the encouragement every entrepreneur and/or artist should read to let go of the fear of being judged and also failing. JUST DO IT—JUST PUT IT OUT. I always recommend this book for people who want to make art, or write, or start a new adventure—it is really encouraging—especially from someone who found success in their field after many fails.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Strangers will be your biggest fans. And that’s a hard one to learn and digest. But I think the people who know you and love you, struggle to view you in a different light. Not that they don’t support you and want the best for you, but we subconsciously want to keep people where we know them. It’s human nature. Don’t focus on the people that ‘don’t’ repost your stuff, or listen, focus on those that do. My biggest fans and people that have been supporting me for literally years on social media, I have never met in person. And they get me through the days! Secondly, never give up. It’s okay to rest, but work hard when you have the energy. So many people drop off, just keep going..
How would your best friend describe you?
Funny and generous probably. Then spontaneous, weird, and goofy. Humor is how I process every situation. I love making people laugh. It is just natural for me, I am not trying and that is what resonates with people. I would talk to a wall and make it laugh. I am also a very sensitive person and people can read those emotions all over my face. I’m terrible at hiding it.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I actually have a book out on Amazon—of poetry—and I think it’s me to a T. ‘Death by Poetry (& The Lies About Me).’ I have more books and poetry coming—the series will always start with ‘Death by Poetry &..’
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Get on the damn stage! When I was 10 I was too scared to do recitals. I was super shy even though I was studying voice. I didn’t get on a stage till I was about 18, and it was so incredibly natural for me. I wish I had started performing younger. BUT, that being said, it is never too late for anyone reading this.
What’s next for Chad Post for 2022?
After ‘If I Was God’ comes out, I have a string of pop singles through the summer, then a string of emotional power ballads for the fall and winter. So I’ll just be tidying up and recording/mixing all of those and creating the visual content.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love Mediterranean food. I am gluten and dairy free, so I love like a gluten-free grain with some hummus, some protein, lots of herbs and spices. Actually there is a chain called Cava that I am obsessed with! So many healthy and flavorful options.
And your favorite cheat food?
PIZZA. I grew up next to New Haven and have lived in NYC for 8 years. Pizza is in my blood and my favorite food.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Living in New York, I am always wearing black! My fashion style is a little streetwear, a little emo, a little punk, and a little glamour, Hamptons/Lana Del Rey in the summer. I love any and all jewelry that is gold.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being completely content in any! moment. As an artist, it is so hard to stay present and in the moment and not constantly thinking about what is next or the future. I am always doing sound baths and meditations with my salt lamp to bring me back down to earth. I am always battling the ever-present ‘if I had this…I would be happy.’ Happiness is never in objects or destinations, it’s always there in every moment. Easier said than done!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Lucille Ball. I think all of my humor derives from her—and honestly most comedy today. I adore her.
Best advice ever given?
“They’ll come back, they always do, and when they do, you’ll be gone.” My voice coach.
Do you support any charity?
Yes. I actually got ‘Most Humanitarian’ for a superlative in high school and also founded the environmental club in my high school. For a while I was the Events Manager for a local organization in my hometown, called Call to Care Uganda. Now, I usually make small donations to organizations for human trafficking and whom support Black Lives Matter. I think we’re at a tipping point and it’s really important to get involved when or how you can. Sharing information on social media is also a great way to support charities if you can’t give financially.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope on my third world tour and having collaborations with Lady Gaga, Lana Dey Rey, and a feature in the Destiny’s Child reunion album! I can dream right?
Favorite song? Why?
I will never give away which is number one. But Some of my favorite songs ever written are: ‘Like a Prayer’ by Madonna, ‘I Will Always Love You’ Whitney Houston version, ‘Video Games’ by Lana Del Rey, and Adele ‘Rolling In The Deep’ and ‘Someone Like You’ (before they blew up! Lol) I can’t explain exactly why, because it’s just an emotion. But the writing is phenomenal in all of those songs.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s so hard not to compare yourself with others and that’s the worst part for mental health. I genuinely think I would not have social media if it weren’t for my career choice. It is addicting and toxic and so hard to stay away. But it’s also my biggest source of news and entertainment. It’s also great for getting social justice issues out there, and doing good in the world. This is a complicated answer!
Where can we follow you?
Chad Post on Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and every other platform!
Book: Anything Deepak Chopra and Brené Brown. I LOVE self help and spiritual awakenings. I also love ‘The Bluest Eye’ by Toni Morrison. Just a classic. But right now, ‘On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous’ by Ocean Vuong.
Quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.” –author debated
Movie: ‘Titanic’ but I have way too many.
TV Series: My all-time favorites are sitcoms and comedies from the 80s, 90s, etc. ‘I Love Lucy’ is my favorite show of all time. Then ‘Golden Girls.’ Right now though I’m super into Korean crime dramas. They’re so intricately written and planned out and so well done.
Favorite Food: Pizza, but honestly everything, I live to eat!
Travel Destination: My favorite places I’ve been are Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Italy. But right now I’m dying to go to South Korea.
Sports Team: I’m a big supporter of underdogs. That’s all I’ll say 😉
