INTERVIEW:
Chantal O’Brien
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MY zeal to have more female artists appear on my blog…
has been answered in the form of Chantal O’Brien. My prayers have been fulfiled by a terrific artist who brings us the incredible track, I Need You. O’Brien talks about the single and its glamorous video; what new material is coming next year; moving from Brisbane (to London) - and how her Spanish heritage impacts her music.
I ask about the artists and sounds that have inspired her; whether there are going to be any gigs before 2018; what her Christmas has in store; how her early experiences (singing in choirs and playing at open mic nights) affected her creative rise – the three albums that mean the most to her.
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Hi, Chantal. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey. I am well, thank you…and yourself?
It has been a really productive week! I will be releasing a covers mash-up this week - currently finalising the editing process!
For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?
Yes, sure. Well; my name is Chantal O'Brien and I am singer and songwriter born in Brisbane, Australia - and I am also half-Spanish. I am releasing a few singles and my debut album will be released in 2018! The date is being finalised as we speak. My music is solely based on Pop; however, I do add different influences in my music such as Country, ballads; House and many more.
I was classically trained; however, when I was eighteen; I decided to focus on the Pop world of music - and haven't looked back since.
I Need You is your new song. Tell me more about its background and inspiration…
I Need You is about a woman using her seductive charm to capture this guy's attention and heart. In the music video, it explains in more depth. See; we [women] have this power to seduce men and get any man we really want. So; the song is about the journey of how this woman really likes this guy…so she uses her skills to get him and she tells him she needs him – but, in the end, it was a game; she was toying with his emotions.
It was a fun song to make. I am not a manipulator in real life, I promise. Haha. I wanted to aim for a new cutting-edge sound and my inspiration was a mix of Jojo and will.i.am.
The video is very glamorous! What was it like putting that together and seeing it back?
Why, thank you! It was loads of fun – and we had an amazing time bringing the song to life through this music video. Seeing it back…I was definitely proud of the work. I loved all the different scenes and looks.
Is there going to be more music coming in the future?
Of course: this is just the beginning! I will be releasing a few more singles in 2018, and then, I will drop my debut album toward the end of the year.
I can't wait to share it with you all.
Brisbane is where you hail from. What was the city like for music and opportunities? What compelled the decision to come to London?
Wow; that is a great question! Brisbane will forever be my home-city and it had many opportunities; however, I did feel that, eventually, I would need to move to Sydney or Melbourne to further progress in a music career that I wanted - though, personally, I do feel that London was more desirable and more of what I wanted to do in music. London brought many opportunities and has a huge music scene. I also studied a Bachelor of Music in London at LCCM (in Southwark, London).
How important is London and do you feel settled here? Are the people key when it comes to provoking new music?
London is important as it is a stepping-stone to where I want to be and, yes, I feel very settled here. I have created a life here. They are key, and through some of my experiences, it has helped to provoke new music. You also continue to grow every day in life and music. So, each song I write; I feel that I am continuously evolving - and people would relate to the music that I write.
You have Spanish heritage. Does the romance and history of the nation come into your music?
I sure do!
Well; it does and I actually will be releasing a single in 2018 that is Spanish. It is called Acercate - which is translated to ‘Come Closer’. Think of Bailando by Enrique Iglesias (ft. Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno).
It is all about passion, dancing and much more! I can't wait to release this!
Through the years, you have played at open mic. nights and performed in choirs. How important were those experiences and do you think they helped craft your music visions?
They are very important as they gave me opportunities to meet producers and like-minded musicians. It is all about meeting and networking at these events/gigs. You also create a name for yourself and get to work with other musicians.
Each opportunity is part of the journey.
Can you tell me who the musicians were that inspired you growing up?
Oh gosh…I could be here for a while!
Well; I can give you a hand full of artists who have inspired me. These artists are: Whitney Houston, Elton John; Billy Joel, Christina Aguilera; Phil Collins and Mariah Carey.
IN THIS PHOTO: Becky G/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?
Well; Becky G and Natti Natasha. Really amazing artists. I especially love the song, Criminal – (Ozuna x Natti Natasha).
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
Small Mercies – Beautiful Hum
This album is amazing - especially the song, Innocent. There are many memories that I can relate to with this album.
Rihanna – Loud
This is a wicked album! This is my go-to-beats I play when I am driving.
Mariah Carey – Butterfly
Well…what can I say?! I love her music - and her voice is incredible. Even though this was released when I was six-years-old (now, you would know my age!); I love the songs and it reminds me of my childhood. I always loved the song, Honey.
What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?
No matter what, believe in yourself and never give up!
Where can we see you play this year? Any new dates coming up?
Good question! We are currently arranging this as we speak. All dates and venues will be announced shortly - and you can check my website out and Facebook.
It will start in early-2018 (and in London).
Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already - or will you be busy working?
No, it isn't…I love Christmas! I will be heading to Spain for a couple of days; then, I will be back to head to the studio to write music and record.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).
Awesome! I would love Criminal (Spanish) – Ozuna x Natti Natasha or Innocent (English) – Small Mercies
Thank you for having me. Wishing you an amazing Christmas and a happy New Year.
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