CHARDELLE

After growing up in Trinidad and Tobago Chardelle shares how the move to London in 2015 inspired her to take that first step into the music industry, discovering her identity and sound along the way. Discussing pressure as a restraint and how reflecting on the past can be translated musically. To the question is the move to a big city necessary in a creatives journey?

Can you share a bit about your musical journey and how you first got started as an artist?

So, I have been singing for the majority of my life since I was about 3. I’m from Trinidad & Tabago, so when I was going through school you are auditioned without even knowing it for different choirs. When I kept getting selected to sing in things, that’s when I realised, I was maybe good at this. On top of that the adults around me also acknowledged that I had talent and encouraged me to sing more. When I moved to London in 2015 I decided ‘what is a better place to try and do it?’. I had no idea where I wanted to go with it. I started guitar lessons in 2016, and only released my first single in 2021. Which I had written a year before. It took so long to get everything together. I have built a community around me now, that is very supportive guiding me when I need it. I still feel like I am at the beginning.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, how has finding that balance been?

It has always been a hobby and a dream. Coming to London you start to realistically see how hard it can be especially in this new age of the music industry. 2023 in particular, I debated back and forth whether I still wanted to pursue this as a career. I have tried to give up music many times for varying reasons, such as not enough resources. But I realised it doesn’t need to be focused on as a career, I’ll always want to write and release music. I want a bunch of things that will make me happy. Fear and pressure can make you analyse why are you not moving forward. But I’m trying to just enjoy it first.

How do you draw inspiration for your music, are there specific themes or emotions that you aim to convey through your work?

So far, they have been from personal experiences and growth. Moving away from your country starting a whole new life in a new environment shakes you up. There’s a lot to learn and document. While also pushing you to understand your past.

 I agree moving gives you that time to reflect. When you’re in a new space you realise a lot, that you maybe wouldn’t have before.

From that how has living in London impacted your passion and the way you approach these opportunities?

You definitely have to put yourself out there. There’s lots of opportunities to take advantage of, but it is pushing yourself to do that. You can find that support system, people to guide and teach you. I think it is a positive impact but at the same time it is a double-edged sword because it’s overwhelming. Especially if you’re doing it on your own. It takes time and resilience but once you build your confidence you will get back what you put out.  

Do you think moving to a big city like London is necessary as a creative?

I don’t think it is necessary to leave where you are, at least not now. Everything can be done online you can have a whole TikTok and be making loads. But I think for me personally and maybe other artists as well, in my country I never felt like the popular genres was the music I wanted to sing or perform. Moving to a new country made me confront myself, my style and decide whether I wanted to do this or not. I don’t think I would have been able to understand my identity the way I do now. When you’re home in your comfort zone you don't need to think about those things.

How do you hope your audience connects with your music, and what kind of experience do you want them to have?

I definitely want people to relate and connect to it. Feeling like you’re not alone in the experience is a big one. But at the very least enjoy it. You know uplifting their moods or soothing them, I couldn’t ask for anything more than that.  

Follow Chardelle on –

Instagram: @iamchardelle

TikTok: @iamchardelle