For Chesney Claire, There’s Nothing like the Feeling of Accomplishment after Performing Live
Award-winning singer-songwriter Chesney Claire, who won the gold as the Female Vocalist of The Year, an honor conferred by the International Singer-Songwriters Association, initially became interested in music as a young child. Thanks to her talent, perseverance, and positive attitude, she is now way on her way to achieving all of her goals.
How did you discover your passion for music?
It all started when I was little and my grandpa would sit me down at his piano and spend forever trying to teach me simple songs. In high school, I joined the show choir and fell in love with performing live. At age 15, I quickly gathered some covers and hit all the stages in my hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
What led you to become a singer?
I grew up in a family that loved music. My grandparents wanted me in the church choir, so I did that for years. My brother was an avid lover of all music genres, so I grew up listening to all of them. Now that my brother and grandparents are all angels, that only makes my drive and inspiration skyrocket.
What is music to you?
Music for me is a way of healing through lyrics and a way of feeling through the melodies. Every time I write a song, I make sure to put lyrics that are relatable enough to touch the listener in some type of way.
After you decided to devote yourself to music, what steps did you take?
It was a big decision to choose music. I got a full-ride scholarship to Louisiana State University, weighed my options, and chose music. I knew that I could go as far as I put my mind to it. After graduation in 2019, I picked up everything with my mom and moved across the country to Las Vegas to open up opportunities! Getting out of my hometown was one of the best decisions for my music.
Is music a difficult career?
It’s not difficult, but it is definitely trying at times. There are so many things to be learned in the music business and you have to have the "want-to" or else it will get tiring.
I would definitely say that one of the biggest struggles of being a musician is having contacts. That's something that our move to Las Vegas helped us with immensely, but still, there's so few people who are in the circle of people that I'm attempting to reach. Just a part of being an independent artist, I guess.
What is the greatest satisfaction that comes from your career?
The greatest satisfaction is receiving positive feedback about my work. Whether it’s a like on one of my songs or a hand-written letter about how one of my songs made someone feel, there's nothing like the satisfaction of somebody enjoying something that came from my mind.
Where can we hear your music?
I currently have five songs released and so, so, so many written songs that are just begging to be released! My music is on every streaming platform, under Chesney Claire.
Please describe your work process. Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration every single day in the world around me. There are so many topics to be spoken about, so many sights to be described, so many feelings to be felt, and so many sounds to be heard. My work process is simple. If I find a tune that I love, a melody will pop into my mind and I just "word vomit" until I get something that I like!
What are your favorite music genres? What are you currently listening to?
Believe it or not, my favorite music genre is emo rap. Artists like Juice Wrld or Lil Peep are so real about their feelings and they're brave enough to speak the truth about those things. I find that very admirable and inspirational.
Are you working on any projects right now?
I'm touring with Howard Hewett! I know, that's crazy and It even felt crazy for me to say that, but it’s happening! In October, I went to Reno, Nevada and performed with him on stage at a domestic abuse fundraiser and was later asked to continue the tour with the group! I also write a song almost every day. My creative energy is always active when it comes to music, so I decided to get Logic (a digital audio workstation) and learn what goes on behind the screen, so I have been diligently learning vocal production!
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What are you most grateful for in your profession?
I'm most grateful for the support of my mom. She not only picked up everything in her life and moved across the country for me, but she’s helped me learn the business side of being a musician, too. Without her guidance, I wouldn't even know where to begin, honestly.
What's your dream, your ultimate goal? Do you feel like you're on the path to this goal, or do you feel as if you already achieved that dream?
My ultimate goal, and I always joke about this but I'm so serious, is to walk into a room and not have to introduce myself. I want to see my numbers in the millions and I want to emotionally touch people all across the world through my lyrics. I'm definitely on the path to my huge goal that I've set for myself and I won't stop pushing till I reach it.
Being a musician brings incredible experiences, is there a story that you remember fondly and that you want to share with us?
I remember my first time on stage. I was scared. to. death. I got on the stage before the emcee said my name and felt embarrassed. I was worried that I wouldn't do well, but I continued through my set despite that. After my shaky performance in front of 300 veterans, I was greeted with nothing but kindness and constructive criticism. It may be scary while you're doing it, but afterwards, I promise that there's nothing like getting off that stage and being proud of what you've accomplished.
What would be your message to our Heart Of Hollywood audience?
My message is to always try to keep a positive mindset, especially in this business. Even if you think you can't do something, you can. It just takes time. If you spend your time doubting yourself or thinking about your limits, you will only manifest negative results. If you do the opposite, your opportunities and goals are limitless.
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