Emerging alternative R&B / Lo-fi singer-songwriter Chenice talks individuality, motivation, musical highlights and her debut EP ‘Hope Springs Eternal’

What inspired you to begin a career in music?

I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in music. Singing frequently at Church and being part of a heavily musical family, meant I was always exposed to it. I’ve also always admired artists and musicians when I attend concerts, and always left (and still leave) feeling inspired/amazed that they’re at the point where they can share their talent and work with others. It was just a confidence thing at the time though; the whole ideology of not being good enough was definitely a thing for me. The countless number of singing sessions I used to have with my friends over the years as well as posting cover videos on my social media platforms and studying music management at University then gave me the opportunity to share my talent with others outside of my family, on a greater scale.

The amount of positive feedback I used to receive was great, and I was suddenly being asked to feature on projects, assist with BV’s and perform at events. it was such a comfort to know that others believed in me and my talent! This definitely strengthened my confidence and I began to believe in myself and make a start on my career.

What differs you and your sound from other upcoming artists in the music industry?

I’d say my tone and the style of music in which I create makes me a little unique from other artists in the upcoming music industry at the moment. There aren’t a great deal of upcoming Lofi artists at the moment (if any), or artists in general who create the style of music I create, and so I definitely feel that there’s a gap there for me. I don’t think Lofi music gets the credit it deserves compared to other genres; it should because it’s amazing!

Your long-awaited debut EP ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ is out now! Can you please describe the creative process and explain the meaning behind the EP?

‘Hope Springs Eternal’ is a compilation of songs I’ve written over the last few years. Most of the songs from the EP were self-recorded; I have a little studio room at home, so it’s always been easy for me to record as soon as I’m feeling inspired. I then flew over to Germany in 2019 to enhance the songs and record a new track with Bastido, an amazing Lo-fi Producer I connected with musically in 2018 (4 of his beats are featured on the EP).

I always knew the feelings I wanted to portray and the concept has been the same throughout, but it just so happened that other songs I had written between then and now resonated a little more. The EP is based on the thoughts and feelings relating to giving love and being loved. The EP starts off exhibiting the notion of ‘rainy days’, loneliness and doubts, advances to the hope of new beginnings, unwritten chapters and the end depicts new found safe havens. Hope Springs Eternal serves as a reminder that remaining hopeful that all will be well in the end is vital, and in turn, the universe will see to it that you’ll be with who you’re made for eventually.

Everyone experiences good days and bad days, as a musician, when you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?

Whenever I’m having a bad day, one of the first things I do is listen to music. Usually something uplifting such as Gospel, or something encouraging. There are so many songs out there that encourage you to keep on going, and they help massively when I’m going through a bit of a hard time. Also something that I always affirm to both myself and to others, is that troubles don’t last. A bad day/low moment is miniscule to the rest of the days you’ll face/joy you’ll experience in life, and things will always turn around to the point where you feel you can move forward and be happy again. I always keep this in mind, and it kind of helps me to pick myself up.

Also, my almost 2 year old twin niece and nephew also motivate me heavily. When I’m feeling low I’ll go to my sisters and just spend the day there with them, and they are guaranteed to lift my mood. I’ll always leave on a high, and with a better outlook on things.

In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?

Out of the 6 songs, I’d say ‘Not my Day’ is definitely the most meaningful one. The song is a reminder that it’s okay not to be okay at times. We all have phases we go through where we feel stuck and as though nothing is going according to plan, or at the speed we’d like to see. It’s easy to fall into a sense of impatience but whatever happens, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel eventually. Having patience in the process (and taking time to enjoy it, even the waiting aspect of it) is so important.

Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments? Those moments that you stop to reflect and can’t believe you are where you are?

I experience ‘wow’ moments so much! It really has been a long time coming, and I feel as though I’ve come so far with not just my confidence, but my songwriting and feel like I’ve found my sound. Looking back on how much I’ve grown musically always amazes me. Wow moments present themselves a lot when it comes to my songwriting; sometimes I’ll finish a song, get it recorded, play it back and think about how on earth did I of all people, come up with these words and song structures? It’s a blessed feeling and I’ll always cherish those moments.

What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?

Never give up. So cliche but it’s facts. God wouldn’t have blessed you with a talent for you to sit on it and be scared to share it with the world. It gets a little hard at times – things can fall through or just don’t work out as you may anticipate, but take it as a learning curve and keep on going. Also, don’t ever feel as though you have to compete with anyone. Success happens at different times in life for every single person. You definitely have not ‘missed the boat’ because you haven’t achieved the things they may have achieved just yet. Also it’s really important to enjoy the process. Granted hard work pays off, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself; doing so could turn the process into something that feels forced, laborious, and could even make you fall out of love with what you’re working on. You get the best results when you’re still enjoying what you’re doing.

Also, know that some people will like your content, and some people won’t, and that’s okay. If you like it, go with it. Don’t change your angle of what you’ve always wanted to do for the approval of others. You’ve got to love, enjoy and believe in what you’re creating first; the rest will follow through after.

What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?

More music essentially! I can’t wait to share the rest of what I’ve been working on (both new and old) with everyone, and to just continue my journey. I have a few collaboration opportunities in the pipeline which I’m excited for. Apart from that, just taking each day as it comes. The only way is up from here though, I’m sure of it.

Anything else you would like to add?

Just a quick thank you to everyone who’s supported me, both before and after the EP released. I’ve received some amazing and encouraging feedback; it’s overwhelming and I’m just so grateful for it all, more than anyone will ever know!

‘Hope Springs Eternal’ is available now via all major platforms.

Connect with Chenice

InstagramTwitter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.