At a time when skin-deep instant gratification is demanded from the performers we admire, lest they be forgotten, some artists succumb by taking a production- line approach to their music. A veritable conveyor belt churns out style-over- substance soundbites, most of which are destined to become a blur the next morning leaving the listener with nothing but a sugar hangover. In this desert, devoid of things sincere and considered, Chela stands out as an oasis.
Simultaneously uncompromising, expressive and eloquent, Australian/Filipino alternative pop artist Chela (birth name Chelsea Wheatley) has stayed true to her vision since she erupted through our collective speakers with her breakout single ‘Romanticise’ in 2013. Her kinetic silhouette, garnished with a distinct tangerine mane, has been burned into our retinas ever since.
Sifting through Chela’s music, one can hear the work of someone who has applied painstaking perfection to her craft. ‘Romanticise’, ‘Zero’ and ‘Full Moon’ all reflect a knack for penning meaningful pop songs with a twist, songs that come from a real place, like a delicately prepared cocktail in which the mixologist has made each ingredient from scratch. Quality over quantity is undoubtedly a proverb taken from Chela’s bible.
These talents have not only connected her with music fans around the world, they have been lauded by her peers too, landing Chela appearances and collaborations on tracks by Seth Bogart, Clubfeet, Damian Lazarus and Goldroom who’s summer anthem ‘Fifteen’ (featuring Chela) has amassed over 15 million views on YouTube and over 8 million streams on Spotify.