We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea J recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Risk taking is always measured in any business. The idea is that with being an artist, everything is a risk. There are no sure fire guarantees in this business. The only guarantee is that you will be taking leaps.

You have to trust your own judgment and use discernment but sometimes you will be pulling that parachute chord midair. That’s the beauty of making music. You never know when a song or lyric might come to you. You might have everything planned out and then need to pivot in the studio if your inspiration changes. I had to do that with my own recent recordings and I love that I was free enough to switch up. It’s important to leave room in the margin to be spontaneous.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an LA based Singer/Songwriter and Actor from Dallas, Texas. I got into this business through acting as a child and took classical voice lessons. I studied German and Italian operas, Jazz standards; and Musical Theatre songs. I started singing originally in my church choir at The Potters House in Dallas, TX. Music was always around me in some aspect.

I started writing lyrics first before I started singing my own songs in public. I always enjoyed the writing process. I would sing cover songs and intermix some of my first singles at farmers markets and local music events, and fairs like Six Flags.

I released my first official single in 2011 called “In Love From Afar”. From there, I kept releasing singles and singing background vocals or session work until I dropped my first EP “Baby Girl” in 2018. I released some singles in between the release of my first album “Moon Spirit” that was released in early 2023. What sets me apart is that I write stories you can sing along to. Most of the songs I’ve written are my own experiences and things I’ve been through. I think it’s important to advocate for yourself and I’m proud to say my songs are self-written. I also enjoy collaborating with other artists and creatives to see what else I can come up with.

I have had ups and downs just like everybody else but I always try to persevere and if I can’t find the silver lining, I find the funny. Everything isn’t a joke, but there is always humor to be found and then from there a harmony or melody. I received a BFA in acting in 2019, and a Masters in Communication in 2023 from Newhouse. I liked going between acting and singing and showing different sides of myself.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect would have to be when people connect with your lyrics or your songs. Even the more melancholy ones, if someone relates to that experience then you both can feel less alone. If a song makes you smile or dance that I’ve written, then I know that I’ve done my job and done it well.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot in my career when the pandemic was at its height. I had to focus my time on creating things and not knowing if they would get heard or not. I’m so glad I poured myself into guitar practice, and melodic lines, and practicing my vocals. I enjoyed how it made me stronger. I also had to reevaluate some things when my personal life had some familial losses and I had to find the hero within myself to create “Moon Spirit.”

This album was made out a place of pain but also resilience. I was dealing with loss of loved ones, falling out with friends, and romantic prospects not working out. It’s still a blessing to live a life that has so much color. I’m grateful for everything I went through because it brought me to this moment. I’m so thankful for my producer Quincy who was an amazing person to meet and come alongside me to give life to these songs. I’m also so thankful for my support system with my loving parents and my older sister who have always believed in me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chelseajmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseajmusic?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelseajofficial?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-johnson-385136172?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/chelseajmusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chelseajmusic?si=9fuwovd95e2Nzupc

Image Credits
Jessica Diaz