Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chelsee Foster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chelsee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Hi guys! Thank you so much for asking me back. I have!!! I’m very proud to say that I just bought a house as a self-employed business owner. The journey has been difficult, but the path led me to my livelihood.
I started as a skater, which nurtured my love of music and expression. My single mom kept me in anything I could do: ballet, gymnastics, and acting. However, singing stole my heart. Especially when we didn’t have the means to keep me skating. I lived in many different states growing up and performed in all of them – theatre in Colorado, opry houses in Oklahoma, horse races in Texas, and of course the American Idol auditions in Arizona. I’ve sang in several different trios, quartets, and girl groups over the years, collecting experience wherever I could – even yodeling!
When I moved to Los Angeles, I went to a performing arts high school and eventually attained a bachelor’s degree in music business, which included classical vocal training. Singing in other languages was so fun! I still utilize a lot of those skills and pass them onto my vocal students today. Also, I owned and operated my own karaoke business for private events and local venues. What a fun way to share the love of music and hone my skills for shows with my band on the sunset strip. You could definitely call me a Viper Room rat; I loved playing at the Whisky a Go Go and the Troubadour as well. Such historical stages!
Networking has given me amazing experiences and friends wherever I go. In 2019, I seized a wonderful opportunity to sing on a cruise ship for 6 months! I packed up my life and hit the Caribbean. Shortly after when the pandemic hit, I saw my chance to take another leap of passion: Last year I moved to Music City and I couldn’t be happier! Every single performance has led me to the artist I am now.
Chelsee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Sure! Well, a lot of people wonder why my artist name is CH3LS (found on all streaming platforms). My mama decided to spell my name with 3 E’s, and I’ve always gone by Chels instead of Chelsee, so it stuck. Though I’ve been performing since I could walk, my life has consisted of many different aspirations and jobs. With a difficult upbringing I sought stability, but the stage ultimately stole my soul. I’m grateful for many things: success in my endeavors, the opportunity to share my passions with the world, and the ability to connect with others through music.
Currently, my band and I are available for booking nationally. This year I have performed at all different kinds of events including motorcycle rallies, marinas, private parties and of course local venues. This includes curated cover sets and original showcases. Here in Nashville my band plays mostly at Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honkytonk and Tootsie’s world famous Orchid Lounge. As bandleader, I’ve acquired a vast network of musicians I can hire for shows. In addition, The Honky Tonk School offered me a steady position teaching vocal lessons. Now, I get to help the new singers that come onto the circuit! Naturally, I picked up coaching skating again as well, and enjoy cutting music and choreographing programs for competitions – working with kids is the best.
Congruently, I have been writing and recording my own music and found a wonderful producer to collaborate with (Thanks Ryan Maker!), which unveiled my true identity as an artist. Since then, we’ve released an EP and are working on more music together, remotely. I feel that I’ve really found my sound as a blues-rock artist, exemplified in my upcoming single release, Hellbound!
I am most proud of where my dedication has brought me. Passion fuels my work ethic, and contributes to all my energy on stage. Even doing 4-hour shows throughout the week, I always give it my all. People like the high kicks, spins, and matrix moves I do while singing. I would say I specialize in connecting with people! Most of the time it’s to bring the joy of music and celebration, or to share my passion of skating. But sometimes I am able to connect through music on a deeper level. Everyone has hard times, and music is a natural healer. It somehow lets us relate to each other more directly than just words – hence the term universal language. I think that’s what sets me apart: I bare my soul on that stage. And if willing, people will let that into their souls. It’s a beautiful gift I wouldn’t trade for the world. I am most proud of every time someone tells me that my music made a difference to them-even if it was just for a moment. I’m grateful for that brief, real connection. From teaching skating or vocal lessons to performing on dream stages, I always try to find and provide serenity.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I think adaptability is essential! My range of experience from skating and singing, to managing and coaching has aligned me with success in the music industry. The most terrifying pivot in my career was when I decided to become a performer full time. After college, I secured a very stable position at a music licensing company for 4 years. I was utilizing my degree, reaping corporate benefits and singing on the side. When Norwegian Cruise Lines offered me a 6 month contract as a vocal entertainer, I had to weigh my dreams with the stability I’d created for myself. It was probably the hardest decision I’ve ever made; I loved my job in the music business and had just gotten promoted. However, my heart called… So I stored up my life and said goodbye again. I’m SO glad I leaped and took the risk! I have been making a living singing since, even through the pandemic.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I believe my resilience has significantly contributed to my wonderful life. My childhood consisted of moving across 6 different states, and having to give up my love of skating due to divorce. I turned my focus to singing; it was much more practical financially. The road to becoming a musician was full of trials and tribulations, like any other artist or industry, but I’ve found that my journey led me to exactly where I’m supposed to be. If I hadn’t gone to college – and instead started a touring band like my manager wanted – I would not be where I am today. That was a tough decision that ultimately put my performing career on hold. But I knew I could be more, or go about it better somehow. I realized then, as every strong woman out there will find out: that if you want to be an incredible force in this world, you must never stop learning and growing. One important lesson I learned is that the music industry is full of rejection and judgment-so resilience is necessary! It’s often difficult to have your voice heard as a woman in this business. It takes a certain tenacity and the right perspective to trudge through those challenges. Skating taught me: If you fall, get back up and try again. Failure is a lesson!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://ch3ls.com/
- Instagram:https://www.
instagram.com/ch3ls.chelsee/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ch3ls.chelsee/ - Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/
chelsee-foster-12164759 - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/channel/UCc9ZYh4Nv- s4gUywFv-pA1w - Other: https://fosterchelsee.
wixsite.com/ch3ls/vocal- lessons
Image Credits
Perry Joseph, Marcus York, Chelsea Maker and Philip Rushmore