Rising new talent Chandler, who debuted with “Miss Me and You Hate It,” recently dropped the singles “Nightlight” and “All Alone.” After an in-depth interview with the up-and-coming singer-songwriter, we found out that he’s currently working on an electronic album, to be released this year.
In addition to announcing his new project, Chandler also shared his thoughts on mental health, talked about his upbringing and early influences, and came clean about some of the challenges he faces while creating music.
“All Alone” met with its audience not long ago! What kind of feedback have you received so far? You previously mentioned that the song was put together in 15 minutes. How much time do you usually spend writing and preparing for a track?
“All Alone” has received the feedback I’d expect as a small and upcoming artist, obviously nothing groundbreaking, but it’s still art and that’s the point. Yes! I usually write songs relatively fast, no longer than 15-30 minutes. Creative inspiration is like a delicate magic dust that can go as fast as it comes so I create impulsively when that magic inspiration happens.
Are you working on any new music at the moment? You already shared “Nightlight” and now “All Alone.” Do you plan on compiling the singles in an EP? How about a debut album?
I’m always working on something, the only songs I’ve truly felt were meant to be compiled into an album is an electronic album I’m working on at the moment!
We’ve noticed that your songs carry important messages that spread awareness about mental health. Over the past couple of years the world has changed its perception on the matter, but we still have a long way to go. What do you think about it?
Mental health seems to be getting more awareness, but I’d have to agree, we still have a long way to go. Awareness is great but we still need better resources. It’s like “Oh, you have ____ affecting your mental health, here’s pharmaceutical medicine? I believe a lot of mental health issues can be solved organically. We need better friends, better family, better partners, better medicine, more love. Sometimes it starts with you, even in the complication of mental health.
Where did you grow up and how has your upbringing influenced your artistic direction? Who was your favorite artist when you were younger?
I moved around a lot as a child, there wasn’t really just one place of upbringing. I’d say it’s kind of a reflection of me as an artist, creative directions can be a mystery. I didn’t really have a favorite artist? I bought my first CD when I was ten, it was Lady Gaga’s The Fame. I listened to it on repeat visiting my grandma in California during the summer. I liked listening to Taylor Swift a lot and oh! “Fireflies” by Owl City is worth mentioning.
Are there any musicians and/or artists you look up to from the industry?
Absolutely, there’s so many artists I admire and respect in their own way.
What are some of the difficulties you face while writing music? What is your absolute favorite song of all time?
Honestly I try not to force anything, it flows naturally and easily if the creative inspiration is there. Absolute favorite song of all time? I’m not good at picking favorites! I can say recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Grimes, I’ve developed sort of an artistic crush.
How would you define yourself and your sound? What genre do you feel the most comfortable with? Are there any styles you would like to experiment with in the future?
I honestly wouldn’t define myself or my art, I’m still really young as an artist and trying to figure out “Who I am” and just learning, trying things. It’s hard enough to be in your twenties figuring out life so throw being an artist in there, oh my!
Anything experimental is something I feel most comfortable with. It’s difficult as an artist without the resources of a great engineer. Someone getting really personal and intimate into exactly what you’re trying to go for, so I’m having to take that responsibility alone for the foreseeable future. I haven’t released anything I’ve engineered so I’m excited in a way.
I think there’s a lot of great artists who lack a great team and resources, that’s why they seek a record label. Electronic music is the focus for now! I think it has a special place in the future of music.
Listen to “All Alone” on Spotify: