Embracing Vulnerability: The Musical Journey of CHXRRY22
In the dynamic world of music, authenticity shines through, and Chxrry22 exemplifies this ethos through her captivating sound and artistry. With influences ranging from the energetic beats of the 2000s to experiences that resonate deeply, she’s making waves in the industry. In this insightful interview, we explore her musical style, personal influences, and the interplay between her artistry and fashion.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
How would you describe your musical style? What artists or influences have shaped your sound?
I would say R & B with some Pop influence. A lot of my influences come from the 2000’s, I’m really inspired by artists like Amerie, Rihanna, Beyonce. But also by my city, and being East African – a lot of our music is very upbeat and happy. I’d say that energy influenced a lot of my new sound.
Can you talk about the themes and emotions you explore in your music, particularly in “The Falls”?
My music is solely dependent on my mood, and I think when I wrote “The Falls“, my music was a lot darker. Now, even though my music is a lot lighter, and sonically it’s more upbeat and, the themes have been similar. I do what I want and I deal with the consequences after.
You’ve mentioned vulnerability as a strength. How do you balance being honest about your experiences while maintaining a sense of artistry?
Being honest is my artistry. It’s literally the source and inspiration of all my music – I can’t make this up. My life is the soundtrack to everything I put out. I’ll literally be telling a story in the studio, and that becomes the theme of the day and what I end up writing about. I’ve never really had a shortage of stories or things to talk about. I guess that’s part of being an Aries.
What does it mean to you to “embrace your imperfections”? How does that influence your songwriting?
That’s still a journey for me. I don’t know if any artist fully intentionally embraces their imperfections, I think it’s just about baring your soul and your story and hoping that someone relates to it, but for a lot of us this is our therapy.
Can you share a bit about your upbringing and how it influenced your love for music?
I grew up in a home with two parents who sang in a choir, so I was definitely surrounded by music at a young age. In fact, most of my home videos are of me and my siblings singing. I’m a first generation kid whose parents came from Ethiopia only knowing how to speak Amharic, so in an ironic way music was our shared language and that was how we bonded growing up.
Your social media presence played a significant role in launching your career. How did that experience change your perspective on your music?
It’s so weird because as toxic as the internet is, it’s changed the lives of so many artists and made it such a possibility for someone from the middle of nowhere to find an artist like me. I’m just grateful that I’m one of the people who’s had this opportunity to be seen by so many people online, because where I’m from it doesn’t happen very often.
How would you describe your personal style? Are there any particular trends or designers you’re drawn to?
I wouldn’t say I’m attracted to trends, I’m more into eras.
What is your daily beauty routine? Are there any beauty products or techniques you can’t live without?
I’m really into chemical peels these days. I think because I’m from a city where it’s always cold, I try and squeeze in all my beauty treatments while I can avoid the sun. That’s my hack. Day-to-day, I’m literally a drugstore rat. Neutrogena is my shit. My holy grails are: Hourglass concealer, Anastasia brow gel, MAC lip liners (Chestnut forever), and Urban Decay setting spray, especially when I’m performing. Oh, and of course NYX lip glosses. I always have like ten lip glosses at all times.
Who are your style icons? Do you admire anyone’s fashion sense in particular?
I think a couple of years ago I was really into Cher, but right now I’m getting a lot of inspiration from the 2000’s and girls like Cassie and Amerie. I love 2010 Balmain and I watch a lot of old fashion shows and get a lot of inspiration from those collections.
How do you think your fashion style complements your music? Do you try to incorporate elements of your music into your outfits?
I recently realized that I was subconsciously making songs that I could envision myself walking down a runway to, so I guess this question answers itself.
What was it like working with The Weeknd and XO Records? How did that experience shape your career?
I love it! They really support me and my vision. It feels good to be amongst people that you respect and feel respect you, too. I actually just starred in one of his music videos and I loved that experience. I was covered in fake blood and it was fire.
What are your goals for the future? Are there any specific projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
I want to take over the fucking world! No, but in all seriousness I want to be the biggest Pop star ever, so that’s always my goal. I’ve been working on this album for the past year, and I’m so excited for the world to hear it. I have a couple of singles coming out soon too so be on the look out!
In your song “Just Like Me”, you confidently express your understanding of relationships and the dynamics at play. How do you think embracing both your strengths and vulnerabilities shapes your identity as an artist, and what message do you hope listeners take away from this song about self-love and authenticity?
Honestly, I hope if this song teaches people anything it would be that the most attractive thing you can do is be super honest with what you want out of a situation. If you can say exactly what it is you’re doing, and what you want, and still have your way, I think that’s player.
In the chorus of “Just Like Me”, it’s incredibly catchy and relatable, tapping into the complexities of modern love. Can you share the creative process behind writing this hook? What do you think makes it resonate so deeply with your audience, and how do you see it reflecting the shared experiences of your listeners?
Funny enough, I was outside with my writer, Kaine, and he was getting really high. I was telling him about my dating experience at the time, and how I was getting really bored with this one guy, who I felt was just the polar opposite of who I am, and there was just no excitement. I literally said, “I don’t know, I like guys that are like me”. I don’t know if it was the weed, but he just thought that was such a genius concept, and then we wrote the song in an hour. Days like that are always the best because it’s just so easy, free-flowing and honest.
What message would you like to convey to your fans? Is there anything you want them to know about you or your music?
There isn’t a message I could tell them that they haven’t already heard from me, but they know what it is. Stay confident, own your shit, and who really gives a fuck?
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida Garcia D’Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Adam Oaknine (@facesbyadam)
