Meet Chantel Nicole | Recording Artist, Show Host and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chantel Nicole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chantel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Personally, I cannot say for certain if I am a risk-taker or not. I approach opportunities after weighing the pros and cons. For example, my decision to temporarily forego my education and a stable career to pursue my passion for music is in itself a significant risk. Although I possess the necessary education to thrive in the corporate world, my love for music is too strong to ignore. So now, I work multiple odd jobs to fund my music so that I could fully commit my time to creating. I did that knowing that I would have to sacrifice social events and vacations

However, I acknowledge that taking risks is a luxury, and it is not as simple as throwing caution to the wind. I am fortunate to have a supportive network of family and friends who encourage and ask about my music, as not everyone has such a support system. Additionally, the process of creating quality music can be time-consuming and expensive, especially when working alone without financial support. Nonetheless, I am only risking my money and potential fame, and even if things do not go perfectly, I will not lose my identity because I am still creating good material.

Although the adage “high risk, high reward” is frequently heard, it is not necessarily feasible if you invest everything in one endeavor. There are many variables to consider when taking risks, so it is essential to have backup plans in place to avoid hitting rock bottom and to stay true to yourself throughout the process. Therefore, when taking risks, it is crucial to be strategic and well-informed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got started with background dancing/singing in college. I was okay with being in the background until I wasn’t. I wanted to write my own song and perform it and I felt that I was ready. After four years of college life, in 2017 I released my first single “I Like U” and that was the start of the #CNICRoute

I’d like to say that I’m like the side character that got a spin-off show! I was able to take everything I’ve learned from other artists and incorporate them into my craft. Things were not easy at first, though. I wanted to make pop music but didn’t know anyone who could produce it or help me. It wasn’t until a fellow background singer, Nautica, informed me of an engineer she worked with in the past. After that, things took off.

For a while, the only thing I could do as an artist was purchase beats from Youtube, until I found someone capable enough to help me. During this process of finding my sound, though, I was able to challenge myself to create solid toplines, dynamic melodies, etc because of the limited structures of the online tracks.

These days, I’ve found a producer and am able to create my own songs and re-arrange tracks and still have dope lyricism !

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Start the day with a leisurely walk on the Venice Beach boardwalk, taking in the sights and sounds of the beach and checking out the street performers and vendors. I like to keep things chill and spontaneous during the daytime. Explore a familiar place and take in the sights.

Next, head to the Melrose Trading Post, a weekly outdoor flea market featuring unique vintage finds, local artisans, and delicious food vendors. Again, keeping things simple is always fun for me. You can go to the mall to shop if you want, but why not look around some of the local spots?!

And I know it’s brand new, but I’d totally love to visit Super Mario Land! Coz uh peaches, peaches, peaches, peaches, peaches! OH, I LOVE YOU!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to offer a shoutout to my K-pop family, ILOVEDANCE NYC because of the company’s CEO (MJ Choi) I was able to have dancers and a videographer for my first music video. Also, because of MJ, I was able to be featured in many Korean tv segments with some famous singers! She has always fostered a welcome environment and her students and teachers have always been so supportive of my music.

I want to thank Daphne Williams of 3-D Dance studios for seeing the little star in me since I was a child and trusting me as a choreographer.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.chantelnicole/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mschantelnicole

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ms.chantelnicole/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chantelnicole