Meet CHELSKO: Singer Song Writer / Actress

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

Hi CHELSKO, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Life is about taking risks. I’ve always said that I would rather regret doing something than regret not trying. If you don’t try you will never know. You can choose all the safest options in life and still get hurt, so why not try? The pressure is good for you, pain helps you grow, failure teaches you. My career as a whole is a giant risk, but I get to lay my head down on my pillow at night knowing I’m doing my best, not living in fear. I am helping others, going after my passion, and no matter what the outcome may be, to me that is success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist and a woman in 2021 I am a bit of an anomaly, in that I am a contemporary Christian musician who is refusing to cater to the traditional ways of Christian musicians, and I am also refusing to go by the standards of today’s society that make an artist “popular.” I am a Christian, not a saint; it is important to me to show younger women that God’s love isn’t conditional, and you do not have to dress and act a certain way to be loved by Christ. It is also important to me to show the world that you don’t have to show skin, and adhere to “sex sells” to reach the masses, you are more than enough! I am most proud of my song “Mary Magdalene,” a song I will be dropping this year. It is a song that is dear to my heart; it talks about the aforementioned concept, being in the world but not of the world, and feeling judged by both the Christian and non-Christian communities alike. It’s about accepting and confronting our demons and feeling misunderstood, all while trying so hard just to be your best self. I love this song because it talks about feeling like you don’t fit in anywhere and realizing you are enough just as you are. It is never too late to run to Him. Christ sees you as absolutely perfect just as you are. It is so important to me to make very clear that the love of Christ is free and available to all, in any walk of life, His love does not discriminate and does not have requirements. I am so excited about sharing this song, my story, and performing at festivals, colleges and conferences in the coming years. The path that lead me to where I am today was a messy one. I grew up in a conservative Christian home and felt very torn between my culture and my church growing up. After college, I felt very empowered because I had done a fantastic job keeping to my morals and rules for myself. When I came back to LA, it all fell apart very quickly. I think somewhere along the line I lost respect for myself, because I was so disappointed that I did not stick to the status quo I had been expecting of myself. I was in two abusive relationships back to back that absolutely devastated me, but when the dust cleared I realized I was good all along, and God had never left my side. 2020 changed my life; I fell in love with who I am and truly found myself. Whether I am on MTV, Disney or just chilling at home I have learned to embrace all of who I am, and all that life has to offer. I learned the importance of diving into The Word and surrounding myself with strong female friendships. And I learned that true success is being true and genuine to yourself. For me that means using my art, my songs, my pain, my trauma and my passion to empower and uplift other men and women. One person or one million people might be impacted by my music, but as long as I am doing good in the world and causing change, to me that is success. It hasn’t been an easy journey and I don’t expect it will become one any time soon, but every day is exciting and every moment I love life a little bit more. Forged in the fires of adversity, I find myself exactly where I want to be. The most important thing that I want viewers/listeners to take away from my story is that you are so incredibly beautifully and wonderfully made. No matter what you have been through or where you are along your journey, you are right where you are meant to be, and if you have gone through trauma and pain, not only are you not alone, but you are so incredibly capable on getting through it and coming out even stronger than ever. Joy and peace are a daily choice, and if you choose to let go and let God your peace cannot be touched.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend lives in Connecticut, when she visits I take her to the beach! I am a beach girl through and through, that is where I find true bliss. I am also a foodie, so our next spot to hit after feeling crisp from a long day in the sun will be The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu. I am big on ambiance as well as food, rarely will I go to a place that doesn’t exceed my expectations in both areas, so our next stop will be NOBU Malibu. Then I will take her to Venice for a day of roller skating on the boardwalk, followed by drinks at The Bungalow. Our last adventure would be a lovely wine night with friends in the city, laughing and listening to only the finest tunes, and if we’re feeling frisky we might whip out the card games. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Behind any story there is an army of people. I have been blessed beyond measure to have had many phenomenal mentors and an incredible support group over the past years, but one person that has truly helped my musical and emotional growth is my vocal coach Julia Holland. When I first met her, my voice control was not where I wanted it to be, and most importantly, my confidence was lacking. She helped me not only to find my voice but she to gain true confidence in myself. She helped me to realize that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. She has now become not only my vocal coach and mentor but a true and cherished friend.

Instagram: @chelskomusic

Twitter: @chelskoofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nelliedale

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chelskomalibu

Other: tiktok @chelskosugar

Image Credits
@victorjamesphoto @germyfilms