Chantel Upshaw has the voice of a songbird. A dear friend recently introduced us to the sultry and powerful sound that comes from Chantel’s very core. Reading Chantel’s answers, we were pleased to see that her enchanting and teasing voice rolls over into her personality. She’s a true gem, and we can’t wait to see her perform live and hear her new single to be released in January.

Who is your muse? What does muse mean to you?

There are many muses, for many reasons!  Generally, it’s the wonderment of possibility and existence. Whatever ‘it’ is that causes me to experience everything in the most vivid detail, then to step back and observe it all from outside of myself.  Whoa, deep.

Where do you find inspiration for your songs?

They find me Well the best stuff just comes mostly on its own and depends on where I’m at in my life.  My interests, I guess, and people and our ways. Simply the sum of all I believe, perceive, and experience – again generally.  There are a ton of other artists and songs that inspire me.  Too much to cover here, we’d have to have a real convo methinks!

What do you want the world to know about you?

1.  In private quarters, I like to smell like my grandma Donna – she died when I was six but I have memories of her singing, and taking me to the Sally Ann to buy flower dresses.  2. It feels really uncomfortable to not walk on the left of whomever I walk beside.  3. I’ve been writing a musical that probably won’t surface for quite a while. OH, and 4. I just recorded a slew of songs and started a project you’ll soon know about.  I’m excited, grateful, and proud of how the tracks came together.  Ya heard about Pouty Marlo? You will soon…

Biggest challenge you have faced as an artist?

Hm. Probably making peace with the fact that I’ll always move on quickly after making an EP/album, and that’s ok and the album is still as ‘me’ as it could’ve been at that time in my life. It’s a snapshot. It takes me a bit to truly appreciate a project I’ve finished, although I may be proud of it.  I guess when it’s been created, it’s no longer ‘mine’.  It’s typical to look back later and feel the appreciation because you’re not so close to it. 

Who would you love to collaborate with?

James Blake. Miles Kane. It would’ve been lovely to dance, act, and sing with Fred Astaire. AND Freddy Mercury would’ve been the ultimate.

Who would you want to write the book of your life?

Donald Spoto – he’s the most amazing bio writer and most rigorous, unbiased observer.

Best life advice you have received?

Others’ fears are not mine, and you gotta laugh goddamn it!

What do you do when you’re not performing or creating music?

Eating. Listening to music. Dancing. Prancing. Playing dress-up.  Reading – lots of reading.  Enjoying my friends. Drinking wine.

What makes you sing inside?

The joy of creating something that fulfills me.  Seeing people enjoy themselves. Aha moments. Cute Youtube animal videos. Nature.  

Do you get performance anxiety? If so, how do you overcome?

Yes. The only way is to go balls to the wall and forget myself. That, and I spin 5 times, jump up and down whilst saying ‘crackerjack’, and blink rapidly for 10secs before hitting the stage. Works like a charm.

Most memorable moment in your career?

Meeting Neil Young at 2am, walking his dog with his wife.  I suppose that’s not a ‘career’ moment but it was a life moment.

What is your all-time favourite song and artist?

Damn, you can’t ask me that! Jesus. Uh, that’s a toughie. I can’t pick just one. But, I do love Bowie’s ‘The Man Who Sold The World’. And, absolutely up there is Jeff Buckley’s ‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Over’.

What can’t you live without?

Baths and hand lotion. Fresh air.

You have one day left to live, what would you do?

SING at the top of my lungs, with amazing people and friends at the biggest concert I could find, then lie in a field and look at the stars.  Cuddle with a tiger in said field. 

Where is your favourite bar stool and why?

The Keefer Bar – Dani, the head mixologist is brilliant, and they do Apothecary drinks.  In LA, I love The Edison, it’s an incredible space.

Sassiest thing you have ever done?

I’ll have to save the all-time sassiest thing for the real bio F’real, it’s gotta wait. Um, I once threw a rock at a crocodile in Costa Rica. He didn’t really care.

What is your favourite instrument?

Voice then piano.

How did you know this was your passion and how did you find the courage to pursue it?

I had to, there was no choice. Everything else would make me go mental.  I get depressed if I haven’t sang (sung?) in a while.  Then everything that goes with the craft…there’s nothing better that I could choose to do.  Though I have many interests and I’d like to have the fullest life I can.  I just want to experience everything that thrills me. I basically get to be like a kid my whole life by doing this.

Top three goals you want to accomplish in the next year?

Can’t tell you. Here’s 3 others though: Grow out my hair.  Train for opera.  Learn spanish to some capacity. 

Lessons we learned from Chantel Upshaw:

1. Laugh your way through life.

2. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun. Be quirky.

3. When you’re passionate about something you can’t help but pursue it. There is no choice in the matter.

Listen to Chantel on her Soundcloud
Chantel’s Everything Must Change video
Chantel on Twitter
Chantel on Facebook

Read our other Interviews from a Bar Stool.

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