Dublin’s rising pop voice Chelle blends Motown soul with sleek synth-pop energy. In this interview, she discusses her influences, early acclaim, new single “Ain’t Lovin’ You,” and the next chapter of her evolving sound.
1. You’re emerging from the vibrant music scene of Dublin with a sound that blends Motown soul and modern synth-pop. How did growing up there shape your musical identity?
Dublin has this incredible, gritty authenticity that stays with you. Growing up here, you’re surrounded by storytelling—whether it’s a busker on Grafton Street or a session in a packed pub. I’ve always been drawn to the emotional honesty of Motown, but I love the neon, high-energy pulse of modern synth-pop. Dublin shaped me by teaching me that no matter how much “gloss” or synth you put on a track, the soul and the story have to be real.
2. Your debut single Kiss Me Again received strong praise and even an “Excellent” rating from Music Review World. What was your reaction to that early recognition?
Honestly? I was floored. When Music Review World gave “Kiss Me Again” an “Excellent” rating, it felt like a massive exhale. I’m particularly proud that they highlighted the vocals. I try to stay “in the pocket”—keeping things laid back and polished, but never too perfect. I like leaving the vocal cracks in; those little moments of vulnerability are where the authenticity lives.
3. Critics have compared your vocal tone to a mix of Gwen Stefani and Debbie Harry of Blondie. How do you feel about those comparisons, and which artists have influenced your voice the most?
Being mentioned in the same breath as Gwen Stefani and Debbie Harry is the ultimate compliment. They are the queens of blending “cool” with “power.”
• Debbie Harry taught me about that effortless, chic delivery.
• Gwen Stefani inspired me to embrace a bit of playfulness and edge.
My own voice is a bit of a magpie—I’ve taken bits from the powerhouse soul singers of the 60s and mixed them with that 80s New Wave attitude.
4. Your new single Ain’t Lovin’ You is described as a defiant anthem of independence. What message did you want listeners to take away from this track?
I wanted this track to be the song you scream-sing in the car after a breakup. It’s not a sad “lost love” song; it’s a celebration of reclamation. The message is simple: Your worth isn’t defined by who you’re with. It’s a defiant anthem for anyone who has finally decided to put themselves first. The response from the UK music press has been amazing, and seeing it resonate there has been such a highlight—it confirms that this message of independence is universal.
5. The club remix of Kiss Me Again by DJ Umut Baycu added a new dimension to the song. How important are remixes and collaborations in expanding your sound?
Working with DJ Umut Baycu on the club remix of “Kiss Me Again” was a revelation. He is an incredible Turkish DJ with a huge following, and collaborating with him was such a seamless process. Collaborations are essential because they force you out of your comfort zone and introduce your voice to subcultures you might never have reached otherwise. I love how a remix can take a song from a personal headspace and turn it into a shared experience on a dance floor, all while keeping that slight reggae, chill vibe that feels so natural to me.
6. As you begin reaching audiences beyond Ireland, what are your goals for the next stage of your career, and what can fans expect from Chelle in the near future?
Right now, the focus is entirely on the release of “Ain’t Lovin’ You.” I’m excited to see how it continues to grow as it reaches audiences beyond Ireland. I’ve actually just finished writing a new song called “Trouble”—it’s still in the early stages, and I haven’t even laid down my vocals yet, but the energy of the track is already so exciting. People can expect me to keep leaning into that pop-soul fusion and delivering music that feels honest, raw, and authentically me.
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