Chelle
Irish singer-songwriter Chelle opens up about the inspiration behind her powerful new single “HAVE TO DO,” exploring dark pop, cinematic storytelling, creative evolution, and the fearless vision shaping her exciting new musical era.
1. “HAVE TO DO” feels like a bold step forward in your artistic journey. What inspired this song, and what personal message did you want to convey through its empowering lyrics?
The song came from a place of watching someone’s life completely spiral. ‘HAVE TO DO’ was born out of observing someone get trapped in a deeply toxic situation—staying with someone purely out of convenience.
The core message is about reclaiming your power, setting absolute boundaries, and stepping into your self-worth. It’s a harsh reminder that when someone trades real love for a self-destructive ‘have to do’ scenario, you don’t need to get dragged down into the mud with them. You put on your armor, keep your peace, and let them live with the consequences of their choices.
2. The track blends cinematic dark pop with driving 80s synth-pop influences. What drew you to this particular sonic direction, and how did you balance nostalgia with a fresh, modern sound?
I’ve always loved contrast in music—pairing infectious, driving grooves with heavy, unapologetic lyrics. While my earlier releases leaned into warmer soul-pop and pop-fusion, with ‘HAVE TO DO’ I wanted something darker, sleeker, and more urgent.
We were heavily drawn to that moody 80s synth-wave energy—relentless basslines, analog synth textures, and high-stakes rhythms—because it carries an immediate pulse. We balanced that nostalgic backbone by keeping the vocal production razor-sharp and modern, layering atmospheric vocal chops and cutting synth hooks over a tight, contemporary electronic mix. It gives the track a nostalgic heartbeat, but with a very modern, aggressive edge.
3. You recorded the single at Bluebird Studios with producer Declan Lonergan. How did working together shape the final version of “HAVE TO DO,” and were there any memorable moments during the recording process?
Working with Declan at Bluebird Studios has been instrumental in shaping this entire new chapter of my sound. Declan is fantastic at balancing atmospheric, cinematic scope with raw vocal intimacy. He knows how to push me out of my comfort zone while keeping the soul of the performance intact.
A really memorable moment in the studio was tracking the lead vocals for the hook. We kept pulling back on artificial polish because we wanted the delivery to sound biting, unbothered, and authentic. We left in those subtle breaths and raw vocal edges because that’s where the attitude lives. Declan’s ear for keeping things organic in a synth-heavy production made all the difference.
4. Your previous releases received impressive support from outlets like BBC Introducing, Hot Press, EARMILK, and Irish radio. How has that recognition influenced your confidence and expectations going into this new chapter?
Having my music recognized by tastemakers like EARMILK, Hot Press, and hand-picked for BBC Introducing gave me an incredible seal of approval early on. When you’re an independent artist building everything from the ground up, that kind of support validates that your instinct and message are landing with people on a global level.
Going into ‘HAVE TO DO,’ that backing gave me the freedom to be completely fearless. Instead of playing it safe, I felt empowered to lean harder into dark, assertive themes and bolder production choices. It raises the bar for what I expect of myself, but it also gives me massive confidence knowing there’s an audience ready for this grittier, darker pop sound.
5. The atmosphere of “HAVE TO DO” is both dark and energetic, almost like the soundtrack to a neo-noir film. How important is visual storytelling to your music, and do you already have a specific vision for how this song should be experienced beyond the audio?
Visual storytelling is massive for me—I write and listen to music very cinematically. From the moment we started building the production, I pictured late-night highway drives, high tension, and a dark, moody landscape.
That vision directly inspired the artwork: wearing a gold crown with spiked armor and heavy gothic jewelry. It represents the ‘regal dark-pop’ mood of the song—standing composed and unbothered while the chaos unfolds around you. Moving forward, I want every visual element, from live visuals to music videos, to reflect that same high-contrast aesthetic.
6. As one of Ireland’s most exciting independent artists, what goals have you set for yourself after the release of “HAVE TO DO,” and what can listeners look forward to from Chelle in the months ahead?
My main goal right now is national and international expansion and relentlessly pushing my creative boundaries. Following ‘HAVE TO DO,’ I’m heading straight back into the studio to continue writing and recording new material that builds on this cinematic ‘noir-pop’ world.
I have zero intention of playing it safe. Listeners can look forward to even bolder storytelling, heavier production choices, and a steady stream of music that expands this darker, more cohesive era. This release is really just setting the stage for what’s coming next.