An Interview With Newcomer Singer-Songwriter, CHETTI!

Photo Credit- CJ Johnson

On February 23rd, the New York-based newcomer singer-songwriter Chetti released her newest single, “Gave You All of Me.” Known for her hit single In The City, the artist is ready for a big 2017!

Chetti has just released her EP In the City and is already poised to do much much more. The 25-year-old started out immersed in musical theater – she attended Wagner College’s Theatre Performance program where she worked directly with Tony Award Winning actress Michele Pawk and many other esteemed theater professionals, but not long after graduation, she shifted her focus toward writing music. In the City was recorded with award winning multi-platinum producer Ali “Dee” Theodore and Dee Town Entertainment. She was a featured artist on Chipotle’s Farmed and Dangerous mini series, and also wrote the song, “Burn” for the soundtrack.

Learn more about Chetti in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! What are some words you would use to describe 2016? What were some of the highlights for you and your music? What are you most excited about for 2017?

Thanks for having me! 2016 was an eye opener, a year of growth. Some of the highlights were being able to perform at ABC’s live coverage of the Columbus Day Parade for my second time, working with a few Grammy Nominated producers/writers and growing and evolving as a writer, artist and human. I’m most excited for the opportunities that are coming my way in 2017, I’m a big believer in putting your dreams out in the universe- If you do, it’s bound to listen. I started 2017 with getting to perform at my first Pre-Grammy party in LA, was invited to my first GBK Grammy gifting event, I’ve been collaborating with amazing photographers and I’ve even starting custom designing some of my clothes. My artistry is flowing into so many different modes of expression and that’s liberating an mind opening for me. Some really amazing stuff is in the works- but the most exciting thing is getting to continue doing what I love. It’s all a hustle and you have to put a lot of work and time in- It’s just a matter of time before something really huge happens.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your first musical memory?

I’ve known since I was 3 years old. I remember dancing around my living room to the bodyguard soundtrack in my mothers arms. That was a big memory- listening to such soulful, beautiful music at such a young age has inspired me in everything I do musically.

Let’s talk about your newest single, “Gave You All Of Me.” Where did the inspiration for it come from? How do you think the sound of it is different then anything else you have put out?

The inspiration for this song was from a personal experience. I think when you are at your lowest of lows and highest of highs, you write the most honest music. Sonically “Gave You All Of Me” also is a lot more Chainsmokers pop, which is different from anything I’ve released; I love letting my sound explore & evolve. It’s also so different from what I’ve released in the sense that it comes from a very vulnerable place. I normally kept the painful parts of my life under wraps, but I remember being in that place and I needed to let it out. I originally wrote and composed the song as a piano/ballad piece. When I brought it to my friend Sean (who produced the record) he was able to bring this light, hopefulness to it which makes the song what it is. It also speaks to who I am as a person, which was so important to me. There are moments and people in your life that are going to disappoint or hurt you, but it’s important to learn from your experience and remain as hopeful & as positive as you can be.

Photo Credit- Danny Gagliano

My music is definitely evolving in that way. With my upcoming releases, you’re definitely going to hear the storm, but I hope you’ll be able to hear the sunshine after it was well.

Can you talk about putting together your EP, “In The City”? Did anything surprise you about the process? How long did it take? When do you hope to release a full-length album?

That was such a special moment for me. I had written/co-written an entire project and we were filtering through which songs would be best to release first. I was so “young minded” haha- to me it was a no- brainer- just release it all at once. I was super attached to every track and I wanted to share it with everyone. I had to learn that there are strategies to the business. I hope to release a full length album later this year. Lord knows I have plenty of content hahah!

How was your recent LA visit and your performance at a pre-Grammy event? 

 It was truly amazing. Getting to perform for my peers & for Grammy nominees & voting members was such an honor. I loved getting to know //  network with industry people I had never met. It is so important to put yourself out there- whether you’re in this industry or another. You can grow so much by just getting to speak to someone with a different perspective.

Do you have any upcoming shows scheduled? What has been your favorite show of yours so far?

I do!! I’m actually playing Webster Hall this Thursday! That’s super hard to pick haha every one has had such meaning. Hmm…. I’d have to say that my favorite might have been at my Webster Hall show last September with Jack and Jack. The room was packed, the energy was wild and the crowd was so involved. I loved it.

What artists have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future? 

Ryan Tedder is a massive inspiration. I have been a fan of One Republic since day one, but I have also been a fan of the writer and artist that Ryan is.

Bruno Mars’ writing skills are superb and I love that he’s bringing back that feel-good soulful sound that I grew up on back into mainstream pop. He is also a stellar performer. so. much. soul.

Taylor Swift’s honesty in her music and her creativity & class in her visuals continue to inspire me in everything I do. I love that her music tells a very lucid story and that her visuals are like movies. I can’t wait to have a massive budget for it! (Laughter) I’m most definitely going to do the same.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? What do you hope is the message of your songs? 

I write the songs I write based on experiences I’ve personally had or that someone close to me has in order to help people get through their own struggles. What’s so beautiful about being an artist is that you don’t know who you’re going to reach. You get to bare your soul and heal yourself while simultaneously getting to heal someone else. The one thing I try to do is have at least one positive message in my music. Positivity can come from even the most negative experiences.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself and your music?

I just can’t wait for y’all to hear the new project. It’s a genuine privilege to get to do what I love, and the best way you’ll get to know me is through my music.

Thanks!