An Interview With Singer-Songwriter LORINE CHIA All About Her New Album ‘Sweet Noise’ and More!

Lorine Chia comes into herself and explores the journey of her last five years on her unforgettable new album, “Sweet Noise” which was released on September 23rd. This collection has the singer exploring themes of self-love, immigration, and Hollywood monsters.

Like many immigrants that come to the states, Chia was chasing a dream she’d had since childhood. Unlike most, the Cameroonian-native took the trials and tribulations of settling into Los Angeles and her new country and turned it into an introspective collection of songs. As it is the first official album she’s produced on her own, “Sweet Noise” also happens to be a moment of independence and inner strength. Her talent has not gone unnoticed. She’s racked up over 10k streams as part of the “SoundCloud First” campaign, had tracks featured on Oprah’s “Queen Sugar,” and was selected by Pusha T as a featured artist for the Adidas Sound Lab Grant. Her work has been featured in publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard, where her style is praised for its authentic, soulful urban sound. 

With “Sweet Noise,” Lorine Chia lets her inner-poetry unfold into a coming of age story that highlights her steadfast determination.

Learn more about Lorine Chia in the following All Access interview:

What does a typical day look like for you? What do you have scheduled the rest of today and this week?

A typical day for me is spent working. I braid hair so I usually see a couple of clients a day which pretty much takes up my whole day. I’ll work out either before or after my clients. Then spend the evening relaxing having a glass of Stella Rosa. 

Now that we are in the latter half of the year, how has 2019 treated you? What are some goals that you have had for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them or did you already? What are you already excited about for 2020?

2019 has been nuts! I got into a car accident, I let go of a lot of relationships that were toxic, I worked on my album, I went sky diving, it’s been really interesting. My main goal this year was to release my album. That will be accomplished next week so now I’m ready to relax and just vacation for the rest of the year. Not really excited for anything just want to see where it goes. 

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be in this industry? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

Music is everything to me. My freest form of expression. I was 19 when I decided I’d be in the industry. It was very hard. People started treating me different, I lost a lot of friends, and realized how shady the industry is. 

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

I actually do something else. We only have one life so why not try multiple things. If I weren’t a musician I’d be a full time salon owner. 

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? What has been the best part about it all?

The biggest surprise was finding out the only way I’d be able to profit the way id like to off my music is being independent. It’s very challenging doing it all yourself and being an artist at the same time. But I took it on and it looks like I’m really good at it. The best part is no one can tell me what to do.

How excited are you to be releasing your album, “Sweet Noise” in a couple weeks? How will you celebrate the release?

BEYOND!!!!  I will celebrate by going to see my family. I haven’t seen them in a year and it’s been tough. Watching my vision come to life has been surreal. I’m so proud of myself.

Can you talk about what was it was like making this new collection? Were there any unexpected challenges?

These are songs I’ve made over the course of 3 years. The hardest part was the song selection process. I’ve made soooooo many songs I didn’t know how to organize everything at first but I figured it out with the help of my engineers and friends. Unexpected challenges were when producers wouldn’t get back to me about releasing songs or people I wanted to feature on the album not reaching back but I made it work. No features lol. 

Where did the inspiration for your already released single, “$ and Peace” come from? How does it compare to anything else you that have you previously released? How does it prepare listeners for the rest of your upcoming album?

The inspiration came from me just knowing what I want in life. Money to facilitate my dreams and peace to just be a human being. It does prepare listeners for the rest of the album.

Where can people see you perform next? Do you have any fall tour dates scheduled yet? 

I don’t. I’m taking a break. This has been a really tough journey for me and without management or a booking agent or anything for that matter I’m exhausted. We’ll see what comes about for shows. Right now I’m just looking forward to this vacation. 

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music? 

Man I’ve grown in every aspect. My vocals, knowing how to record myself, learning how to produce my own records, and just learning how to handle the business side of things.

How do you feel about social media? What has social media done for your career so far?

I hate it. I can’t wait to stop using it. It’s evil af. But yet at the same time it’s exposed my art to people all over the world. That’s the only good part. The marketing and exposure. 

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

Coldplay, Santigold, MIA, Death Cab For Cutie, NERD, Amy Winehouse and many more. Would love to work with Coldplay and Tierra Whack

Where would you love to hear a song of yours played? 

On the trailer of a big movie. Now that would be dope!!!

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music? 

I hope people take away the fact that they are free to be who they are and to put love and not hate into the rest of the world.