Check our interview with upcoming independent artist Chelsea Shag. The Canadian soulful and vibrant Chelsea recently released her latest album “Colours,” (available in iTunes and Spotify) solidifying her as an artist on the rise this year. Chelsea is already making waves in the music industry, pairing her insane talents on her Fender Stratocaster with smooth, jazz inspired vocals. Canadian born and Atlanta based, Chelsea’s invigorating and refreshing sound has been captivating an audience of all ages.
Hi Chelsea please tell us a little about you?
Hello! My name is Chelsea Szegidewicz and I was born in Nova Scotia on April 30th, which would make me Canadian and a Taurus. I’m a bull that’s for sure – driven and stubborn. Atlanta is my home. Music is my everything.
How did you get started in the business?
Well, I started playing music at a very young age and started performing out when I was 18 at restaurants and bars to pay my bills. I started recording my first record in 2013. It’s been quite the journey so far.
Did you go to music school?
I did! I decided at age 12 I was going to go to the Atlanta Institute of Music and so after high school that’s where I went to study guitar.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Funky Soul Power
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My love for pop music is fierce. Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson are just a few Influences… I love jazz and blues as well. I feel like music chose to make me. It was a lonely time for me as a teenager, so I would be with my guitar for hours on end plucking away. It was my getaway in a sense.
Do you ever get nervous?
I really only get nervous if something is dangerous or threatening to my well being or with people around me.
What is your next goal as a musician?
Just to be a better musician really – to hone my craft and speak the language as fluently as I can. I want to get out there and be heard by many. I want to make music forever.
Do you have a Tour coming up or where we can see you performing?
I’m actually sitting in a van right now with my band mates as I answer these questions. I’m on an 8 day east coast tour. We’re on day 3 now. We just played in Richmond, VA and we’re currently on our way to Philly, then to NYC, DC, and our last stop is Nashville. I’m stoked.
Now tell us about your latest album “Colours”?
It’s my first album, and it’s my relief – to finally have legitimate recordings that I feel are me feels amazing. It was made just outside of Atlanta at Madison Records with Tanner Hendon and Wyatt Oates of Madrex Productions. It’s got a lot of my soul in it. It’s a very diverse album, go take a listen!
And now about single “New Perfume”?
I would say New Perfume is the love child of Lana Del Rey and The Bee Gees – I was listening to them a lot during the time that the melody and lyrics popped into my head. I had a new love, so I was feeling very bright and loose and happy. That’s how the song should make you feel.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
Water, food, air, music and my people.
What music we can find in your iPod?
Everything and anything. Except for metal.. Not really into dark sounds like that.
Any loves other then music?
Yes. I love nature, I love hot bikram yoga, I love cooking, I love going to shows and gettin’ down on occasion, I love swimming, I love reading, I love organizing stuff haha I love a good time.
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
Yes! Got some remixes coming out soon and working on my new album that will be out some time next year! Music videos in the making. Great stuff to come.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice given to me was from my mother. When I was 12-years-old, I told her that I can’t sing, I can’t write songs, I can’t play guitar and she said, “Do it anyways.” Do the things you think you can’t do or that you’re afraid to do, because you may surprise yourself. I know I did.
How’s a typical day in your life?
At home, I love to cook. You’ll find me playing music all day, hanging with my bae and my pup Walter, and usually having jam sessions and dinner parties.
Name one your strengths?
My persistence.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Just straight up chillin, playing guitar, a great dinner, good company, yoga.
What are guilty pleasures food wise?
Carbs and cheese, baby… Carbs and cheese. Dark chocolate gelato, too. Lord help me.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Private jets, baby… Private jets. Hahaha just kidding (but for real). I want to be playing in front of huge audiences, touring the world. Basically, what I’m doing now times millions.
Who is your role model?
I have many. Right now, my focus has been on Nai Palm from Hiatus Kaiyote – she’s such a beautiful spirit on this Earth and a wonderful singer/songwriter. Her feminine energy feeds me and the way she talks about nature healing the wounds in her heart is wonderful to me.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Funky fresh, chic, hippy.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a great tool for artists! I just don’t want to spend too much time on it because you can get lost in ego.
Where we can follow you?
Like me on Facebook – Chelsea Shag! I’m on Instagram, Twitter and all that good stuff as @chelseashag
Quote: “We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
Song: Baby Be Mine by Michael Jackson
Movie: Moonrise Kingdom
Travel Destination: I love my homeland, Canada…. But one of my favorite places is Yellowstone National Park.
Food: Caesar salad!!!!!! (I make the best)
Sports Team: I only watch the Super Bowl for the half time show. I enjoy the sports themselves but I dislike the politics behind professional sports.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chelsea Shag
