Queer Australian Pop Star Chela is a Gem in the Music Industry

Trailblazing Australian artist Chela is adding some flair to our summer playlists with her infectious new single, “Hard 4 You.”

Fully displaying the multi-hyphenate’s forward thinking and pop sensibility, the track features an undeniably catchy hook layered over nostalgic guitar riffs and shimmering synths. Chela also released an accompanying visual, where she incorporates queer romance into a video for the first time, enlisting the help of fellow Eora/Sydney-based creative Lydia Kivela as her on-screen love interest.

“Hard 4 You” follow Chela’s queer anthem “Cool 2B Queer,” which released last October and received huge acclaim from fans and media alike, and the music video was filmed across Sydney, featuring locations such as Pleasure’s Playhouse in Chinatown, a gay-run venue Chela art-directed, and the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills, where Chela runs a weekly queer night.

Originally hailing from Fremantle, Chela is best known as one of Australia’s most adventurous musicians and has garnered much international success. She took some time to talk more about her latest single and music journey with OFM.

Let me begin by asking, how did your journey with music begin, and has this always been your passion?

I entered music by way of my older sister, Nicole, who is also a singer. Growing up, the emphasis was on her becoming an artist, and I was very much in the background, learning how to be a producer and writing rap breakdowns to her songs. Then, my parents unexpectedly divorced when I was 15. I was angry at the world, discovering a love for punk music and its medicinal qualities.

Within six months of starting my first band, we got signed. It was an incredible experience playing music with my closest friends, but the industry side of the experience turned me off music for years, So, I decided to work in film instead. There’s no catharsis quite like expressing oneself through music though, and I know I’ll never stop writing, but the industry must improve.

What do you always hope audiences take away from your music?

I hope it brings them joy and nourishment. Pop music is often a celebration of life, and that’s what I love about it. My recent single, “Hard 4 You,” has an intention to bring about light and positivity through pop, whereas other projects I’ve done allowed me to channel something darker. I appreciate having multiple outlets to balance multiple moods.

Being a filmmaker and producer, you have created many of your own videos, as well as visuals for other artists. Is it difficult for you to juggle so many projects at once?

It is, but as someone said to me recently, I apparently have a “hot engine,” and I think that’s true! I have great motivation to create what I want to see and hear in the world. That energy allows me to work harder, and my extra skills in film and styling help me greatly in achieving my vision. I’m a fussy bitch, so I rarely trust others to make content for me (laughs).

For those who have never heard of you before, how would you describe your musical style and aesthetic?

I’ve been called the punk of pop, and I think that rings quite true. I come from both backgrounds. I was raised on Janet Jackson and The Hives, so I’d like to think I’m a nice amalgamation of these worlds.

How would you say you are constantly evolving as an artist?

I think I’ve always had a strong sense of self. However, I’m feeling more and more comfortable within myself with every year that passes. I think that happens with age, whether or not you’re an artist. Growing older rules! There’s so much liberation in caring less about what people think of you, and I think my art benefits from that.

Is it true that fashion has always been a signature part of your art?

Yes! I’ve always said that I’m married to the material world against my will! Expression through fashion is so important to me, and one of the greatest art forms in my eyes. It says so much about someone in one glance. I’d like to think I have a more soulful approach. Most of my clothing is second-hand, but I do collect designer pieces and am constantly looking at what’s new in fashion, for inspiration.

Let’s circle back to your recent single, “Hard 4 You,” which we are absolutely loving! It has been placed on several Pride and summer playlists. Can you tell us more about the concept and inspiration behind the track?

Thank you! I wrote this song at the beginning of the pandemic when I was falling in love with my next-door neighbor. I am a hopeless romantic, and when I fall in love with someone, I go all in. So, I think this song encompassed that feeling, and the deep sense of amorousness we were in together.

With the visual, was this the first time you incorporated queer romances into a video?

Yes, I’ve been meaning to have a love interest in a music video for quite some time, but honestly, I think I just didn’t feel safe to do so because I wasn’t out to my mom yet. I’ve sung many songs about women, but I’ve also enjoyed being vague about my subjects because I love giving an audience a chance to interpret things for themselves and perhaps apply it to their own lives.

How has it been received?

Pretty well so far! You can’t tell what the trajectory of a song is going to be like immediately these days, but if it keeps going like this—Maybe I’ll make $20 from Spotify streams!

You released another queer anthem last October, “Cool 2B Queer.” Why are songs like these so important?

I live in a tiny progressive bubble in the InnerWest of Sydney, but I’m well aware that discrimination is still rife, and that we still have much work to do in normalizing ourselves and our ways of life. The more queer content, the better. I never saw much growing up, and hell, it would have helped my sister and I to make sense of ourselves a lot earlier had we been surrounded by queer art.

Although you have been in the music scene for several years, you have mostly released only singles. Think we can expect an EP or full album soon?

I independently released an EP called Delivery in 2019, and sadly, the landscape has been more friendly to singles since I started this project. But if I can find the funding, an LP would be easy for me to deliver. Hopefully next year!

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career?

I’d definitely like to release an LP. It’s one thing I haven’t done yet, and I’d like to make a visual album too.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?

Make sure to follow me on social media and buy my merch!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Chela by following her on Instagram @chelaetc or visit chelaetc.com. “Hard 4 You” is available on all music streaming platforms.

Photos courtesy of Chela and Genevieve Gorman Deane