Now, Ches is back with ‘Parisian Chic’
The song, that was written and produced by Ches herself, mixed by Brian Scheuble; (Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann) and mastered by Chris Gehringer (Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga) encapsulates the energy of one of Ches’ favourite photographs of all time, ‘Le Smoking’ by Helmut Newton. ‘Parisian Chic’ tells the story of a female powerhouse; unafraid and passionate but who retreats behind a red lip and her Chanel armour when the going gets tough.
Here’s what she had to say about all of the above and more:
What’s the story behind this single?
With my background in Fashion; editorial and being fortunate enough to have curated some of the most beautiful fashion houses in the world; the story behind ‘Parisian Chic’ is emulative of some of my favourite fashion photographs. ‘Le Smoking’ by Helmut Newton comes to mind. I sat at my piano having that rhythm in mind; that kind of swing and the lyrics ensued.
What’s Parisian Chic to you?
Fashion armour; the ideal mask for any form of vulnerability. The instantaneous ease brought by a pair of dark glasses and a red lip. A perfectly put together outfit and an inquisitive mind for art.
What are the dark currents that flow behind the Parisian Chic?
I think it may be the other way around. The darkness to Parisian Chic is that ‘she’ looks and behaves so outwardly divine that most who perceive her couldn’t believe in any hardship or vulnerability. Simultaneously, the fire she’s adored for must come from somewhere. It would all be very boring otherwise and this song is emulative the antithesis of boring. Those are the currents; that’s what makes her.
Why did you choose this title? Any events or life experiences inspired it?
I find Paris wholly effortless and easeful as a city to navigate. Fashion week there is real; the designers that show amongst those I love most. There’s still a propriety towards and respect for art and fashion in Paris unlike anywhere else. That encapsulation of ‘chic’ for me; both proper and charismatic. The two must both be true. Whether it’s what you wear or how you speak; what you read; who you love. Fearlessness and poise. No where else really vibes in the same way; and I kept seeing that aforementioned photograph in my head which of course was shot there for Yves Saint Laurent.
Who or what inspires your storytelling and lyrics?
No one thing but I think thematically I’m often drawn to the dichotomy between perfection and the shattering of it; what lies beneath. I think for something to be extraordinarily beautiful and magnificent, both joy and hardship must exist. My lyrics could be provoked by an actual experience or a wish for an experience. Storytelling for me is often times a way to feel more like the characters I write about. It was the same of the editorial shoots; and the characters I depicted. How magnificent of a tapestry their lives; if we feel one way, wouldn’t it be awesome to respond like ‘this’. And in a way, I think that’s what music does: makes us feel the way we’re looking to feel in that moment.
How do you balance being an entrepreneur and fashionista with being a musician?
Badly. Time (the lack thereof) is always of the essence. I wish I’d started music sooner; believed in myself, my songs, my voice just a little more. But I also can’t possibly regret the level of time I got to spend on set creating the most incredible fashion editorial and working with the best creative teams and designers. I’ve loved building businesses too. I’m learning to balance it all out – this is now my 3rd release and hopefully that balance will get easier. Music became my non-negotiable because it really is who I am. Certainly, my work for CHES Editions, my shoots and music have luckily now all become inextricably linked (the last single was used in the TV commercial for my brand).
Who is your favorite rockstar of all time?
Oh wow – that’s an impossible question. I’ll say Courtney Love because her songs got me through high school, university and beyond. Alanis Morissette too is a fearless lyricist.
As a female powerhouse, what’s the hardest lesson you had to learn in your career so far?
Sometimes the better you are, the harder it is.
What was the best piece of advice you ever got?
Trust yourself.
What can we expect from you after this track?
The next single is hot off the tail of this one and I’m really excited about it musically and the video. I’m also launching a new product for CHES Editions early next year which I really wish I could talk about but I can’t right now! It’s amazing though! And very ‘Parisian Chic’.
