Chelsea King – I’ll Meet You In Dreams

By starrymag | July 29, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is like an antique that’s recently been repainted. It incorporates elements from 80’s and 90’s rock, like synths and heavy guitars and yet the lyrics and vocals lean into a more modern style of writing/singing.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) My Bloody Valentine, Avril Lavigne, Radiohead, Fiona Apple, Deftones

 

Q) Your sophomore album I’ll Meet You in Dreams is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?

 

A) Every song on the album represents a dream of mine in some capacity. Whether I wrote the song in a dream, or I wrote about a dream or I wrote about a dream-like concept. For example, the first song “Daisy Buchanan” pokes fun at the concept of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. A common trope that I hate. And the second track, “Wish” is about a dream I had that came true.

 

Q) The song “Wish” is beautifully directed by Josh Bush and is very 70’s. Where did the concept for the video come from?

 

A) I wanted to film part of the music video in my house because our furniture is very 70’s mid-century modern. I love collecting old furniture and I wanted to showcase it. Josh dreamed of filming a video on Broadway where he could capture the neon lights in a dance scene, and we combined the two ideas! Josh really was the mastermind behind the video. We didn’t have much of a concept to start but he pulled it all together and suggested the idea that the video move in reverse and end with my love interest and I meeting.

 

Q) Your songs that I adore are “Daisy Buchanan” and “It Makes Me Think of You.” Is there a track(s) that holds a special significance for you and what makes it so close to your heart?

 

A) Thank you! That means a lot! I would say “Hiraeth” and “In Dreams” are my two favorite songs on the record. They were the most painful to write and I feel very attached to them. While many people think I wrote “In Dreams” about a past love, I actually wrote it as a letter to my younger self. I love how it can be interpreted in several ways.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) My writing process varies day to day. I write personalized songs for a living, so I am always writing. I think that helps keep my writing brain sharp. Sometimes I pull from poetry I’ve written for lyrics and sometimes I start by creating an instrumental.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I produce and track all of my music in my bedroom. I send it off to get mixed and mastered by Aaron Hellam.

 

Q) With the album out now, which song(s) are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) I’m really looking forward to performing “Digital Dreamscape” live. We’ve got a really cool plan for it, and it will be pretty different from the record.

 

Q) What message or emotion do you hope lingers with audiences that listen to I’ll Meet You in Dreams as a whole?

 

A) I hope listeners can find a song for every mood on that album. A song to cry to, a song to blast in their car, a song to fall in love to, and a song to scream to!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love performing in Brownwood, Texas. Specifically at Pioneer Taphouse. That was where I first began performing my rock music and the people there are always so kind. Micah, who owns Pioneer Taphouse, has really done a lot for me and my band and helped me find confidence in performing.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would die to collaborate with Thom Yorke or Jonny Greenwood. Honestly, just to be in the room with them and watch them work.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Honestly, I’ve been really into Chappell Roan lately and Tom Petty. Weird combination, I know. But they’re both iconic.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I love that I am able to reach so many people and that so many of them connect with my music. I have great conversations with fans and friends every day. But I hate that I am constantly in this perpetual state of feeling like I’m not doing enough every day to push my music. The truth is social media is so oversaturated with wannabe popstars and rockstars that it’s hard to stand out. And it’s hard not to compare myself to other people.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you for listening and thank you for supporting me. I couldn’t do this without you, and I am grateful for you every day.