Interviews
Lorine Chia – Needed
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I would describe it as basically all of the genres I listen to. Soul mixed with alternative, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, trap, bluegrass, rock, almost like the perfect blend. [laughs]
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) I started music listening to Coldplay, NERD, Kanye, Santigold, M.I.A., Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend, Death Cab For Cutie and Band Of Horses, which all (in a way) crafted how I write songs and the melodies I come up with are inspired by them.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Needed.”
A) I fell in love with myself at the age of twenty-three. The feeling was magical. I had a whole epiphany of who I am as a person and I was just like, “She is super dope and amazing and beautiful. I’m glad I’m this lady!” I’ve been through A LOT on this journey called life and I’ve always been the one to catch myself when I would fall. I realized I was all I ever needed and I am enough. When I heard the beat I was like, “Ooooooo! This is the one to write about me,” because when you listen to it you feel good and it makes you wanna dance kinda like how I feel when I wake up as myself. [laughs]
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) The whole groove of it and it’s about self-appreciation. I think people want to pat themselves on the back and enjoy who they are but society is always trying to gear us to change. I think people are relieved to hear something self-empowering. Something sweet.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) The video displays me having a moment to myself just kicking back drinking my Stella Rosa, dancing around the house looking beautiful in my cute dress and just embracing myself which is the whole message of the song.
Q) You’ve worked with Machine Gun Kelly, Janelle Monae, Wiz Khalifa, etc. What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I can write with or without music, but I’d prefer a sound there. Either I’ll start humming something or pick my guitar, bass or keys and just play something. The sound itself starts to speak to me (I don’t know if that’s like weird), but it totally sparks a conversation in my mind telling me a story and that’s when I start finding words to interpret to the listener. If I’m not feeling the sound I won’t write much.
Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I pick out all the production I use for my songs and produce some of the records as well. I have a huge hand in crafting the sound whether it’s playing an instrument, producing or selecting I pretty much do it all.
Q) Pusha T considered you for the Adidas Sound Lab Grant. What did that accomplishment mean to you?
A) Well, he didn’t give it to me. He just chose me for the final round. Adidas picked a winner but it wasn’t me, unfortunately. Honestly, it was just reassurance to push harder and get this album done w/ or without anyone’s help.
Q) What can fans expect from a live Lorine Chia performance?
A) I love crowd participation! We will dance, we will sing along, we will clap, we will listen to sweet noise. It’s always a good time. People are always shocked that I sound the way I sound live.
Q) Your song “Life without a Dream” was featured on the series “Queen Sugar.” How did that make you feel?
A) The producer Rami Beats actually did. He called me one day and told me it got placed. I was super excited and hopefully Oprah has it on her personal playlist lol.
Q) Will a full EP or album be coming in the near future?
A) Yes, my first Independent album is due Sept 23rd. It’s actually my third album, but this one is special. I got to do this without any bullshit politics involved and it feels so much more rewarding knowing that I put all of my blood, sweat and tears into this.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Coldplay. Man, if I could do a song with them, I’m set for life. Kendrick Lamar and Tierra Whack.
Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Right now, I can’t even get into one person because I’m in album mode so my playlist says on shuffle.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) It’s pretty much the easiest way to connect with my fans. I’m not a big fan of social media though. I really can’t wait for the day I won’t have to use it. Then, I can find more creative and sentimental ways to keep up with my fans making the connection more genuine.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) THANK YOU!!!!!! Thank you for simply giving me a chance. It means the whole wide world to me. I promise I won’t let y’all down.
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