Once described as an emerging artist, Chelle has now well and truly emerged and is officially the one to watch. Hailing from the vibrant creative pulse of Dublin, Ireland, she has become a force in the global landscape by prioritizing raw authenticity over studio polish. Her sound—a sophisticated blend of Modern Soul and Alt-Pop—pairs the timeless influence of Motown with a sleek, gritty edge.

Following the international momentum of her debut, “Kiss Me Again” —and its electrifying global remix by the famous Turkish DJ Umut Baycu —Chelle continues her ascent with “Ain’t Lovin’ You.” This anthem of independence has earned massive support from the UK music press and premier tastemakers, cementing her status as a defiant, uncompromising songwriter with a global vision.

With “Ain’t Lovin’ You” out now, we took some time to hear from Chelle. Read below to learn more about Chelle, the story behind “Ain’t Lovin’ You,” and what’s to come.

Hi Chelle! Let’s start with: how did you get your artist name?

It’s a natural evolution of my own name. I wanted something that felt personal and intimate, but with enough punch to match the energy of the music I’m writing. It’s about being the most authentic version of myself.

What city are you from, and where are you based now?

I’m a Dublin girl through and through. I’m still based here; there’s an honesty and a specific creative pulse in this city that keeps my writing grounded.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

Music was always the plan. I come from a very musical family, and I have been immersed in various musical styles all my life. I love singing and have been in many bands over the years and sang in Ireland and all over Europe in the most amazing venues. However, writing and singing my own songs is really what I want to be doing. This started by blending the Motown records I loved with a modern edge. Things really hit a turning point when my debut, “Kiss Me Again,” gained international momentum – that’s when I knew my songs were resonating far beyond the Irish coast. 

How has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound?

Coming from Ireland gives you a certain grit. My writing is a mix of soul and a drive to be uncompromising. I don’t want to just make “nice” songs; I want to make songs that feel real, lived-in, and a bit raw.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

It’s a blend. It’s Modern Soul-Pop, but with a laid-back, authentic vibe. I’m not looking for “too polished.” I want the listener to hear the raw emotion and the grit. It’s high-octane energy but with a very organic heart.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

Songwriting is the lifestyle. I’m constantly working on the craft – observing people, travelling, catching melodies, and refining lyrics. I find inspiration in the contrast between the city pulse and the quiet of the coast.

What is your favorite part of the songwriting process?

For me, it’s that specific moment when the vocal is sitting in the pocket. This is a very intention musical style for me. I think there is a certain magic in singing slightly behind the beat – it lets the song breathe and gives it that laid-back, soulful grit I’m always looking for. I feel this creates a relaxed, soulful, and effortless vibe.

It allows the “grit” of your voice to be the focus because the timing feels organic and human, not over-polished. For me the “vibe” is more important than being “mathematically correct.”

There’s no better feeling than writing and recording a track like “Ain’t Lovin’ You” or my new one, “Trouble,” and knowing you’ve captured a raw, “sexy noir” mood without losing that authentic edge. When the hook lands and the vibe just clicks – that’s the spark I live for.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

The legends of Motown are my foundation for soul, but I love pulling that into the present with sleek, modern production. I admire any songwriter who prioritizes authenticity over trends.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

Seeing “Ain’t Lovin’ You” get such incredible support from the UK music press and outlets like EARMILK, CLOUT, and LITM was huge. Also, collaborating with Turkish DJ Umut Baycu for a remix was a highlight – seeing my song reach international audiences was amazing.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

To be uncompromising, if it doesn’t feel like a “manifesto of self-worth,” it’s not for me. Authenticity is everything.

Now onto your release, “Ain’t Lovin’ You.” What inspired this song? What is “Ain’t Lovin’ You” about?

Independence. It’s a “sun-drenched” track about choosing yourself. I wanted to move away from the typical sappy ballad and create something that radiates self-assurance instead.

What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Ain’t Lovin’ You?”

I wanted it to feel as warm and bold as the song. The red outfit and the Mediterranean-style background symbolize that heat and confidence you feel when you finally walk away from something that isn’t for you.

What was the creative process like when making “Ain’t Lovin’ You?”

It was all about the groove. I took my time to make sure the hooks were sharp, but I purposely kept it from being “too shiny.” I wanted the songwriting to stand on its own without needing a million layers of production to hide behind. I like some grit and sandpaper in the vocals.

How long did it take to complete “Ain’t Lovin’ You?”

To write the song took a few months because I was constantly changing it, for me it was all about the groove. I really took my time to make sure the hooks were sharp, but in the same breath I purposely kept it from being “too shiny.” I wanted the songwriting to stand on its own without needing a million layers of production to hide behind. I like some grit and sandpaper in the vocals. Once the song was written production was relatively quick. Declan Lonergan in Bluebird studios is incredible to work with and really understands how to capture that raw, authentic sound I’m after.

What is your favorite lyric in “Ain’t Lovin’ You” and why?

The core hook: “I ain’t lovin’ you.” It’s simple, direct, and defiant.

What do you hope fans take away from “Ain’t Lovin’ You” and your music in general?

A sense of empowerment. I want them to hear the self-assurance and feel inspired to be uncompromising in their own lives.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

I’ve just finished writing a new track called “Trouble.” It’s a shift into a “sexy noir” vibe – much more atmospheric and cinematic. I haven’t recorded the final vocals yet because I want to capture that raw, first-take energy that matches the mood of the song.

Where can we follow you on social media?

You can follow my journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chellekersh

Catch updates on “Trouble,” and hear my new song on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0EWW8LURV9NnWOREgY4NWH

Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!