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From Salt Lake City to Atlanta: Singer Chrystel Is Ready For 2021

With over 230,000 streams on Spotify, Chrystel is ready for a big year

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Chrystel has known since the age of 9 that music was her calling. Blessed with a soulful and sultry voice, it’s been just a little over a year since the singer and songwriter moved from Salt Lake City to Atlanta in the hopes of taking her music career to the next level. Navigating her new path hasn’t been easy (this time last year she didn’t have any new music out at all), but the young artist is now beginning to see the benefits with over 230,000 streams on Spotify. Looking ahead to 2021, Chrystel spoke with ONE37pm’s Mike Boyd about her plans for the future.

Boyd: I wanted to talk to you about ‘Lookin 4 Luv.’ What’s the story behind the song and the artwork?

Chrystel: So the producer Le Mav was in town from Nigeria, and I know his manager pretty well. He pulled up and that was the first beat he played. That was around September and I had come back from Africa, so I was really in the spirit. It actually wasn’t done until around March, and that’s when I sent it to Andy S. We had been looking for something to collaborate on. She absolutely killed it! It was great to work with somebody who is from where my family’s from, and I speak French as well. So I wanted to do a French bilingual thing because you don’t really hear that in music. The artwork is just a part of my aesthetic.

Boyd: You talked about Africa and your family. I know your first generation, how important is it for you to represent that in your music?

Chrystel: It’s really important! Growing up African music was all I heard in the house. We speak French at home, so I listened to a lot of French music as well. I also grew up around other first generation kids from French speaking African countries so that plays a major role in everything that I do. As an artist if your art isn’t all encompassing—me personally I’m not going to buy it. I give what I would want to get from an artist.

Boyd: What song should someone start with to get a real good introduction to you?

Chrystel: I don’t even really have a project out yet! That was supposed to be something happening this year, but then Covid came. So that definitely played a big part in why the project didn’t come out, but for ‘Lookin 4 Luv’ is a good place to start! Especially because it’s a bilingual track that represents me as an artist. ‘No Fi Waste’ too. I also have ‘Darling’ with DND section. That’s a good one. When I think about this year I’m shocked that I actually released three songs! It wasn’t easy.

Boyd: Outside of music I know you are into fashion. Talk to me about that.

Chrystel: I love making music so I don’t really know what else to talk about sometimes! For me, fashion is like a big part of how I want to represent myself. When I was growing up, one of my favorite coaches told me ‘look good, feel good, run good,’ and it always stuck with me. I apply that to everything. If you look good you’ll feel good doing it. Fashion ties back into my music in a big way. It’s important to me. I also like things that not everybody has. 

Boyd: I know you are into basketball, who’s your favorite team?

Chrystel: The Lakers! I grew up playing basketball, and I was just a huge Kobe fan. Growing up the Kobe and Shaq duo meant everything to me. You know we won this year!

Boyd: I know you are into basketball, who’s your favorite team?

Chrystel: The Lakers! I grew up playing basketball, and I was just a huge Kobe fan. Growing up the Kobe and Shaq duo meant everything to me. You know we won this year!

Boyd: What’s the plan for 2021?

Chrystel: I hope in 2021 the world is a little more under control, and we can move around safely. I hope I can put out more music. I’m putting out my music regardless. This industry is going to be different, so it’s just about rolling with whatever comes at you, and just trying to keep the music coming. I hope to release at least two new projects next year.

Boyd: Final question. What do you need in the studio to get the vibes right?

Chrystel: I’m usually in my own home setup, so I like the studio warm. I have to feel like I’m somewhere tropical! Also just water and tea. I don’t need a lot. I’m not one of those people that need a whole bunch of people with me. I like champagne too—that gets the vibe just right!

With new projects on the way, 2021 is already looking promising for the rising musician. You can keep up with Chrystel on Instagram.

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