Saturday Spotlight: Meet the Amazing Musician Chantilly

Today I am so excited to introduce you to one of the loveliest singer/songwriters that I am lucky enough to know-and hey!  She's a blogger too, which is how I met her, and she's just one of the most wonderful bloggy friends you could make in this big wide bloggosphere.  Without further ado, let me introduce you to Chantilly.

Have you always wanted to be a musician?
I've loved to sing since I was about three years old! I remember doing vibrato in the back of the car in a church parking lot. It came very naturally to me. Learning guitar was much harder, but worth it to be able to write my own songs :)

What inspired you to go into music?
One night, I piled into my car some friends. We headed to an open mic at this little coffee shop in Providence, just to observe and be in the scene. The atmosphere was small and cozy, and everyone seemed to know each other And I was floored... people were getting up and singing their own songs like it was the most casual thing in the world. But for me, at that point, just getting up and performing at an open mic was everything I'd ever wanted to do. My biggest dream. These people were my idols, and I didn't even know who they were.

How did you get started recording and selling your music?
I started out recording a demo cd on my computer, but I didn't know what I was doing. Making audio sound good is a talent and skill, just like anything else, and engineers and producers are often a big part of an artist's sound. I knew that's what I needed. I hooked up with an engineering student at my former college to make my first album "Caught light." Since then, I've been working with another college friend who lends a lot in the way of production and arrangement.

And I've actually sold a lot of albums through blogging and being involved in that community!!

What is one of your favorite songs by yourself?
Haha! This feels like such a vain question, but here goes. "What you do to me" is my live performance go-to. It showcases my vocal range, and I love to amp up the stage drama.

My favorite recording is one that hasn't been released yet. It's called "Waiting", It talks about love/ lust as an addiction... which I've written a lot about, but my take on it has mellowed. I used to have all this angst, and it felt like I'd go crazy if I couldn't get it out. With this, there's an air of acceptance. Like, "Yes, you're my drug. Yes, you cause me pain, but I love you. Are we gonna do it again?"

What other singers/songwriters inspire you?
I've always loved Elliott Smith and Thom Yorke.

What is one thing being in the music industry has taught you?
Probably that no matter how many times you are brushed off, it really has no bearing on your level of talent. Most people take that very personally. But music industry professionals are usually just overworked people sitting in offices, just like everyone else. They receive too many emails, need to make good numbers, and usually jump on the latest trend to help them do that.

And well, yes... sometimes you do need to look at your art objectively, and get better. You do need to buckle down and write more songs, or practice more. But also, a lot of it comes down to circumstances, timing, and connections.

If you could give one bit of advice to little boys and girls out there dreaming of being singers, what would it be?
Tying into what I said above... always keep striving to produce the best work you possibly can :)

How did you get started blogging?
I started at the height of the fashion-blogging craze. I would take pictures of my outfits on a digital point-and-shoot, and eventually got my hands on a Canon (via my boyfriend), and learned some better photography techniques. Over time, I learned what makes a good photo, as well as what my audience liked. I also got inspired by a lot of other "lifestyle" blogs, so I started to incorporate things like recipes, DIY's, and photo roundups.

I haven't done a lot of blogging these days (except for on my Tumblr), but I hope to make a triumphant return!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?
I've met a lot of really awesome people through blogging (like you!!)

Also, it's a great motivator. I used to go out and get those style photos every single Sunday. No matter if I felt ugly or fat. In freezing temperatures, rain or shine. I have so many good memories of experiences I've had because of blogging. All the projects created, and little trips taken specifically for style photos. Things I never would've done if I didn't have a blog. :)

Isn't she lovely? Her music is too.

Personally, I own music by Chantilly and it's some of my favorite, so I would recommend you pick some up for yourself.  It's available on iTunes, or you can buy it HERE.  You should also follow Chantilly on Instagram, Tumblr, SoundCloud, & YouTube.