Interview: CHEZ Chats About New Single, ‘so good’

Boorloo/Perth-based pop artist CHEZ has returned with her radiant single ‘so good’ – produced by the artist herself, Caleb Lenzo and Reece Lenzo (We The Kings, 44phantom, SK8). We caught up with CHEZ to chat about the new single, touring, inspirations and more!

Congratulations on your latest single, ‘so good’! Can you tell us a bit about the story behind the song?

Thanks so much!! This song hits a guilty and honest spot with me. In my previous relationships, I Iived in a state of denial. After committing so much time to someone and watching our relationship slowly dwindle into existing together as strangers, there was an internal shame I felt and I didn’t want anyone to know how unsuccessful our relationship was as a fear of being seen as a failure or a problem.

It’s something I know a lot of people feel and experience and I think it was an important message to share. And the best part is it’s such a serious subject, but the track makes you want to dance it out, and I love the juxtaposition.

You’ve had the chance to support some amazing artists like Against The Current, PVRIS, Magnolia Park, and Taylor Acorn on their Australian tours. How has touring with these bands influenced your music and performance style?

Two things that have stood out to me after touring with these insane artists are 1) the professionalism of their live set-up, live sound and performance and 2) the way they connect and adore their fans. 

Seeing the effort and expertise that goes into making their live sound so massive it explodes through your body has really shaped the shows we have been doing going forward. Also, watching the stage presence of these bands is unreal. The one thing it has taught us is to get up there and be us, leave it all on the stage and just have real good time.

Another thing that has shaped me would be watching the experience they provide their fans and the way they connect with them. I can’t wait to watch the CHEZ community grow. Fans are the core, they make you who you are and allow you to do what you love, I just think that’s so special and they deserve an incredible experience when they come to watch you perform.

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Your debut headline show in Perth sold out three and a half weeks in advance. How does it feel to have such a strong hometown support, and can we expect any more shows soon?

It still hasn’t sunk in just yet. When I started the project in 2022, the thought of doing a headline show felt so out of reach. I had a crippling sense of self date over the last 2 years and it was daunting to even talk about the idea cause I didn’t think anyone would want to see this project headline a stage!! Fast forward, I finally built up the courage to give it ago and here we are. I sobbed for hours. Receiving this amount of hometown support stuns me! I can’t thank them enough for showing us so much love.

You mentioned that you grew up listening to late 90s/early 00s R&B and that it significantly shaped your writing style. Can you elaborate on how these early influences are reflected in your current music?

My co-writer Reece always says to me when I’m working on a melody that he can never get over how I come up with it. That’s all the R&B influences from when I was a youngen. Some writers write melodies methodically or mathematically to get it as catchy and sing along as possible. The one thing I love about R&B is it’s all based on feel and creating fun bursts of intricate rhythms that can’t be mathematically created. I take this approach into all my sessions and going forward, you will find touches of it throughout many of my songs. 

You’ve participated in events like the Push Up Challenge and Walk For Me. How has your involvement in these initiatives impacted your music and your connection with your audience?

Mental health has played a huge part. I have friends and family who struggle with mental health daily. Growing up there was such a stigma about anxiety and depression being seen as ‘lazy’ or something outrageous like that. I love that it finally becomes natural and normal to discuss mental health openly and honestly. Participating in these events has educated me on so much and have encouraged me to be more open about my own mental health in my music.