Get To Know... Chloe Qisha • Neu • DIY Magazine

Hello and welcome back to DIY’s introducing feature, Get To Know… which aims to get you a little bit closer to the buzziest acts that have been catching our eye as of late, and working out what makes them tick.

This week, we meet Chloe Qisha - the Malaysian-born, UK-based rapidly rising star who’s caught the attention of thousands, despite only having three singles out in the world. Her latest offering, ‘Sexy Goodbye’, is an addictive slice of pulsing synth-pop that showcases her talent for earworm melodies and crystalline vocals, and acts as a tantalising taste of her imminent debut EP.

What’s more, Chloe’s also set to play at East London’s The Victoria next week, gracing DIY’s very own stage as part of The Great Escape’s annual series of First Fifty shows. Ahead of her performance, we get a little better acquainted with the pop icon-in-waiting…

What’s your earliest musical memory?
I only vaguely remember this, but my mum always tells this story of me being obsessed with the song ‘I’m Like A Bird’ by Nelly Furtado when I was about two years old. Apparently I couldn’t stop singing it, and I would run around in circles chanting it in bookstores and shopping malls.

What was the first gig you ever went to? Where was it, and who did you go with? Set the scene.
I think my first gig was Blue, the ’00s boy band. They came to Malaysia and I remember going with my mum, my aunt and my cousins (it was a girls night). I don’t remember much, but ‘You Make Me Wanna’ is a bop and will forever be a go-to for me.

Who were some artists that inspired you when you were just starting out (and why)?
This one has stood the test of time – Troye Sivan was a huge influence for me when I started writing and is very much still a core reference of mine. I used to follow him on YouTube (back in his YouTuber days), and I guess I’ve just been an OG fan of his music from the day he started releasing. And sonically, his music has aged with me, so every iteration of his catalogue is tied closely to a chapter of my life. I still love it and I’m here for it, and if anything ‘Something To Give Each Other’ has been my soundtrack of this past year.

How did you find yourself first making music?
I did a lot of jamming with friends in sixth form, but I’d say I didn’t start properly ‘writing’ and making music until I started doing sessions in my early twenties. I sort of fell into it, and just got referred to songwriters/producers through meetings after posting covers onYouTube. It’s a rather uninspired way of getting into the craft; but I’m grateful for it and I think even though I got into writing later in the game, learning to write pop songs within the context of collaboration offered a great foundation.

“I’m super proud of this EP; we’re here and we’re only just getting started.”

You’ve just released your newest single ‘Sexy Goodbye’ which is another banger! Can you tell us about how it came to life and what inspired you to make the track?
Thank you! I think it started like any other day in the studio - Rob and I were sort of jamming out and he landed on this super fun ‘80s intro that was super sassy, and I think someone or other started singing “Waste a little time just me and the cats…” and the story sort of built from there. It took two days to finish; we finished a lot of the writing on a train home from Leeds (a trip we took to finish mixing ‘I Lied, I’m Sorry’), and we had a lot of fun naming Stacy, Charlotte, Chelsea, and Isabelle!

Your self-titled debut EP is also set to be released next week; how did it come together, and what do you hope the EP says about you as an artist?
Writing for the EP was just a natural thing that ended up happening through sessions over a year. Rob and I were just having fun creating great songs (going in with no expectations and writing what we felt inspired by that day), and I guess at some point you look up and realise you have a bunch of songs that you love and sound like they’re a part of the same world. I’m super proud of this EP; I feel like there’s no filler songs, I think it packs a mean punch as far as debut EPs go, and I hope people get excited by it. We’re here and we’re only just getting started.

If you could only take one album, one book, and one film/tv series to a desert island, what would you choose (and why)?
Album: Girl, I’m going to say mine! Sorry not sorry! (but if not, ‘Malibu’ by Anderson Paak to try and calm me down).
Book: Jane Eyre (I don’t read much, but it’s one I’ve read multiple times).
Film/TV Series: Modern Family.

You recently played your debut live show; how were you feeling in the run up to it, and what was it like stepping out on stage that night?
It was so much fun! I was a little nervous in the weeks leading up to it, but honestly as soon as we started rehearsals with the band, I was immediately at ease. I hadn’t done any live performances before that (apart from maybe one open mic in uni!) so I think it was just the unknown that scared me. But my bandmates are absolute vets and they’re just the loveliest people – so who wouldn’t feel confident with them supporting you? When the day came, I was surprisingly calm – I think I even freaked my team out at how calm I was. But I honestly felt fine, and when I walked onto stage it was the best feeling ever. The songs felt incredible, and I can’t wait to do more shows now!

Next, you’re playing at The Great Escape’s First Fifty – how are you looking forward to it?
I’m really looking forward to it! I hope people walk away excited and itching to hear more!

Chloe Qisha plays the DIY stage at The Victoria for The Great Escape’s Fifty First showcase on 13th November, alongside Ray Bull and Disgusting Sisters. Her self-titled EP is out on 15th November.

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