Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea West.
Chelsea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started singing with my Mom, who directed the choir of her father’s church. My mom also happened to be a recording artist, so music was our lives. She taught us the foundational principals of singing rather early on. Teaching us how to find our parts and harmonize with each other and how to be able to sing any vocal part and hold your note. Lol! I’m very grateful for her teaching. My first studio recording was for my moms first gospel album when I was only five years old. Growing up, my family had a relationship with another family by the name of The Searight’s. Who happened to live two doors down from my grandparents, which was awesome because we were close to their kids, Sput, Robin, and Rachella. The mother, Linda Searight was a music teacher, and eventually formed the multi-platinum group, Gods Property. Which my sister Candy and I were blessed to be a part of. In the choir, we began to work closely and forge lifelong relationships with Kirk Franklin, and a fellow group member Myron Butler. These relationships trained me and opened doors that have enabled me to be a working BGV for the last 20+ years. Working with artists such as: Kirk Franklin, Myron Butler and Levi, Tamela Man, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Snarky Puppy (Thank you Sput), Tyrese, Jennifer Hudson, Brandy, Nicki Minaj, K Michelle, Chrisette Michelle, Tori Kelly, Chaka Khan, 2 Chainz, Snoop Dogg, and many others.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has definitely had its share of ups and downs. Being a full-time musician, in any capacity is hard. There are high highs and extreme lows. You experience seasons of overflow and seasons of lack. I’ve battled with self-esteem issues and feelings of doubt. And when you’re in a low season, it’s easy to second guess everything you believe in and has worked for. So, it’s an internal fight to stay in the game regardless of how it changes. To stay in the game when you don’t feel qualified to play. Stay in the game when you feel like your teammates aren’t on your team. It’s a fight to stay encouraged and motivated. But I’m a firm believer that if I can do it, anyone can.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a background vocalist. Most known for my work on gospel records. My partners in music and I have created a distinct sound that causes artists to hire us for their projects. I believe what personally sets me apart as a bgv, is my ability to cross genres effortlessly. Being professional, prepared, and an extremely fast learner.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The quality I feel is most important to my success is the ability to support. As a bgv, my job is to support. Not compete with the artist, but to hold down my part, and support the artist however they prefer. To aid in their comfort in knowing that I have their back at all times.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @imjustpeaches
Image Credit:
@joemoore724, @_dommm @mykesoulo
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