Chiano Sky burst onto the pop scene with her debut album, Hungry, a few years ago. Now she's released her second album, Inferno, with a rather different approach. She answers a few questions.
Good day, Chiano. How are things?
Ola, things are fabulous.
Congrats on the recent release of your new album, Inferno. The album seems to be getting a lot of attention already, especially through the debut single "Dancing with VAM". What's been the general feedback – from trusted ones and from the general public – on the album so far? How did you and your team approach the album differently from what the case was with your debut album, Hungry? Any winning formulas found, or lessons learned, with the latest effort?
Thanks so much, the general feedback has been good. Releasing an album is always a process of emotions, not only from myself but I think also from the public, as people are so used to the sound that you introduced to them that they often expect the same album to keep coming out. Hungry was a mixture of jazz and pop – a side that will always be within me, but I was only 17 when I was signed by EMI, so there were many discoveries to be made as an artist.
Approaching Inferno, I wanted to show growth as an artist, I was inspired by the "era of love" and the late ‘60s early ‘70s disco funk explosion! I wanted to make music that excited my soul, my own creation, "cosmic pop", that I knew would surprise Africa! Inferno is the diva I am at this moment, and who knows what girl I will be next 😉
Bottom line ... I think it's important as an artist to keep growing from album to album and staying true to yourself through your music! Genuine!
Speaking of Hungry – it was released in 2012 and received a very warm reception from the public, radio stations and the like. The temptation must have been there to ride the wave and get new music out as quickly as possible – yet you took your time with the second album (often thought to be a true test of a musician's merit). Did you have a specific philosophy in place regarding this – in terms of getting the right songs, the right vibe, the right crew, etc for Inferno, or how did the (relatively long) process go for you? What was hard about it, and what did you find to be natural progression as an artist?
One thing I have realised is that the music you put out to the world will be there forever, so I wanted my second album to be right ... Sometimes "life" just happens, which interferes with your creativity. It took a moment also to understand fully where I wanted to go next with my music, and finding the right producer who was excited about my vision and knew how to bring it to life was also a challenge. I was introduced to super-producers VAM, upcoming fresh South African talent, and after our first studio jam together I knew they were the right producers for Inferno! I really feel as if I was in the right space and I had the right "crew", as you say! Inferno came together so naturally and we finished it in a few months. I am happy that I waited until all the stars were aligned to release it!
According to a press release you drew a lot of inspiration from sensuality, sex appeal and a happy-go-lucky attitude prevalent in pop music from the ’60s and early ’70s. How did the love for this approach and style come about? Many artists tend to go into the styles that they grew up with – others fall in love with something they discover and follow it – where did the infatuation come from for you?
I wanted to interpret music from that era in my own way, paying tribute to the songbird divas that I admire, such as Donna Summer, Diana Ross and Teena Marie. Their techniques really inspired me to explore my own vocal limitations and push boundaries as a woman and as an artist.
Considering the “cosmic pop" element you brought out on Inferno, and the above-mentioned influences, did you have to think about how this approach would be best conveyed to South African audiences through the presentation of music, lyrics and videos, or is that question of accessibility a lower priority for you than simply creating music that you want to create? To what extent do you feel you need to keep the audience in mind when writing or creating music, especially considering the success of your first album?
When writing this album I wanted to try to make something that is unique but still relatable. Yes, it is important to keep the audience in mind when writing an album, as they are the consumers, the listeners. I knew releasing an album like this would be, as my dad says, "brave", as I am introducing a new genre to a market that is already so comfortable globally ... I'm excited to present a new perspective to pop music in South Africa.
Sexuality and sensuality in pop music continues to often create a bit of controversy – Madonna as far back as the ’80s, most recently Miley Cyrus and Rihanna have been the targets of people opposed to pushing the boundaries in this regard. In terms of lyrical content, music videos and also the recent album teaser for Inferno, I assume it's safe to say you both enjoy the sexual/sensual element of your personality as an artist and that you're keen on incorporating it into that which you put out. Was it always going to be a part of your persona as Chiano Sky? In other words – to what extent did it just occur naturally to incorporate sexual/sensual elements into your music and performances, or to what extent was it a calculated decision? What are your thoughts on the controversy aspect that an approach like this may bring for artists, both locally and internationally?
Controversy is everywhere ... Is it bad to be comfortable in my own skin? Because these days, if an artist is too "comfortable" and "expressive" through her bodily nature then we often can see an uproar in the horizon. I have always experimented with fashion that fits my body type well; sensuality is embedded in my character.
My mother brought me up in an artistic environment, so pushing boundaries is not something that's forced, it's purely just ideas and inspiration that I am able to execute through the canvas of "me", whether I am doing music, creative projects or performing – it should be up to me how far I want to take it. I want my fans to love the things that I love about myself.
You entered the music scene as a really young artist, as you’ve mentioned – and of course the scene tends to have its big pros and big cons, especially locally. How do you view the state of what is happening, and what has been happening, in the South African music scene? What sucks about it, and what's rare or unique? To what extent are you hoping to get a solid foot in the international door, or what are your thoughts about how to approach the “international breakthrough” aspect for both yourself and other upcoming artists in South Africa?
I think music is suffering on a global scale – people do not buy music any more, because of technology. Why buy the album when there are endless ways to stream the album online, so many ways to download music for free, etc. Artists are suffering as a result of this. But then, at the same time, technology allows our music to be accessible worldwide and there is so much online studio software available, which means almost anyone can be a bedroom producer/musician right from their laptop. It's crazy!
The quality of music in South Africa has progressed so much over the years and I think there is a strong variety of original talent, each with an African influence, which makes us unique. I would just wish for our industry to be a bit more open-minded to all music genres so that they can blossom equally here. A lot of my big goals lie internationally as a musician – I want to explore the world so that I can learn and grow as an artist and a person.
This may only be your second release, but as a young artist you've had a lot of exposure to what happens on the music scene. Any particular highlights that stand out so far? Any behind-the-scenes tales that you won't easily forget, or any happenings, gigs or places that surprised you in a less positive way?
I love how spontaneous this industry is. I have witnessed every kind of audience in every kind of situation, which has taught me great wisdom. It's not easy to pick one, but my favourite and most nerve-wracking performance has to be opening for Justin Bieber. I have tried to stay realistic throughout this journey, so focusing on the negative is not priority, because as a creative I feel we are already fighting our own demons of doubt and awareness ...
What does the near and far future hold for Chiano Sky?
Catch me performing at the South African of the Year Awards at the Dome on 17 October, with top acts Christina Aguilera and Jason Derulo. I have also teamed up with Woolworths and Pharrell in their latest campaign to create awareness for sustainability in South Africa! I am also excited to be touring South Africa .
What is the meaning of life?
I'm only 22, so this question feels foreign to me.