The state of the music industry as we know it is making way for the next generation of superstars poised to take the proverbial reigns. One artist at the forefront of this renaissance period is Miss Chlöe Bailey or more recently referred to as Chlöe. When Chlöe and her sister Halle Bailey released their rendition via YouTube of Beyoncé‘s “Pretty Hurts“ in 2013, it was apparent that the sisters were stars in the making. Chlöe is now preparing to release her debut album on the trail of three hit singles, stunning award show performances and several brand collaborations, including a partnership with Trident for their #ChewTheVibes TikTok challenge.
Chlöe stopped by Blavity News to discuss her latest team-up with Trident, double standards in the music industry and how she combats imposter syndrome when she’s not feeling confident.
Her partnership with Trident
Chlöe recently partnered with Trident for their #ChewTheVibes challenge that will take place on TikTok. Starting today until Sept. 19, fans can post her “Trident Vibes” song with their spin on it to enter the contest. For Chlöe, the opportunity to get involved was the perfect fit.
“Well, one, I love chewing gum, and two, I love music,” Chlöe told Blavity News. “So, it was really fun and easy to do this collaboration. I was more than happy to do it. And I’m so happy with how it turned out. I really am.”
Her new moniker 'Chlöe'
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When we first met Chlöe as part of the singing duo Chloe x Halle, she simply went by her legal name Chloe Bailey. Now, as she continues to progress as a solo artist, she’s adopted the moniker Chlöe. In an Essence interview, she mentioned that the alter-ego makes her feel “self-assured.” However, when Chlöe isn’t feeling as confident in her personal life, she must remind herself that she is a kind person to combat the imposter syndrome she faces.
“When I’m not feeling so confident, I have to honestly talk to my god mom and she kind of pumps me back up. And I just have to remember that I am special, and I’m a kind human being and a lot of times I have impostor syndrome. It’s been happening a lot more recently. Even when more people are noticing me, I’m still confused. Because I’m like, ‘for me? For little ole me?'” Chlöe said.
“I just love what I do. I love to entertain and perform and sing music. I don’t do it for the recognition, so when that comes, I’m utterly shocked that people recognize me for my talent and for me doing something that I love. Because in my head, I’m like, ‘OK, it’s just another job like everyone has a job.’ So, it really means a lot to me to know that people recognize me for my talent.”
Being vulnerable with her fans
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Since being thrust into the spotlight with chart-topping songs and sizzling visuals to match, Chlöe has been praised for the vulnerability she exemplifies in her music. Chlöe feels that she’s truly in her element when creating new music and performing, an outlet for which she expresses much gratitude.
“The only time I truly feel like I have a grasp on who I am and my life is when I’m on that stage and when I’m creating music. I think that is truly my purpose and what God put me on this earth to do because that’s the one time nothing else matters,” she said.
“I don’t overthink or doubt or second guess myself. I’m so grateful that I have an outlet in which I feel a thousand percent confident, and that’s one thing that I know no one could take away from me. Everyone could say anything else that they want, but when it comes to music and my craft, that’s something that I know no one could ever take away.”
Double standards in the music industry
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It’s no secret that Chlöe and her other women peers in the music industry have experienced considerably more backlash for simply expressing themselves through their art. However, the backlash is something the “Have Mercy” singer doesn’t mind, as she uses it as motivation to keep pushing forward.
“I think the double standards don’t just exist in the music industry when it comes to women, but also in every industry and in life if you think about it. Some days, it’s more difficult than others, and I think why I kind of have it a bit harder as well is because people have seen me as a young woman, a little girl, and now I’m a young adult, I’m 24 years old. I don’t think the switch has been made in many people’s minds, so I think that’s what happens when it comes to anything dealing with my sister and me, but I don’t mind. It just kind of gives more fuel to the fire to prove people wrong, to keep them talking and to keep going.”
To learn more about Chlöe’s collaboration with Trident, follow Trident on TikTok.
