Eve Davies
ECHLO was borne out of Chloe Charles’ journey as a solo artist. She has released two critically acclaimed albums and won several prestigious awards. The uncompromising tenacity of her work is informed by her Trini-Canadian background as a black female in Toronto’s music scene.
She rejects social systems, fights for a presence in Toronto’s music landscape, and offers a sharp critique of the accepted political, social, and economic principles. She is determined to push back against a society that is all-too-often corrupt. Here’s what she had to say…
Q) Many people say that activities such as walking help their creativity, are there any activities that spark your creativity?
A) Walking or driving. It’s my form of meditation. Amazing ideas arise when you let your mind wander.
Q) Who would be your no.1 person to collaborate with in the industry?
A) Steven Ellison (AKA Flying Lotus). He has the craziest sense of rhythm.
Q) What is the best advice you’ve been given?
A) You can control your thoughts. Stop stressing and trust your instincts.
Q) If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
A) I would never have invented the internet so we never would have had mp3’s and, thus, music would be more tangible. I know this is ridiculous but I think people would be more appreciative of the music they had if it was more of a physical object. Like everything else these days, it wouldn’t be so disposable.
Q) What first got you into music?
A) I suppose you could say my mom. She was what I call a closet singer-songwriter and an incredibly talented one, might I add. Nothing specifically “got me into music”. It was a culmination of variables. I had some deep innate desire to sing and create songs; add in my mom’s influence, my dad’s push, and ta da. It somehow all came together.
Q) What is one message you would give to your fans?
A) Learn to decipher the difference between your instincts and fear.
Q) In an industry that comes with immense social pressure, how do you switch off and take time for yourself?
A) Time for myself? What’s that? Ha! I love to walk to my favourite coffee shop, get an americano with cream, and walk some more. I also love a good stretching session when everyone has gone to sleep.
Q) How would you describe your music style? And what direction are you taking it in?
A) ECHLO is where Past meets Present, Digital meets Soul & Modern meets Retro. It’s Dark Pop with a nod to 90’s Trip Hop. Simply, I’d say experimental dark pop or soulful electro, however, classifying music is not easy these days. I want to keep developing my sound and hone in on something that is recognisably ECHLO.
We’re certainly looking forward to what ECHLO has to come. Find her on Instagram here to follow along her journey.
Featured image courtesy of James Stamler on Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.
evedaviess
Eve is 22 years old and lives in Swansea. She has recently graduated from Cardiff University with a BA in English Literature. Eve's main interest is in lifestyle writing, particularly health, food, and travel.