Up and coming artist, Coley Gilchrist has been writing songs, monologues and poetry for the better part of two years. At only 19 years old, Coley is making her explosive and admirable launch into music from Atlanta, Georgia. She aspires to both galvanize and bring meaning back to music today. Coley experiments heavily with harmonies and word play in her spectacular and eclectic sound.
Coley’s debut single “Metamorphosis” empowers its listeners to make those life changing decisions. Coley exudes confidence as she gives us a retrospective look at her own trials and tribulations with transformation and growth. “Metamorphosis” boasts a powerful message for everyone, to embrace a new identity, break bad habits and eliminate self doubt. An empowerment anthem, “Metamorphosis” leaves room for the listener to interpret the emotive lyrics in whichever way feels suitable for their own life. Heart warming and pure vocals give a calming and soothing effect to the meaningful message. Coley’s vocals are establish and finely-calibrated beyond her 19 years. She brings a natural and authentic presence to contemporary music. Stay on the lookout for Coley Gilchrist, with releases like “Metamorphosis”, we’ll be hearing a lot more of that name!
Check out “Metamorphosis” here and read more below in our exclusive interview!
Hi Coley! Can you tell us more about your upbringing and musical influences growing up?
Well, I was raised in a Christian household in Stone Mountain, GA. I remember driving with my family for vacations, listening to artists like The Jackson Five, Deniece Williams, Virtue, Mary Mary, and more. My two older sisters got me hooked on Ciara, Destiny’s Child, Missy Elliot, Cherish, etc. I was always hearing a mixture of genres, and I liked them all. When I became older, I started gravitating towards singers from Disney Channel, believe it or not. Demi Lovato, Vanessa Hudgens, the list goes on, and that’s when my love for pop music blossomed. My roots in gospel, R&B/old school, and pop have played a significant aspect in the music I create, to the point where I don’t care what category it fits in, as long as it makes me feel good.
What’s the main message you want to spread in “Metamorphosis”?
The song is an anthem meant to encourage people to find their new identity. Growing and blossoming can often mean that certain things you used to associate with will soon die off or be eliminated in order for you to become the best version of yourself. There’s going to come a time where you have to put yourself first and be unapologetic about it. I want people to understand that transformations can be exciting, strenuous, uncomfortable, and freeing, and all at once. But the results will be nothing but positive.
You are so empowering for all women, do you have someone in your life who inspired you to be passionate about something so important?
I think I get my passionate qualities from my family in general. We all have our own talents that we’re invested in. It has helped me tremendously to have their support, advice, and honesty. Either way, both sides of my family are hard workers. For example, my mom started her own hair business. I remember realizing how cool that was to me and how I wanted to one day have my name on something that I imagined and created.
What is your writing process like?
It varies. Most times I’ll think of some lyrics and a melody. Then I’ll record it on my phone... the lead vocals, the harmonies, whatever comes to me at that moment. It generally doesn’t take long to get come up with the music/arrangement, but it can take me days or weeks to finish writing the whole song. I love writing interludes, but if there’s something more I feel like should be said, I have to take my time to craft it into a complete message. It’s always fun and challenging though!
What’s your stage presence like? (for someone who has never seen you live before)
I am a performer at heart. Making the audience really feel what I’m singing about is my mission. When I hit the stage, I’m not shy about it, nor do I want to come across as cocky. Regardless of what I’m singing, I want you to connect with me. And it doesn’t matter if there’s a runway or a space the size of a closet, I am going to work that stage. I pack emotion into every second. But, being an entertainer is 50% visual too. So I care heavily about how I do my hair, makeup, and what I decide to wear. I think it’s important to carry and present yourself a certain way as an artist. Now if you see me in the grocery store or something, and I’m not as glamorous, just keep it pushing, haha!
Connect with Coley Gilchrist on social media
www.instagram.com/coley.sophia
twitter.com/coleygilchrist