We had a chat with rising Irish artist Chelle about her excellent new single ‘Ain’t Lovin’ You’
Since reviewing Irish R&B artist Chelle‘s gorgeous sophomore single ‘Ain’t Lovin’ You’ last week, we have been enamoured with both the release and the emerging artist, and the laid-back rhythms and hard-hitting lyrics make for a lush cocktail of ideas that showcase the duality and guile of the artist with effortless ease. This mix of relatable writing and insatiably catchy melodies was always going to be a recipe for success, and the artist’s distinctive personality and flair just add to the appeal.
Naturally, we wanted to find out more about the excellent new release, so we had a chat with Chelle to find out some more about the new single, the journey that she went on putting it together, and what the future has in store for an exciting and vibrant artist who is beginning to make waves with her immersive sound.
Hey! We love your new single ‘Ain’t Lovin’ You’, what more can you tell us about it?
It is so great to hear you’re vibing with Ain’t Lovin’ You’! To be honest it’s been a wild ride getting this one out into the world, and the reception has been nothing short of incredible. Putting this track together felt like a bit of a fever dream. Unlike some songs that take months to “find,” the core hook for this one hit me at 3:00 AM.
What was the process like putting it together?
Working with Declan Lonergan in Bluebird Studios changed the entire DNA of the track. If you know Declan, you know he’s a wizard at finding the “truth” in a recording rather than just the “perfect” take. He has this incredible ability to make you feel completely unobserved. He’s a purist—he’d rather have a take with a “mistake” that has soul than a flawless one that feels clinical.
In relation to the vibe, I made a conscious decision to stay deep in the pocket. I wasn’t chasing the beat; I was letting it breathe. It gives the track that laid-back, almost hypnotic lean that I was aiming for.
We did intentionally pull back on the “polish” that usually comes with a studio session. We kept in the cracks and the breaths because for me it is authenticity over perfection. It’s the sound of someone actually feeling the lyrics in real-time. It’s raw, it’s a bit bruised, and the song feels lived-in and this song is very much me baring my soul.
What were your biggest influences when creating it?
While we were in the studio, two powerhouses were constantly on my mind, shaping the attitude of the track: Blondie (Debbie Harry). I wanted to capture that cool, detached “New York” poise—the kind of effortless confidence where you don’t have to shout to be heard.
Amy Winehouse because Amy taught us all that a vocal doesn’t have to be “pretty” to be beautiful. Her influence is why we kept the delivery so grounded and soul-heavy.
How does the the track differ from your debut single ‘Kiss Me Again’?
Well ‘Kiss Me Again’ was the honeymoon phase—all bright colors, acoustic guitars, and optimism, ‘Ain’t Lovin’ You’ is the reality check after the lights come up!
This track is a massive evolution from my debut. Kiss Me Again felt somewhat safe as a debut single, it’s polished, optimistic, and ethereal whereas Ain’t Lovin’ You’ is more of a risk, it is raw, assertive, and intentionally gritty. It could have went either way but thankfully the response has been unbelievably positive.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
As for what’s next, the momentum from “Ain’t Lovin’ You” has led straight into a brand-new creative chapter. I’ve just finished writing a new song called “Trouble”, and it marks another deliberate shift in my sound. While the last track was about that raw, “in the pocket” grit, “Trouble” leans into a sexy, dark noir vibe. It’s much more cinematic—think high-tension storytelling and late-night atmosphere. However I am still carrying that same craving for authenticity and those vocal “cracks” into this cinematic world to make sure the heart of the music stays real, even as the scale gets bigger.
It’s an exciting time—I’m basically building a world that feels as layered and honest as possible.
