Meet Coley Gilchrist

Today we’d like to introduce you to Coley Gilchrist.

Coley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hey! My name is Coley Gilchrist. I am a singer, actress, dancer, producer, and overall entertainer. I can’t recall a specific day or moment where I chose to be an artist, but I also can’t remember ever wanting to be anything else. Growing up in the same city as several music icons, I always felt confident that I could one day be a legend. Fast forward about 13 years, and here I am, watching my dreams come true already. I grew up in a family that loved music, but I wouldn’t say they were necessarily obsessed, just a normal liking for genres like R&B, gospel, and old school. My two older sisters introduced me to Ciara, T-Pain, Destiny’s Child, Missy Elliot, etc. Thanks to my parents, I “met” artists like Deniece Williams, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Jackson Five, and The Spinners. On my own, I also gravitated towards singers like Demi Lovato, Jessie J, Vanessa Hudgens, and Tori Kelly. This blend of music and the examples I soaked up at a young age are major influences in my eclectic songwriting and dynamic stage presence.

I began writing short stories and lyrics at seven years old, expressing creativity in any way I could. Then, my mother bought me a keyboard, and my love for creating melodies flourished. I went to a Christian school up until the 6th grade. By that time, my parents and I knew that it would be more beneficial if I switched over to a performing arts school. I also began taking voice lessons, where I had some of my first experiences performing live by myself, being in recording sessions, and filming covers. With the help of my former vocal coach, Vickie Jones, we started uploading videos to my Youtube Channel, and yes, they are still there today. Although it can be embarrassing, I don’t think I’d ever want to delete old footage of myself. I’m proud of my growth, and I want others to see where I started from. I continued through high school at DeKalb School of the Arts, taking most of the performing arts classes. I was apart of show choirs, dance concerts, plays, the lead in musicals, captain of the hip-hop team, and student body Vice President. I tried to be involved as much as possible, because I honestly enjoyed doing it all. Between managing intense school work, rehearsing for upcoming productions, maintaining my artistry outside of school, deciphering friendships, and trying to decide college or no college, to say that I was overwhelmed would be a complete understatement. But I wouldn’t go back in time and make things easier for myself if I could. I’ve learned so much about my self-esteem and bad habits thanks to those past years.

Now as a true independent artist, I’m beginning to understand just how capable I am to continue to unveil my fullest potential and talent to the world. I’m currently my own manager, booking agent, stylist, producer, creative director, and consultant. And although things would be much easier with a team, there’s nothing like having your dreams on shoulders and educating yourself to know how to conquer them alone. Right now I’m about 20 years and one month old. I’ve traveled the country performing in some of the most renowned theaters with the theatrical production, DRUMline Live! I’ve released two singles, and my fingers are crossed to drop my first EP before the end of 2020. My vision board is decorated with my biggest goals. I see my fan-base multiply before my eyes every day! Most importantly, I’m becoming a little more confident, proficient, and resilient, which is the greatest satisfaction.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’d say my most challenging battles would be 1) Understanding that nothing is going to be handed to me, 2) Learning how to forgive myself, and 3) Being proactive, decisive, and comfortable on my own. Between 2015-2019, I was beginning to accomplish so much as an artist, but my personal life was a hot mess! I struggled with incredibly low morale and self-respect as someone who appeared to be so cheerful and funny. It was a constant fight within myself to realize my importance and beauty. And I would blame myself for failed friendships and relationships. There were a few major heartbreaking moments that all exploded at once.

I had this crazy realization that I was a “procrastination queen”, and it rocked my world. My ability to self-sabotage was through the roof. I don’t come from a family of music executives or industry professionals, so I realized that since I chose not to got to college, I needed to make something happen and stop feeling sorry for myself. I had to learn how be at peace with cutting off things and people that weren’t in my best interest. I wrote, “Metamorphosis” in such a way that could be applied to a courtship, friendship, unhappiness with a job, or spiritual epiphany. But it really spoke to me about shedding my past identity and becoming my best self. Another defeatist trait I possess is caring so much about what others think of me and feeling invalid with my opinions or stupid in the way express my personality. It’s something I still struggle with, but it’s gotten much easier because I’ve started to care less. There’s another song I’ve written titled, “Alone” that’s basically a prep talk telling myself that I can have just as much fun going out and doing other things by myself, versus with a group of friends. It’ll be on that EP I mentioned earlier *wink wink*.

Now I post bloopers on my Instagram of myself trying to record videos and moments with my hair looking crazy and no makeup on. Two years ago, I would’ve probably had a panic attack deciding to post or not. And I think that openness has benefitted my relationship with my fans and followers because they see one side of me that’s professional and passionate. The other side that’s goofy and relatable. All in all, I knew I had to change my outlook in order for my present circumstances to become better. I started to further build my faith in God and put all these matters into his control. It’s still a work in progress, and I’m not entirely done fighting with these adversities. But I think it’s only going to make for more incredible songwriting and thicker skin.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
In short, I’m a performing artist, but that includes so much. I’m a singer who writes, arranges, and produces my music. I’m a dancer, trained in hip-hop, jazz, majorette, and ballet (in my dreams). I choreograph. I’m an actress. I’m a recording artist and entertainer. I would say I’m known for my stage presence. One of my biggest things is working the stage and really connecting with my audience. Depending on what I’m performing, I can be very animated and powerful, or solemn and emotive. You might see me with background dancers, vocalists, and a band, or on stage by myself, which just a mic. I dream to one day be on Broadway, in a major movie, headlining my tour, hosting SNL, and being a guest on Food Network. That’s one of my favorite things about having creative freedom. I’m constantly switching styles, genres, and talents, and it’s always so exhilarating.

I’m most proud of my released singles and their music videos. So much time spent researching how to copyright and publish music properly, recording and re-recording vocals, and sending the songs to countless radio stations. Months of planning and conceptualizing videos that had me running around with no sleep, buying props, securing shoot locations, hiring crew and extras, all while making sure I had my personal looks and directions in order. I made several mistakes, but everything has made me smarter. I’m extremely excited about my upcoming ideas and artistic adventures.

I think my versatility is what sets me apart from others my age, in my field. Today, nonchalant attitude and monochromatic vibes are what’s trending. And that’s fine, but I want to break up that cycle. In a world of explicit music and sexual glorification, I want to create music for everyone, especially those young artists who are scrambling to find appropriate covers to perform, because I’ve been there. I’ve naturally liked so many different styles of music, fashion, and artistic expression. How can I expect others to connect with my art if I’m being dishonest and trying to fit into molds? Not gonna happen.

What were you like growing up?
As a child, I wasn’t much different than how I am now. My family allowed me to sing my heart out 24/7. I noticed at an early age how much I loved (and needed) my alone time. Also, thanks to my experience at an arts school, I gained a strong professional trait. It’s something that I pride myself on. I’ve been complimented on my professionalism and leadership qualities since I was young. I always knew the importance of having a good balance between letting my personality shine through and handling my business in a poised manner. Besides my interest in music, I played softball and a little basketball, and I became obsessed with cooking. I’m more than grateful for my upbringing and the blessing God gave me and my family. I’ll continue to keep that same young spirit inside of me for as long as I can!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.canva.com/design/DAD0auShwV0/0hu8XWY96uVcClvRGB4nlQ/view?utm_content=DAD0auShwV0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coley.sophia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coley.gilchrist
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/coleygilchrist
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fh96A7Tl-L-ErpgsXym-g?view_as=subscriber

 
Image Credit:
GKS Production
QueVision Photography
R X F
Noodle Visuals
Isaac Greene Visuals

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