Chiara Dubey
..., an artist whose very essence seems to dwell in introspection, weaves a sonic tapestry that oscillates between dreamlike and surreal. Yet, within this ethereal fabric, she remains profoundly intimate and unmistakably human. Her musical canvas is an elegant texture, woven from reflections that shimmer like moonlight on water, and soundscapes that defy convention. But it is her gentle voice that truly captivates—a vessel for emotions both delicate and profound.
“How To Save Myself,” her most recent release, plumbs the depths of a shadowed realm where love transcends its own boundaries. She pours forth every ounce of her being for someone who remains oblivious to her presence, sacrificing her self-worth and dignity for a mere whisper of affection and approval.
Who is the person behind the artist/musician Chiara Dubey?
I am a shy and messy artist, a dreamer, an introvert. I love walking in the forest (preferably alone), I normally open all windows during summer storms, I love my clan of humans and cats, I am vegan (or try my best to be), I am forgetful, I like to believe that magic is real, and that maybe we are all capable of it.
I am a coffee addict, I watch the sunrise every morning, and, if it wasn't for music, I'd probably be doing something with astrophysics.
How did your passion for music begin, and what are the main influences behind your musical style?
It’s difficult to say, but I think it was there from the beginning. On weekends, my dad would would make chai tea for us in the morning (my dad is Indian). While the tea was cooking, I would turn on the stereo and play "My Heart Will Go On" by Céline Dion and sing along. At the last chorus I would turn on the volume to the max, sing with full lungs, tie a purple scarf around my shoulders – like a superhero– and pretend to fly. This is my earliest musical memory.
I listen to all kind of musical styles, but I think classical, modern-classical, art-pop, organic-techno and ambient are the genres that influence me the most. Artists such as AURORA, Son Lux, Jon Hopkins, Askjell, Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds, Johann Johannson, Max Cooper are at the top of my list.
What was the inspiration behind “How to Save Myself”, and what is the story?
It is essentially the story of a toxic relationship I experienced where I loved so deeply, more than I could bear, poured my heart out, forgetting about myself and tossing aside my worth, for a while. I always thought it was a good thing, really.
A trait to be proud of. Like generosity or selflessness. But that love was just so painfully invisible and unwanted that it didn't create anything. It didn’t nourish and didn’t grow. It just dissipated in the air, and nothing came back to me. So I found myself exhausted, drained of light. I am learning – slowly, but truly – to be kind to myself. “Save myself". Be my own ally first. It feels like a growing-up change that was most needed and which I am glad is happening.
The song will also be part of your upcoming album “Chandani” (planned for autumn 2024). How far along are the works on it?
I would say we are 80% there! Most tracks are ready, but I added a few new ones last-minute which still need to be mixed and finalised (two surprise-tracks which have elements I never implemented before) It will be worth it, and I can’t wait to share them!
What do think are the differences to your first album “Constellations” (2020)?
They both are honest, but I think I was a very different person back then. The Chiara of Constellations was perhaps a little more naïve, cautious? She wanted everything to be nice and proper. Soothing. Perfect.
From then a lot has changed, I feel like my self-awareness and my confidence have grown and CHANDANI allows space also to those darker sides of me that i now dare to expose, that have their right to exist, that are a bit more rough and edgy. I have become more brave, in life and in music.
Do we have a chance to see you somewhere live on stage?
It will most likely be after the album release in September, but I am still working on the planning of the shows at the moment. My socials and my website are always up to date though – I invite you to check back in a while. I would love to see you at a live show! :)
What are some of the challenges that you face as a musician in the current music industry?
Confidence is one of the greatest challenges for me. I am a dreamer, I've always fought for my dream – the one of becoming an artist and making music for a living. But it is such a high mountain to climb, there are more disappointments and rejections than rewords. Swallowing and moving on is not always easy, especially as time goes by. It can really make my self-esteem crumble and make me wonder “what am I doing here?”
And yet, the path does seams to take me further. With patience and stubbornness. I eventually always find back to myself and regain confidence.
How do you use social media to connect with your fans and grow your audience?
The one I use the most is definitely Instagram. I honestly have fun with it and love to share and interact with my community. I think it’s a good bridge between the DSPs, where you only get the music, the output of the artist, to the artist’s personality and world. You can let people see you for what you are and let them get closer to your soul, which is not only made of music.
What are your goals for the future?
I would really love for my project to grow enough (maybe even thanks to CHANDANI?) to allow me to go on an European tour! One of my life-time goals are a sold-out show at the Elbphilarmonie in Hamburg and, I mean, why not?! The Royal Albert Hall in London!
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