Interview By Shauna Harris
Free Ambition: Where are you from?
Chrystel: I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, and lived there until last year. My entire family is from Cote D'Ivoire, West Africa.
Free Ambition:Where do you currently live?
Chrystel: I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia!
Free Ambition: You learned to play the piano at the age of 5, what inspired your love of instrumental music creation at such an young age?
Free Ambition: You learned to play the piano at the age of 5, what inspired your love of instrumental music creation at such an young age?
Chrystel: I honestly have always taken a natural liking to music, it's always been a part of me. I'm lucky to say I never had to force it, not even at such a young age.
Free Ambition: When did you discover your “powerful” voice, and unique songwriting skills?
Free Ambition: When did you discover your “powerful” voice, and unique songwriting skills?
Chrystel: When I was little I didn't realize singing was such a special "skill" until I went to school, and started singing solos in school choirs and plays. I didn't really think anything of it, I just knew I loved music, and loved that I could sound like the artists on the radio.
I've also always loved poetry and writing. Songwriting seriously started for me at 12. I payed attention to the format of the songs on the radio, and just started writing my own songs!
Free Ambition: What makes you standout among the current female vocalists in the industry?
I've also always loved poetry and writing. Songwriting seriously started for me at 12. I payed attention to the format of the songs on the radio, and just started writing my own songs!
Free Ambition: What makes you standout among the current female vocalists in the industry?
Chrystel: My number one priority in my music is honesty. As far as creativity I have no interest in riding the wave that other artist have created. Because I'm so diversely influenced I don't ever want to be boxed into one genre. As far as being different I wanna give people different, quality music. I want to give them a reason to buy an entire album. You can't do that in today's industry unless you're in your own lane. I write all of my music, and I've been blessed enough to be unique as an artist without trying because I am always myself.
Free Ambition: What has been your favorite experience in the music industry so far?
Free Ambition: What has been your favorite experience in the music industry so far?
Chrystel: I honestly love every aspect. From the studio to the stage. I love songwriting, and just creating overall. It's so rewarding to bring ideas to life, and even more rewarding to have satisfied fans. That's all I can ask for.
Free Ambition:“Slow Motion” was a hit among your followers...what can fans expect from your newest song “Can Anybody Hear Me?
Free Ambition:“Slow Motion” was a hit among your followers...what can fans expect from your newest song “Can Anybody Hear Me?
Chrystel: "Can Anybody Hear Me" really shows my growth as an artist, and songwriter. The message of the song is relatable on so many different levels, which is one of my favorite things about the record.
Free Ambition:Do you plan to writing songs for other artists in the near future?
Free Ambition:Do you plan to writing songs for other artists in the near future?
Chrystel: I have already been writing with and for a few artists. I've had some really cool opportunities this year as as a songwriter.
Free Ambition: What is the message you bring across in your music?
Free Ambition: What is the message you bring across in your music?
Chrystel: The message I bring across in my music is the really freeing aspect of self expression, and complete honesty in any situation. I strive to inspire people to be who they are unapologetically. To love and live free.
Free Ambition: What is your fashion style? Do you have a favorite designer?
Free Ambition: What is your fashion style? Do you have a favorite designer?
Chrystel: My style is always evolving but continuously grounded as a 'street wear meets high fashion' look. I LOVE mixing the two, and I love to try new looks. I'm not too big on trends...I just wear it if I think it's dope. I love a simple look and statement pieces. I like a lot of lowkey designers, like the ones that do popup shops Ha Ha!
Right now I really like a designer named thinkreese out of Canada, jaded London, and I love a lot of Nasir Mazhar pieces.
I love Jeremy Scott's fun pieces, rag and none jeans are really hot right now, and of course your classic Marc Jacobs, DKNY pieces.
Can't forget Nike, I love Nike (so serious Ha Ha!).
For evening wear I LOVE Michael Costello, and Jason Wu right now. Fashion is a big thing for me, because it is another form of self expression!
Free Ambition:How can people follow you?
Right now I really like a designer named thinkreese out of Canada, jaded London, and I love a lot of Nasir Mazhar pieces.
I love Jeremy Scott's fun pieces, rag and none jeans are really hot right now, and of course your classic Marc Jacobs, DKNY pieces.
Can't forget Nike, I love Nike (so serious Ha Ha!).
For evening wear I LOVE Michael Costello, and Jason Wu right now. Fashion is a big thing for me, because it is another form of self expression!
Free Ambition:How can people follow you?
Chrystel: I'm super excited to announce the launch of my website: chrystelnow.com be sure to subscribe to my email list on the website for exclusive first listens, show dates, and FREE GIVEAWAYS!
Twitter: @chrystelbagrou
Instagram: chrystelbagrou
chrystelmusic.tumblr.com
soundcloud.com/Chrystel-Bagrou
YouTube.com/chrystelbagroumusic
Free Ambition: Who have you worked with?
chrystelmusic.tumblr.com
soundcloud.com/Chrystel-Bagrou
YouTube.com/chrystelbagroumusic
Free Ambition: Who have you worked with?
Chrystel: I have worked with a lot of talented artists and producers both locally and across the United States. I recently finished a song for an artist out of Utah that is featuring Chevy Woods from
Taylor Gang. As far as producers go I have worked with Whenf, Marc Rose, and Key1 just to name a few.
Free Ambition: Who was your inspiration to follow your dream as a vocalist and songwriter?
Chrystel: I can't say that I've had one main influencer as far as being a songwriter or vocalist. It sounds so cliché; but it seems like it's just...
always been embedded in me. I was also exposed to so many different genres as a child too many to name.
Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Bob Marley,
AC/DC, Madonna, Eric Clapton, and Faith Hill are just a few of the
different artist I was able to become familiar with before I was even old enough to be in school. I love women in the industry who just go for it, who are out here grinding, who don't have to stand behind a man to be seen. I think we all inspire each other.
Free Ambition: What can we expect to hear from you in the next year?
 |
| Chevy Woods |
Taylor Gang. As far as producers go I have worked with Whenf, Marc Rose, and Key1 just to name a few.
Free Ambition: Who was your inspiration to follow your dream as a vocalist and songwriter?
Chrystel: I can't say that I've had one main influencer as far as being a songwriter or vocalist. It sounds so cliché; but it seems like it's just...
 |
| Bob Marley |
always been embedded in me. I was also exposed to so many different genres as a child too many to name.
 |
| Michael Jackson |
Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Bob Marley,
AC/DC, Madonna, Eric Clapton, and Faith Hill are just a few of the
 |
| Madonna |
different artist I was able to become familiar with before I was even old enough to be in school. I love women in the industry who just go for it, who are out here grinding, who don't have to stand behind a man to be seen. I think we all inspire each other.
Free Ambition: What can we expect to hear from you in the next year?
Chrystel: You can expect an entire EP titled 'Drowning'! So excited for everyone to hear it. Starting with "Can Anybody Hear Me". More shows, and music videos as well.
Free Ambition:Who is your favorite music artist? Why?
Chrystel: Again I can't say I have a favorite artist. I listen to so many different things, I'm just as big of a fan of music as I am an artist and creator of it. Right now I'm listening to a lot of Disclosure they are on my wishlist as far as working with people go!
And the last album I bought was Jhene Aiko's 'Souled Out'.
Free Ambition:Who is your favorite music artist? Why?
 |
| Disclosure |
Chrystel: Again I can't say I have a favorite artist. I listen to so many different things, I'm just as big of a fan of music as I am an artist and creator of it. Right now I'm listening to a lot of Disclosure they are on my wishlist as far as working with people go!
 |
| Jhene Aiko |
And the last album I bought was Jhene Aiko's 'Souled Out'.
