HMU: Lara Daly @lara.daly
“[‘Tantrum in Duet’] is a shimmering synthesis of her experimental and pop instincts — chic and effortlessly catchy.” – PAPER
“Soft Spot is a promising release by a unique talent who only seems to strengthen herself with each effort. Pop fans may rejoice at the album’s lively accessibility, while indie loyalists will likely appreciate its more artsy sensibilities and solid production value.” – Under The Radar
“The euphoric sensation of watching as a fantasy quickly turns into reality is a tough one to adapt to music, but [Chelsea Jade] manages to come remarkably close on ‘Good Taste.’” – FLOOD
“The devil’s in the details and Chelsea Jade’s specificity and attention to every element of her art is what puts her up there with the best.” – ALEX BEHAN, SUNDAY STAR TIMES
“A sophisticated and sensual sophomore effort from Chelsea Jades proves her star quality.” – GRAHAM REID, NZ LISTENER
Chelsea Jade shares the video for “Superfan” from her new album, Soft Spot, out now on Carpark Records. “Superfan” glides with Jade’s velvet vocals, as she describes putting on a front to earn respect: “Headstrong, heart weak // Taurus with an ego rising // I talk a lot of bullshit lately // ‘Cause I’m way too proud to really be seen.” The track has a percussive backbone, and features warped vocals made to sound like instrumentation. “I’m not easy going by nature and I fortify myself in unflattering ways to get through social situations,” says Jade. “I become acerbic to assert my value in the room when what I really want is to be well-liked and respected, like bristling is the correct way to brush up on people. On the session – to work with Leroy James Clampitt is to be understood. He’s got a natural empathy that allows good humour about bad feelings, hence the little exchange voiced in verse 1.”
Watch Chelsea Jade’s “Superfan” Video
Soft Spot ventures beyond the exploration of delusions of grandeur that formed the focus of the critically acclaimed Personal Best (2018), a record that enjoyed two years on the shortlist for the APRA Silver Scroll Award in the company of Lorde, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Aldous Harding, and Marlon Williams, for excellence in songwriting for “Laugh it Off” and “Life of the Party”, respectively. Jade was presented with an APRA Professional Development Award; signed a publishing deal, and co-founded a fxmale songwriting/producer camp in New Zealand with tutors like Susan Rogers (Prince) and Wendy Wang (Greg Kurstin). Now, Soft Spot aims from rougher terrain. A sonic sketchbook, Chelsea’s production falls on the textural side, a panorama littered with field recordings and conversations with friends as you travel through the record.
Watch:
