A Singer From Her Childhood, Chantal Browne Makes First Foray Into Music Industry With Soca Single

ST. CROIX — People grow up fast. It seemed like only yesterday when Chantal Browne, above, along with her sister Jael Paul were singing to the top of their lungs at Miracle Revival Deliverance Tabernacle, a church in Beeston Hill, earning ovations from their then-captive audience.

Fast-forward some ten years or so later, and everyone has moved on with their lives, seemingly leaving music on the backseat while pursing other goals. Ms. Browne, for instance, is a beautician while her sister, Ms. Paul, is a teacher.

So it came as a surprise when this reporter received a call from Ms. Browne, revealing that she had been working on her first single. I had many questions, and an Q&A session was conducted with the aim of learning more about Ms. Browne’s new direction. Read her responses below.

You’ve been singing all your life, starting out in church with your sister, and now you’ve released your first single. How does it feel?

You know, music has always been a huge part of my life. From a young age I’ve been writing music and performing in church and different small events with my sister Jael Paul. So now for me to have the opportunity to share that with everyone is a dream come true. I used to hold back because I would wonder if I was truly good enough. But the support I’ve received from everyone is propelling. Especially my BMR team. Dorian believes in me so much and I’m humbled and excited to show them what we’ve got to offer.

Your first single is in the Soca genre, will that be your focus?

The single is Soca but I can’t necessarily call myself just a Soca artist. I love music and I appreciate it in all forms. So finding a genre and sticking to it is going be tough. I think the best way to describe me as an artist is versatile. I love to pull from everywhere to create new sounds. Something unique.

We’re interested in knowing how it all came together. Your announcement came as a surprise to many. What triggered your desire to finally share your music for public consumption?

Wow! Where do I begin? All my life I struggled with fear of rejection. I never wanted to hear the worst so it kind of crippled me and held me back. Recently I went through one of the hardest trials I’ve ever faced. The losing of the love of my life and the father of my child. It really changed me. Now it’s like a light switch flipped and I just want to do what I was put here to do [with] no reservations.

Life is too short and unpromised. I now have the opportunity of working with Dorian Euzebe. He’s the owner of Baby Musik Recordz, another young, extremely talented person. Through a mutual associate he was able to hear me out and he liked it, and it’s been magic every time we step in the studio ever since. We work so well together. The vibe is nice and we’re both excited to share that with everyone.

The single is out in time for carnival. Will there be more, and is the end goal the release of an album?

Most definitely there will be more. A whole lot more as time goes on. My goal is to put out a full album in God’s timing. For now, my focus is to put out music people will love and remember. To show the people they can trust in what we have to offer. After that the mind is the limit.

Who would you say are your mentors in the music industry?

First and foremost I rely on God for my guidance and direction. As far as mentors go I would say Rogier Fahie, my brother and voice coach. He knows my voice like the back of his hand. He raised me up to be exactly what I am today. The first person to see my full potential and help me evolve it. Secondly I would say my producer. We bounce well off each other. He makes it effortless and I pull from him so much because his thought process is so different from mine. It allows me to go places I couldn’t have imagined on my own.

Soca music has been elevated in many ways, moving from the Caribbean region and onto the global stage, as it continues to resonate with a diverse set of cultures. Do you see this becoming a career for you?

As an entrepreneur, I would never go into a venture with the intention of being mediocre. I always try to put my best foot forward and strive for greatness. So most definitely I plan to go hard and wherever the music takes me I’ll be there to face it head on. Whether it’s locally or international. Career-wise, if you know me you know I’ll never be one thing. God has blessed me till my cup runneth over and I plan to use every single gift to touch who I can. I can guarantee you that music will always be the epicenter. It’s where my heart truly lies.

Will we see music videos in the future?

Oh most definitely. My team and I have already discussed it. It’s just a matter of time . Once the feedback is right anything is possible.

How can fans get in touch with you, and where can they purchase your music?

As of now my first song is a gift to anyone who wants to hear it or consider themselves a fan. They can follow my journey on social media. My fan page is www.Facebook.com/ChantalBrowne340, where all updates with music will be posted. You can also contact me or Dorian Euzebe @ 3406268499 or 3406261075 for more info.