Never stop Dreamin’
DURBAN-born singer and songwriter Jessica Chaz, who emigrated to Canada six years ago, is set to release her first EP, Dreamin’, in May through MoodLab Music, the independent record label she co-founded.
One of the singles, Answer, was jointly recorded at The Audio Suite in Durban and Demitone Studios in Canada.
The 28-year-old Vancouver-based beauty, who was raised in Kharwastan, Chatsworth, said her passion for music stemmed from a young age.
At age nine, she and her family relocated to Glenwood, and thereafter to Canada in 2012.
“I used to sing the harmonies to every song I heard while growing up and even took up dancing,” Chaz said.
“My dad used to say he loved the sound of my voice and always encouraged me to sing. His constant encouragement led to me joining the church youth band as a teenager and when I completed school, things fell into place for me to study music at university.
“While there, it felt like it was always what I was meant to do. No matter what was going on in my life, singing was the one thing I could do, so I fell into it and stayed there.”
Chaz said her mom and sister, Vanessa, 31, also a singer, songwriter and co-founder of MoodLab Music, inspired her as did others, including Beyoncé, Demi Lovato and John Legend.
Speaking about the EP, which includes seven tracks, Chaz said it was about her journey through life.
“It’s about the struggles we all face and realising our dreams, while finding a balance in life.”
Her goals, she said, included producing more albums.
“But for now, we are in the process
of setting up a tour, which includes South Africa – the plans are for early 2019. We are also working on a few remixes of the tracks.
“Vanessa and I are also hoping to sign another artist to our label next year and start educational initiatives to help young female artists develop confidence and skill.”
To listen to Answer, log on to www. jessicachaz.ca/answer/, or Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Shazam, Beatport, Tidal, Pandora and Deezer.