CHELJI - TRAX

Birmingham native CHELJI is a grunge-pop singer known for her potent mix of angst, aggression, and catchy melodies. Her recent single "Funeral" distils her diverse artistic impulses, reflecting on a past relationship through punky guitars and deep-cutting vocals. Her career so far has seen anthem after anthem contribute to a sizable following, particularly on TikTok where she shares music and life developments alike with her die-hard fans.

Her music resonates with a broad audience as she fearlessly tackles sensitive and emotionally-charged topics, aiming always to validate the unheard through her work. This mission is at the forefront of tracks like "Still Here" and "23", where she addresses serious themes including domestic abuse, depression, and substance abuse, earning her a reputation as not just an artist, but a reliable friend to her listeners.

Congrats on releasing Funeral, what were your main inspirations and how did the track come about?

Toxic relationships were my inspiration for funeral. I wrote it in sweden on my first trip there.

You’ve had a lot of success connecting with fans over TikTok livestreams, how important has that direct fan-to-artist support been for you at this stage in your career?

I feel like it’s very important to keep a close connection with your fans, these are the people that make it possible for me to do what I’m able to do… and without them, I’m basically nothing. They say I help them all the time, but what they don’t know is..they help me more.

How does it feel being part of the TRAX Class of ‘24? Can you share a little more about your exclusive track?

I feel honoured to be apart of a new app. It has great intentions for new artists, we really need an app like this. The exclusive track is about my frustrations towards intimate relations.

What is it about DIY culture that’s so important to your music, and to alt spaces in general?

Well if nobody is gonna put you on, you have to put yourself on and I live by that

It would be remiss of us not to ask about your personal style. What or who is your main inspiration when it comes to clothes?

My main inspiration when it comes to clothes is mainly subcultures alternative and mainstream. Grunge, drill, goth, skater. I just put on whatever I feel. Nowadays I really really dislike colour.

What's up next for Deijuvhs?

I’m going through a metamorphosis visually and stylistically. So everything is brand new, I’m done with the old me.