Chealen Berry: Weaving Nostalgia and Heartbreak into Her Music

Embarking on a unique creative challenge, McCormick senior Chealen Berry decided to release an original song at the start of every month throughout 2023. This ambitious project culminated in worldwide radio play for Berry's heartfelt tunes, marking a significant milestone in her journey as a singer-songwriter. Berry's latest EP, 'You Have Been the Dream', which features six original tracks, was released last Saturday, highlighting her talents in exploring themes of nostalgia, romance, and heartbreak through her music.

Early Musical Beginnings

Berry's musical journey began at the tender age of four with piano lessons, leading her to discover a lifelong passion for music. By the age of ten, she had taken up the guitar, and this expanded her creative horizons, steering her into the realm of songwriting and performance.

Inspirational Influences

Artists like Ed Sheeran, James Bay, and Tori Kelly have been instrumental in shaping Berry's musical style. Their work inspired her due to their acoustic signature and meaningful lyrics, prompting Berry to pursue the creation of music that is not only emotional but also genuine and relatable to a wide audience.

Songwriting and Emotion

For Berry, songwriting is a deeply personal and emotional process. Her songs often reflect her experiences with nostalgia, romance, and heartbreak, resonating with listeners through a raw, acoustic sound that brings authenticity to her music.

Nurturing Talent Through Collaboration

Berry has been an active member of the Songwriters Association at Northwestern, where she has learned new techniques for songwriting. The community has provided her with opportunities to grow as an artist and has influenced her approach to the craft.

Balancing Academics and Artistry

While managing her academic responsibilities, Berry finds solace in music, which serves as a creative release. Her strategy of releasing new music monthly has not only helped with her creative expression but also with marketing her artistry to a broader audience, including radio stations and music blogs.

The Personal Touch in Performance

Berry describes herself as an introvert and shares how performing live can be a daunting experience. Nevertheless, she finds joy in showcasing her music live, sharing a part of herself that is otherwise private, and overcoming the fears associated with being in the spotlight.

Looking Ahead

Berry remains excited about future opportunities to share her music. Her participation in various performances, including Notes from the Newsroom, has provided her a platform to engage with listeners and showcase her songwriting skills beyond the confines of academic majors.

nostalgia, romance, heartbreak