Published in the Mar-Apr 2013 issue of MyLIFE magazine
Consider the human voice. If it could be measured in more than volume, the next best available unit might be horsepower. Horsepower? Well, meet Chelsea Bain. Her voice is a rising star in the world of country music, and it has some horsepower behind it.
Bain was raised in Phoenix, where she says, “I grew up riding horses and singing.” And that’s where the power of the horse first came into play in the life of this songbird. She’s been making a name for herself singing at events in the NASCAR circuit. That’s right: more horsepower.
It will be worth your while to take a look at this YouTube video (youtube.com/watch?v=ktPrQCEYxGQ) Bain made about making a video to get to know her voice and presence before you read how she answered the interview questions below.
MyLIFE: You’re in your early twenties. What have been your creative influences?
Bain: When I was about 12 years old I was presented with the opportunity to show horses. I fell in love with it and have been competing ever since. That took over my life throughout high school. Once I was out of high school, I became determined that it was time to pursue my music career, something I’d dreamt of since before I can remember. It’s been a long road and a lot of obstacles have slowed it up, but I have pushed on through with the support of my family and friends.
MyLIFE: What is your first memory of music?
Bain: I can first just remember singing for my family, ALL THE TIME. Being in the car with me was probably pretty funny when I was a little girl—I couldn’t help but sing every song.
MyLIFE: You’re known as a country/western artist. Do you write lyrics?
Bain: I grew up singing classically actually, but I always knew I wanted to sing country because it’s my roots; that’s what I was raised with. I love lots of different music though. Rock is one that I really grew to love. I have written since I was a little girl. Some of the songs on the album I co-wrote, and some will have come from other writers.
MyLIFE: How did you get involved with the NASCAR circuit?
Bain: My manager had a connection with Coca-Cola, and when they saw me perform they invited me to tour and play their stage at the races.
MyLIFE: How do you envision your career in music? If you were to picture yourself at the age of 80, what would you like to be able to see while looking back at yourself over the years?
Bain: I would like to be proud of what I have put out into the world. I hope to be happy and have seen a lot of things, a lot of venues. Most of all, I want to create a long history of good music and a good influence on others.
MyLIFE: What’s unique about you?
Bain: I grew up with the boys … it took a while for my “girly” side to come out. I rode dirt bikes, skateboarded, snowboarded, wakeboarded and wanted to only hang out with my older brothers. I am still capable of letting that side run free, but I love fashion and makeup now. I’ve learned to embrace both sides of my personality.
Talent, especially the one for singing, takes a lot of energy. And where it comes from remains a mystery. But it also takes energy for both sides of a personality to come together. It’s a good thing Chelsea Bain has so much horsepower.