Molly
With her mother a dancer and father a drummer, Molly Chadwick’s inevitability in the London music scene was decided the moment she was born into it. Inspired by household legends D’Angelo, Anita Baker and Prince, she splices soul and strength together in vocals slick against familiar RnB beats. Her debut single Seductress was smooth out of the gate, and we at Studyo suspect her raw and sensuous style will continue to whirl up listeners into her airy orbit.
What’s the one thing that recently brought you closer to yourself? A moment, a person, a sound, a shadow?
I recently had a moment on stage where I was singing a song that’s very close to my heart, and I cried during the performance. Part of me felt embarrassed, but the crowd cheered even louder, and it just made me feel so close to my music, reminding me that I’m on the correct path and this is exactly where I’m meant to be. This past week, I’ve been home alone, which has allowed me to sit with myself and my mind and be at peace with it. I’ve struggled to do this in the past.
What stories live quietly underneath your work — the ones you don’t always name, but somehow always return to? The one on stage, in the studio, or just waking up?
No matter how much I try to deny it, I’m always a lover girl, and I always revert to it, especially when writing. But I’ll always fall back to self-love even without the thought of a romantic partner. I’m always full of love for myself and those close to me. I’m also a big believer in expressing sexiness and confidence. That is displayed in my more recent work and my stage shows.
Soul can never die
What emotion is leading your creative flow these days? And if it had a sound, what would it be?
At this point in my life, I’m going through a lot of change, so it’s a mix of emotions. I say that would sound like an orchestra tuning up. Preparing for a symphony. Something incredible. This is just the beginning.
There’s also some anger in my music, and that led me to write one of my favourite songs I’ve written to date: Woman of Mine. It’s about being angry and frustrated about the state of the world and how we’re treated as women. I’d say that would sound like a gut-wrenching scream. Like, yes, queen! Crash out, you deserve it.
Where do you feel most like “Molly”?
I definitely feel most Molly when I’m either on stage or in rehearsal. Or, honestly, anywhere where good music is present and shared with beautiful people. I also feel most like myself when I’m in dance class. It allows me to move my body to great music and be part of an incredible and supportive community.
If someone listened to your music for the first time tomorrow, what kind of image would you want to leave in their mind?
I’d want them to have a God complex, 100%. My music is meant to make people feel connected and empowered, whether that’s feeling sexy, strong, confident or just heard.
What does it feel like to be you, in the exact moment you’re on stage?
It feels euphoric! I’m able to go and fully express myself with some of my closest mates right by my side. It feels amazing to go and have a boogie
Do you have any new music coming out soon?
I am releasing my next single Passenger Train on the 6th of August. It’ll be available on all streaming platforms! Make sure to get yourself down to the launch party gig also on August 6th for a night of soul/RnB. With support from Suval and Dido Wilson. This is at the Music Box (aka LCCM) SE1 (right next to Southwark station!
Artist @molly_ch_