CARGO G TALKS CHROME HEART

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

You've had a bit of a popstar-breakthrough with Cargo G but your creative side goes further back?

My background in the arts goes very far back. I started dancing when I was young and I grew up as a competitive dancer in all styles and genres. That eventually led me to musical theatre, where I was able to act, sing, and dance, which really set me on more of a performative path. I decided to pursue theatrical arts along with TV and film. Everything I have done along the way has influenced my music. Even now, I feel like my background in movement shapes the way I approach songs, the cadence, the rhythm, the way it all flows.

What led you to put the cargo pants on and start this project?

What really pushed me into this project was wanting to finally create something that felt like me. I’d spent years performing in other ways, through dance, theatre and collaborations, but I reached a point where I wanted to put my own energy into something original and truthful. The Cargo G project is me stepping into that space unapologetically, putting on the pants and saying, “This is what I have to say”.

'Chrome heart' is a ballad carrying obvious heartbreak, but not as obvious variation to its structure and vibe, it works incredibly well because there’s like an emotional path to it. How did the song unfold in this way. How did you build it?

'Chrome heart' started from a really raw place, I was not trying to stick to any formula, I just wanted the song to feel as honest as what I was experiencing, that's why the structure moves in a less traditional way, more about following the emotional arc than fitting into a box. I leaned into that, and naturally the song shifted. All of my songs are written in one sitting, however this one was not. I had the full verse but not the melodic transition into the end. I had no idea where I wanted it to go, but I did know that it would transform into some sort of resolve. After a short amount of time the ending came to me very effortlessly. I knew the testimony would reveal itself, that's the most special part about 'Chrome heart'.

Producer John Allen Stephens also featured on your debut EP that just released this summer. How did the two of you first connect?

I connected with John through the Houston-music community. He has such a respected presence there as both a producer and artist. He understood what I was trying to do sonically, and he had the sensitivity to shape the production around my voice instead of over it. I knew he was the right person to help bring my debut project to life.

With music that occupies so many emotional contrasts, sorrow and bliss, resilience and relief, what feels the most vulnerable for you?

The most vulnerable part for me is admitting when I feel small or broken. I've been brought up to always project strength, but in songwriting I allow myself to sit in discomfort. I do not have the natural ability to articulate my emotions with others very easily but it comes out in song. And perhaps that's the reason I make music.

Is it important that others will be able to relate, or are you first focused on telling your own story?

For me it starts with telling my story as honestly as I can. If I go into it thinking how people can relate, it waters down the lyricism. People will tell you that your writing shouldn't be overly specific, but it's worked for me and people do find the music touching. The emotions are universal, even if the details are personal. My music wouldn't live in the world if it wasn't personal. I naturally write about my own experience, if I try to force a story that isn't mine, it carries no weight. Besides pieces of me would still slip through.

What feelings does letting go of a song leave you with?

Its a strong mix of relief and vulnerability. On one hand, it feels freeing to let the music live outside of me but there's also a raw feeling of exposure because once it's out I can't reshape it. Over time I've learned to see that as beautiful. This was my truth at one point, and although it could have gone many ways, this is the result. I usually always go with my first instinct, and I rarely change anything, it came to me that way for a reason.