Chlöe Bailey, a rising star in the music industry, is opening up about the challenges she faces as a Black woman whose music is often pigeonholed into the R&B genre, despite her ventures into various musical styles. In a candid interview with Nylon, Bailey highlighted the racial double standards that persist in the music industry.
“Any music I do will easily and quickly be categorized as R&B because I’m a Black woman,” Bailey stated. “If someone who didn’t have my skin tone made the same music, it would be in the pop categories. That’s just the way it’s always been in life.”
Bailey’s reflections are not just personal grievances but a broader commentary on the industry’s systemic issues. She draws inspiration from iconic figures like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, who have also faced similar challenges. Bailey noted how Houston, early in her career, was criticized for not being “Black enough” when she ventured into pop music. “To see how she persevered and has become one of the most iconic, legendary artists that we’ve ever seen, shows that music has no race, it has no genre, it has none of that. It’s just a feeling and it’s a vibration,” Bailey said.
Bailey also expressed her admiration for Beyoncé’s recent country album, “Cowboy Carter,” which she sees as a testament to the endless possibilities for Black artists. “That’s why I was really proud of Beyoncé doing Cowboy Carter,” she said. “Because Black people originated country music. It’s just showing that possibilities are endless.”
Bailey’s own musical journey has been marked by genre experimentation. As part of the Chloe x Halle duo with her sister Halle Bailey, she has traversed genres like soul, electronica, house, hip-hop, alternative rock, contemporary pop, and R&B. Their two Billboard 200-charting Grammy-nominated studio albums, 2018’s “The Kids Are Alright” and 2020’s “Ungodly Hour,” showcased this versatility. Bailey’s debut solo album, “In Pieces,” continued this trend, blending various sounds and reaching No. 119 on the all-genre albums chart.
Despite her genre-blurring efforts, Bailey’s awards and chart success have primarily come in the R&B field. Of her five career Grammy nominations, only one came from outside the R&B categories—her 2018 best new artist nod as one-half of Chloe x Halle.
Bailey finds solace in knowing that her work is often ahead of its time. “What I kind of love about my art is that it sneaks up on you,” she explained. “When ‘In Pieces’ came out, not many people really got it. But now a year later, people are like, ‘Oh, it’s genius! It’s beautiful! It’s amazing!’ And if you think about it, that’s how it has been with me and my sister’s previous work as well. No one ever gets it when it first comes out.”
Bailey is currently gearing up for the release of her sophomore solo studio album, “Trouble In Paradise,” slated to drop later this summer. The album is described as “a coming-of-age celebration of being a woman and having fun, not taking life too seriously.” She has already released two singles this year—”Boy Bye” and the moody R&B banger “FYS.” The album will feature collaborations with artists like Halle, Jeremih, and Anderson .Paak.
Reflecting on her evolving image and the criticism she faces, Bailey dismisses detractors who struggle to accept her transition from a child star to a confident, sensual artist. “People are so used to seeing me as a little girl,” she mused. “When I pose in what they would call sexy outfits, the quickest thing that a lot of haters would like to say is: She has no sex appeal.”
Bailey finds liberation in her body and self-expression, particularly after spending time in Saint Lucia. “Being in the Caribbean, everyone has their ass out, no bra…It’s so liberating,” she expressed. “I don’t know why celebrating yourself is so taboo.”
Bailey also emphasizes the importance of healthy competition and pushing oneself to excel while celebrating the achievements of other women in the industry. “It pushes you. It allows you to become better,” she stated. “It’s OK to celebrate other incredible women and also be like, ‘I’ve got to step my game up!'”
In addition to her musical pursuits, Bailey has found an unexpected passion for Lego, which she finds therapeutic and calming. “It’s very therapeutic and calming,” she remarked, recalling a visit to Alicia Keys’ studio adorned with Lego creations.
As Bailey delves into the themes of her latest album, “Trouble in Paradise,” she explains its inspiration from the bittersweet emotions of a summer fling. “The story of this album is like when you have a summer fling…You’re a hopeless romantic and you fall in love, deep,” she described. “You know it won’t last forever, but it feels too good to really care.”
Collaborating with her sister Halle on the album holds a special significance for Bailey, bridging their individual lives and creative journeys. “I got in my sister’s head and was like, OK, what is going on in her life right now?” Bailey recounted. “We both have our own lives…And I was like, ‘Sis, we’re going to be in New York at the same time, I would love for you to be on the record.’ It just felt like old times.”
As Chlöe Bailey continues to challenge norms and define her musical identity, her journey stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and embracing personal growth in an evolving industry landscape. Her insights offer a glimpse into the complexities of fame, identity, and artistic expression, resonating with audiences navigating their own paths in a world of shifting perceptions and limitless possibilities.
Source: Nylon, Billboard
