Q&A: Charley Yang Talks Chandol, Touring and His Debut Album ‘Mercurial’
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY CITLALLI ESQUIVEL ☆
ELECTRIC, UNPREDICTABLE AND RAW— are just a few words that come to mind when watching Chandol on tour. Singer-songwriter Charley Yang, better known as Chandol, is a force to be reckoned with and is ready to give the world his most authentic self through his newest project, Mercurial. Delivering some of his most vulnerable compositions and lyrics yet, Charley invites listeners to get to know the person behind Chandol and the experiences that shaped him into the artist he is today.
Mercurial marks Chandol’s first project, featuring 12 tracks that encapsulate the literal definition of its title: unpredictable. Wandering down memory lane but never staying there for too long, the album explores who Charley once was while making peace with who he is today. With each track having its own story, the album brings together hyperpop, indie and folk sounds for a foundation that feels descriptive of his identity.
Luna had the pleasure of sitting down with Chandol to discuss Mercurial, touring across the United States and what’s next for the rising artist.
LUNA: Mercurial seems to represent unpredictable moods or events affecting someone or something. How does this theme reflect the project or you as an artist?
CHANDOL: It mostly reflects the way I was brought up. We moved around a lot, the whole gist. But also, in the music, I tried including many different genres within the project.
LUNA: The album itself indulges in different genres, from “2002,” which has hyperpop influences, to “While I’m Gone,” which has more of a soft, folky sound. What was the thought process behind curating the storytelling and presentation of each track?
CHANDOL: Every track has its own story. For those two in particular, “While I’m Gone” is more of a folky song. I wrote it in a hotel room somewhere in the Midwest while I was on the road touring. There’s actually a funny story behind it—it was 2 a.m., and I was trying to record vocals. We were trying to hit these really broad sounds, and I heard a knock on the door. It was security asking us to turn it down (laughs)! I’m not sure what got me into that folky mood, but that’s some of the behind-the-scenes of it.
For “2002,” I was inspired by a few songs, but in particular, a Playboi Carti song that used a drill sound. I feel like it all makes sense, and I really did like the sound. I guess I had a lot of emotions that I wanted to get out.
LUNA: Among the album’s tracks, what are your top three songs that you’ve enjoyed listening to or performing for your fans over the past month?
CHANDOL: Honestly, most of the album is old music to me now because I’ve heard it over the past two years. But from the album, I would say “Doubt,” “Mercury” and “What’s the Rush” have been sticking around the most. I really love playing “What’s the Rush” live—that one is fun to play live.
LUNA: What is something you wish those who listen to Mercurial take away from the project?
CHANDOL: At the end of the day, I just want people to feel good while listening to my music. I would say the album is very me. It’s selfish in that sense, but I hope they can get something out of it, understand me a little better and understand themselves.
LUNA: In terms of touring, what was one city that took you by surprise? Or was there a specific moment on tour that made you realize this new stepping stone was different?
CHANDOL: I think about almost every show. I think it started with Philly, then carried down to Denver, San Francisco and LA. Those shows felt different. In the past, when I would tour the U.S., U.S. markets tend not to be too cool for school, but they are a bit more reserved, and concert etiquette is still developing. But then you go to Europe or the U.K., and it’s so crazy rowdy [yet] controlled.
I feel like all my shows in the U.S. this time felt like that. I think Denver went the craziest. It’s definitely between Denver and San Francisco. It was very different from what I’m used to in the U.S., which I really liked.
LUNA: Speaking of touring, what is a ritual or team-bonding exercise you and your team do before hitting the stage?
CHANDOL: I think it’s different on every tour. This time around, I was out with my little brother, and we played this game called two-touch for hours before the stage. Sometimes we get together as a team and a band, put our hands together, and on this tour we would say, “Oh, in three” ([an] inside joke within the team).
LUNA: Your artistry continues to evolve and, in a way, reintroduce itself to the world. What is one lesson or message that has stayed with you throughout the years?
CHANDOL: I think something I’ve been trying to apply to my life and my work is: work hard, don’t stress as much, don’t stop working, just stop stressing.
LUNA: What’s next? Do you have any upcoming music plans?
CHANDOL: Hell yeah! I’m working on new music for the fall, trying to curate a more fall sound—less all over the place like Mercurial, less personal and just good vibes. Stuff that I would listen to.
