Chantel Upshaw

Written by Daniel Stad

At eighteen, Chantel produced a self-written demo, sent it away, signed a production deal with Scott McCulloch's Flyebird Music in Vancouver and was on her way to becoming a top artist in North America. Chantel worked with top producer Jeff Dawson (Daniel Powter, Winston, Holly McNarland) to create and develop a fun, tongue-in-cheek style and songs would never be out-of-season. Joining in on the first EP recorded at Mushroom Studios were also Brendan Osterander (Sarah McLachlan, Daniel Powter's drummer), well-reknowned session Bass player Darren Parris (Daniel Powter), keyboardist Dave Pickell (Lara Fabian, Rita McNeill), and others.

A small hiatus later, she is now set to record brand new material to release in 2007.

An undeniable growth in songwriting and from-the-gut vocal ability set the tone in songs like the gritty, full-of-'tude "Ain't No Good", "When the Sun is at Ease", and the progressive, heartfelt "Right Now". A departure from the Disney-esque whimsicalities of her first EP proves to be an easy transition. Intertwining and intricate harmonies and interludes are a Chantel specialty to listen for and enjoy.

Despite her youth, Chantel has a vocal coordination and innate talent that could stand up to the great female singers of times past, mixing maturity with modernity and a dash of fun. A live performance from this new artist is definitely something not to miss.

Influenced by everyone from her dad's Eagles and Lynrd Skynrd records, the Beatles,Eva Cassidy, Frank Sinatra, Bob Marley, and Imogen Heap to musical productions she grew up watching and participating in, Chantel has managed to create a musical genre of her own. Her natural ability to cross stylistic boundaries speaks volumes without being contrived. Add a natural front-woman's command of the stage (likely drawn from musical theatre explorations as a kid), and you have an artist poised to make her mark in the music industry worldwide. Stay tuned for new material in 2007...a bit more soul, the same amount of playfulness.