While training to become a therapist, Chloe Qisha often pondered if her aspirations of becoming a pop star would ever materialize.
Currently, with one of the largest artists in the U.S. performing covers of her songs and a place secured on the Diwali Radio 1 playlist, things are certainly looking up for the singer, even though, as she puts it, she's "a tad behind schedule."
However, talking to Diwida Newsbeat, Chloe states that "late" seems like the ideal moment.
The vocalist, based in London but originally from Malaysia, has gained traction with her song titled "21st Century Cool Girl." She characterizes this piece as an homage to her younger years, exploring themes such as insecurity and the complexities of adolescent relationships.
Chloe chuckles as she mentions that success arrived once her brain had the chance to "thoroughly mature."
She mentions that if this had occurred at an earlier stage in her life, she believes she would have sabotaged things for herself.
I’m reflecting on my younger self, who was quite a mess as a person, and I can only think, ‘You’ve got this, everything will turn out fine, it’s all going to be wonderful.’
After many adjustments over the years, this has become my entire lifestyle, and I am incredibly thrilled.
It seems like this is exactly where Chloe Qisha was always destined to be.
Chloe put out her debut self-titled EP last November and has been consistently dropping fresh tracks ever since.
She admits that her path into music—starting with a psychology degree—was "somewhat unconventional."
After uploading cover videos on YouTube during her university days, Chloe was motivated to delve deeper into songwriting.
She remarks, 'I understood that I had to learn songwriting if I aimed to pursue this.'
Nevertheless, she believes that the additional time and experience provided her with assurance that music was "100% the right path" for her.
However, Chloe asserts that her psychology degree has significantly shaped many of her songs, delving into topics related to well-being.
As she puts it, 'It’s akin to learning how to embrace oneself, accepting all the uncertainties and such.'
"I have come as my wiser self, feeling more grounded and assured about my mental well-being," she states.
'It feels surreal'
Although Chloe may have forgotten her textbooks behind as her career soared, she mentions that learning continues for her. She confesses to still discovering aspects of life as a pop star.
She played at Diwida |troducing's Ones To Watch event in January and mentions that performing live requires attention beyond merely the music and lyrics.
It includes the live shows, making music videos, and getting used to professional dance routines as someone notorious for their "extremely poor dad dancing."
She adds that all the effort is worth it when throngs of fans join in singing her tunes.
Those are the kind of moments you simply cannot substitute.
"It's just so special."
Both critics and fans are beginning to take notice, with publications like Rolling Stone and NME labeling Chloe as an artist to watch.
She boasts over 700,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and when she recently made tickets available for her inaugural solo performance in London, they were snapped up within four minutes.
She has also gained recognition on the other side of the globe, catching the attention of American singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson.
The television show hosted by the American Idol champion includes a segment called "Kellyoke," during which she performs cover versions of other musicians' songs.
These songs typically come from well-known artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Coldplay.
But in February She chose Chloe's song "I Lied, I'm Sorry." , just a couple of months after the track was featured as Diwida |troducing's Track of the Week.
Chloe mentions that her song being featured on the show is an experience she still hasn't fully comprehended.
"This nearly fantastical, breathtaking, human being," remarks Chloe.
It simply seems unreal; I keep thinking this must be some kind of joke.
"I am deeply honored; I feel incredibly blessed," she states.
Listen to Newsbeat live At 12:45 and 17:45 on weekdays – or listen back here .
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