Chelsea Otto Ferary is an actress and musician based in Los Angeles, California. This muti-hyphenate performer plays five instruments, writes, records, and produces her own original music. Her latest release “Rewind” was a perfect summer song for everyone’s playlists. Chelsea took time out of the studio for this interview about her music career and her goals for 2023.
What drew you into music?
What drew me into music was the storytelling that is incorporated with unique melodies that really touch the hearts of so many people. I love that music can really impact people in different ways and I wanted to share the way music has impacted me with others through my own original creations, in hopes that others will find relatable comfort and inspiration from my music.
What is your process for recording a song?
Recording and producing my music via my laptop is a very interesting and fun creative process for me to work one on one with my ideas and vessel it into creation. I always experiment with different melodies and patterns that I find interesting and add emphasis to different tones that I enjoy the most. My songwriting process consists of developing a melody first, usually it comes to mind out of the blue for me. I could be doing chores and washing the dishes and randomly out of nowhere a melodic idea comes to mind. I will process this inspired tune onto my laptop D.A.W. and from there, I experiment with other values and dynamics that I can possibly add to my music to make it sound the best and then I develop lyrics to bring the song into full circle.
I feel it’s a great opportunity to really reflect on my music as an artist and be in control of how exactly I want the song to sound and make the changes right then and there.
What do you like in a song?
In a song, I usually like a catchy beat and a memorable chorus. I also like songs that develop a story so by the climax of the chorus it feels super dynamic and powerful.
Tell us about your newest single.
My newest single is called “Rewind” and it was released on July 13th, 2023. It really was a joy to create. “Rewind” is a song about wanting to go back in time to experience a part of your life that you really cherished, and you wish that part would continue and never end. This is ironic because time keeps going, it never stops for anyone which is why I decided to call the song “Rewind”, because if life had a rewind button it would save the moments that we love the most and we could replay them over and over again!
Photo Credit: Ashley Roberts Photography
What is your advice for keeping a healthy work/life balance?
Write things down, I personally have a planner and it helps so much with organization because I agree that life can get really busy! Also make sure to take time for yourself whether that be meditation, yoga, going to the gym. Me personally I find balance in my life through God because I know I can pray to him and he hears my thoughts and concerns, and this allows me to keep a healthy work/life balance because I know he has a perfect plan for my life.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you.
I play five instruments, guitar, ukulele, piano, violin, and the clarinet. I’ve always been involved musically growing up and I’ve continued to work on my instrumental talents. I also experiment with different instruments during my songwriting process, sometimes writing songs on the piano and even the guitar and ukulele.
What are your goals for 2023?
My goal for 2023 is to come out with an EP release before the year ends. I’m super excited to be working towards this goal and I have a lot of exciting music ahead to share with everyone!
Any upcoming projects you can share?
Currently I have a new single in the works, and I have been in my studio producing it, I hope to share it with everyone soon and I hope the song can reach people of all ages to feel motivated and confident in whatever they do.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Zigazoo – @ottoferary
Photo Credit: Ashely Roberts Photography