UK dance music continues to be a cornerstone for independent American labels within the genres of R&B and Soul to provide rich sources of new emerging talent to be unearthed to a new generation of global dance listeners. Philadelphia native Chanel Perry is a classic case of this. In 2005, due to the underground popularity of her single, My Life, utilising the instantly recognisable Crusaders classic, Street Life, Chanel's distinctive vocals caused the lines to jam on London's Smooth FM.  This led U.S. label MAPP Record's single to be snapped up by the offices of Hed Kandi and remixed by top dance production team Seamus Haji and Paul Emmanuel. My Life became a massive club anthem that was widely supported and championed globally by taste-making music magazines, stores, club and radio DJs, culminating in Top 40 national chart positions in the UK, France and Scandinavia and a sought after track on compilations worldwide.

Hot on the heels of her successful debut, Chanel returns with another slice of MAPP Records' Soul2House collaborations entitled Dance, which showcases her trademark distinctive and sultry vocals.  Remixed by Fish and Chips, Dance is an infectious club feel good factor that interpolates Carol Williams' disco classic Love Is You with a chorus that's contagious like flu and will spark up many a speaker and further establish Chanel within the European club fraternity. Other mixes include Carl Ryden, Dave Bernardi and Montoja Remix.

EUT: You went to a performing arts school. Do you think that's been helpful to your singing career so far? 

Chanel: Yes, I believe everything that I've done along the way has played   a significant role in creating stepping stones to get me to this point in my life and my career.

EUT: You think education is important since you have obtained a degree?

Chanel: Extremely important! Education is the key to the many doors with opportunities just beyond them.  Please stay in school or take the opportunity to go back if you haven't finished.  You'll be glad you did.

EUT: My Life has been such a successful track. How do you feel about that?

Chanel: I'm always ecstatic when I hear myself on the radio or see charts with my name on it.  It's an overwhelming feeling to know that God has given me a voice that people actually want to hear.  I have been blessed with this gift, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my gift with the world.

EUT: Was it originally planned to become a dance hit? 

Chanel: No, originally it was an old school R&B hit then it became a Dance hit! I seem to have struck gold with My Life.

EUT: How did Haji and Emanuel get involved with you?

Chanel: The song was presented to them, they did a remix for it and then it was released.   By the time I met Haji and Emmanuel the song had made its way to the top of several charts.  I came to London to do some PA's and several radio interviews, that's when we met for the first time during an interview.

EUT: What do you think of comparisons to Booty Luv?

Chanel: I actually saw their name on several charts that I also found myself on before I had the opportunity to hear their music.  I love their sound, their style is unique and that's a good thing.  It appears to me that their career is moving full steam ahead.  Like I said, I see their name everywhere…so much continued success ladies!

EUT: Can you describe other songs on your forthcoming album?

Chanel: This CD talks a lot about love and relationships and that rollercoaster we sometimes find ourselves on.  I think I covered it all.  I think people will be able to relate to the message that each song offers because we deal with these situations on a regular basis.

EUT: Who have you been working with? 

Chanel: Alex Richbourg, Young Lord, KT, and T.C. Cunningham and Kiesha Miles

EUT: Who are your musical influences? 

Chanel: Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Beyonce, Faith, Joe, Charlie Wilson, Frank McComb, Brandy, Rudy Currence, Gladys Knight, Mary Mary and Yolanda Adams and the list goes on and on.

EUT: Why are you different to other artists that are around at the moment?

Chanel: I believe that my music transcends time.  I try to write and perform music that is timeless, that's important to me.  Although my sound might have a hint of familiarity, my vocal style is unique with a touch of old school, R&B and Soul all wrapped in one with a Gospel undertone…yeah that would be me.

EUT: What is your biggest ambition for 2008?

Chanel: I pray that I am able to go above and beyond what I was able to accomplish in the previous years.  I'm prayerful that my music will reach many more this time around and as long as people want to hear my music, my desire is to keep giving them what they want.  Thank you for all the love and support you've shown me and my music, I truly appreciate everything.

www.myspace.com/chanelmapprecords

Rashmi Shastri – Feb 2008