#MusicExchange: Powerhouse Chantal Stanfield releases new single
1 Mar 2022
Singer and actress Chantal Stanfield has graced us with a new single. Best known for her toles in Geraldina die Tweede, 7de Laan and Montana and her one-woman show From Koe'siestes to Kneidlach, she is a powerhouse of creativity.
Image supplied: Chantal Stanfield
She has had two fantastic singles out; Nothing There and Walk it Off. Now, she has released new music.
The single is called J'adore, with Chantal on vocals and produced by Caz Abrahams and RJ Benjamin. The single is co-written by Chantal, RJ and French rapper Marz who features on the rap version.
I caught up with Chantal last week…
What is your job description?
Creative artist of the stage, screen and studio – takes too long to say actor, singer, dancer, playwright, theatre producer, songwriter, voice-artist…
What does music mean to you?
Music gives form to my internal creative ideas, while also inspiring and moving me.
My music is about…
I’m a lover of words and imagery, so my songs are always about painting the actual story.
What is your motto?
One of my recent mottos is “be where your feet are”. That’s giving focus to the moment at hand when so much else is happening.
Fame is about...
Somebody else’s idea of who you are.
Retirement will happen when…
When I can’t remember my lines or lyrics anymore!
I don't do…
Anything that diminishes another human for what they look like, where they’re from, who they love, who they do or don’t pray to, etc.
I would love to co-write with…
Ashford (late) and Simpson. Would’ve been great to see the dynamic of another husband-wife writing duo who also perform together.
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
When I’m stuck, I shake my brain by going somewhere different, even just a coffee shop in a different area.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
One of the best things is when the idea/song in your head finally makes sense ‘outside’ of your head.
The song you must do in every show?
If it’s a tribute show, Whitney or Sade is a pre-requisite, so Run Away or Rapture.
Any funny moments on stage?
An amphitheatre in Turkey, the rain starts after the first or second song. We keep going – we’re a group of hardy South Africans doing this tribute show. Eventually, we stopped when one too many of our dancers slipped on the wet stage!
Who are your heroes?
Easily, Tina Turner is my hero.
Who are your style icons?
Iris Apfel, Baddie Winkle, Accidental Icon – older women who don’t give a damn!
Which living person do you admire most and why?
My dad, the second officer of colour (first ‘Coloured’) in the Navy back in the 70s. I think it shows a great deal of temerity to stick it out, with all the challenges that go with that kind of first, to eventually become Captain.
What is your most treasured possession?
Not a possession, but my daughter.
It’s your round - what are you drinking?
G&T without the floral arrangements
Dream gig to do?
A residency in Las Vegas, with all the bells and whistles.
What makes you stand out?
I’ve been told my confidence, hair and posture!
Nicknames?
Chants
If you were not a musician what would you do?
Some kind of biologist.
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Kind, confident, sensitive, intuitive, intelligent.
What are you streaming?
Musically, Harry Nilsson. Screen-wise – The Tragedy of Macbeth.
Greatest movie ever made?
One of my favourites (but possibly not greatest) is The Shawshank Redemption.
What books are you reading?
Convenience Store Woman by Suyaka Murata. I have a mild Japanese obsession so immediately grabbed this.
What song changed your life?
Journey (The Storm) by RJ Benjamin
Who do you love?
My husband and daughter Ella.
What is your favourite word?
It’s not printable!
Top of your bucket list?
Japan!
Your greatest achievement?
Writing and producing my own one-woman play.
What do you complain about most often?
People not queueing properly, breathing right up a person’s neck.
What is your fear?
Actual paranormal activity.
Happiness is…
Loving who and what you are, and how you do it, to paraphrase the late Maya Angelou.
On stage I tend to…
Check weird audience members out then gossip backstage about it – especially if they’re on their phone or look like they were dragged there. Rather go drink at the bar!
The best life lesson you have been taught?
What people think about you is none of your business.
What has been your favourite journey so far?
Spain – my first time out of the country at 23, performing for six months on the island Menorca. Incredible.
Do you do charity work and if you do –what do you do?
I really should do more – when I can, I donate to Gift of the Givers. But I also try to do small things for people in a quiet manner.
Wishes and dreams?
That the pandemic will end and theatres will go back to full capacity audiences!
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