As been reported,
As a little girl growing up in Kota Kinabalu, Che'Nelle, whose real name is Cheryline Lim, could never be found without a microphone in hand belting out evergreen hits at her father's karaoke lounge.The plucky girl would also make up her own lyrics to sing during her sessions."Karaoke taught me that the type of song didn't matter. It was more about feel and just singing with passion."So I was influenced by many artistes from Whitney Houston and Elvis to Tom Jones and The Carpenters.
"Later I would listen to people like Ella Fitzgerald, India Arie and Musiq Soulchild," says Che'Nelle.At the age of 10, Che'Nelle, who is of Chinese and Indian-Dutch parentage, moved to Perth with her mother and younger brother.
She later enrolled at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts to study music and discovered a love for writing songs"The thing I like most about the music-making process is that I get to express myself through my lyrics. "Everyone has their own way of self-healing, whether it's through meditation or painting beautiful artwork.
"Performing is my physical release and writing, my mental equivalent," says Che'Nelle.
Following the example of other empowered female artistes such as Alicia Keys and Missy Elliot, who are all-in-one singers, songwriters and producers, Che'Nelle recorded her songs in her bedroom studio using Pro Tools.
She wrote 10 of the songs on Things Happen For A Reason and collaborated with big-time producers James Poyser, Sean Garrett, and Rich Harrison.
Songs like Club Jumpin, Hurry Up and I Fell In Love With The DJ have an infectious cheeky feel to it.
"Yes, it's cheeky all right but never nasty," she assures."There are also deep and meaningful songs taken from personal experiences that I think people can relate to. It's very me."
Her song, Teach Me How To Dance was featured in the Antonio Banderas dance vehicle, Take The Lead.Possessing exotic features coupled with a svelte, taut frame, Che'Nelle confesses that she's just an ordinary girl, cooking being her great interest. "I make a mean curry, something I picked up from my mum.
"I also love entertaining friends, so I'll have them over and have a cookout."Other than that I workout at the gym, watch films and go clubbing just like everyone else. I'm just the girl next door," she says.Che'Nelle makes an effort to come home once in awhile to visit her father, a civil engineer and architect based in China, who travels back to Kota Kinabalu often.
"The last I was here in Malaysia was for Chinese New Year. I'd return every two years," she says. "I hope to create a positive movement with my music, to show people, especially those in Asia, that dreams do come true. "Just believe in yourself and hold on to your dreams, no matter what.
"If I can do it, so can you."
