Chara Nae explores unexpected attraction and vulnerability in new R&B single ‘Fallin’’ (Interview)
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The Greenville, Mississippi-born singer opens up about her musical beginnings, unconventional romance and creative chemistry with BLK Dior.
Hailing from Greenville, Mississippi, emerging R&B singer Chara Nae is embracing vulnerability, confidence and the unexpected twists of love through her music. With a passion for singing that began at just four years old, she has steadily developed her voice and artistic identity, drawing inspiration from influential women in R&B, including Kehlani, SZA, Summer Walker, Whitney Houston and Brandy.
Her latest release, ‘Fallin’’, explores the magnetic pull of someone who challenges her expectations of love. What happens when someone outside your usual type makes you reconsider everything you thought you wanted? Through candid storytelling and an emotionally honest perspective, Chara Nae explores attraction, unexpected tenderness and the softer side of a man who might otherwise keep his guard up.
Featuring her close friend and collaborator BLK Dior, ‘Fallin’’ offers listeners a glimpse into the chemistry, conversations and creative spontaneity behind the record. We caught up with Chara Nae to discuss her Mississippi upbringing, musical influences, songwriting process, the inspiration behind ‘Fallin’’ and what she hopes listeners discover about her as she enters this next chapter of her career.
Richardine: Share a bit about your childhood: how you grew up, where you grew up and how long music has been part of your life?
Chara Nae: I was born and raised in Greenville, Mississippi. Music has been a part of my life since I was four years old. I started out singing in church and doing talent shows at school. I’ve always loved singing, so music has just been a part of me for as long as I can remember.
Richardine: What is your city best known for? Who are your top musical influences? Do you have any dream collaborations?
Chara Nae: Greenville, Mississippi is known for its Blues history, Southern culture, hot tamales, and local festivals. Some of my biggest musical influences are Kehlani, SZA, Summer Walker, Whitney Houston, and Brandy. I love their music and the way they connect with people through their songs. I’d love to collaborate with Summer Walker or Kehlani one day. Those are definitely at the top of my list!
Richardine: What is your songmaking process like? Is it easy to create, or do you need a certain mindset?
Chara Nae: My songwriting process really depends on how I’m feeling. Sometimes the words just come to me naturally, and other times I have to be in a certain mood or mindset to create. A lot of my ideas come from my emotions and personal experiences. I also have help from my manager, who sometimes comes up with the topic or gives me a starting point. From there, I build on it and make it my own. I like for my music to feel genuine and relatable.
Richardine: What excites you most about this moment in your career as a singer/musician?
Chara Nae: I’m most excited about growing as an artist, putting my music out there, and allowing people to get to know me through my music. I’m ready to step outside my comfort zone, build my confidence, and see where this journey takes me!
Richardine: It sounds like you have a type that was once off-limits. How did he become irresistible?
Chara Nae: Hood niggas were never really my type, but something about him was different. He made me feel seen, was patient with me, and gave me the kind of attention I wasn’t used to. He knew how to take care of my mind, body, and soul, and that’s what made him so irresistible.
Richardine: What do you think makes this kind of man soft when he’s around you?
Chara Nae: I think it’s the connection we have. He knows he doesn’t always have to be tough around me. I bring out a softer side of him, and I love that he feels comfortable enough to let his guard down with me.
Richardine: As someone who has grown up with various kinds of boys who turned into men who maintained a certain lifestyle, I could understand why this kind of man might be a no-no. I don’t want to assume, so I want you to clear it up. Why did you tell yourself that you shouldn’t fall for a “hood nigga”?
Chara Nae: Honestly, I think it came from what I had seen and experienced growing up. I never really pictured myself with someone who lived that kind of lifestyle because I knew some of the things that could come with it. I didn’t want to put myself in a situation that could bring unnecessary stress or hurt. But with him, I got to see a different side, and I didn’t expect to connect with him the way I did.
Richardine: How did you connect with your collaborator, BLK Dior? Ask her what the “favourite love song” she had in mind when writing that verse. We wanna know.
Chara Nae: BLK Dior is actually a close friend of mine. We first connected through music, but our friendship naturally grew beyond that. Dior said she was just making it rhyme! Sometimes the best lines come naturally, without even thinking too hard about them.
Richardine: Can we expect an official music video for this song?
Chara Nae: Absolutely! A music video is definitely in the plans. Stay tuned!
Richardine: When you think of the name GRUNGECAKE, what comes to mind for you?
Chara Nae: To me, “Grunge” represents the edgy, raw, and rebellious side, while “Cake” represents the sweet, feminine, and softer side.
Richardine: What’s next for you?
Chara Nae: More music, more growth, and bigger opportunities! I want to keep evolving as an artist and continue showing people different sides of me.
