Digital Cover: Chxrry22 Wants You at Her Party

We all know about the power of self-growth, stepping into new eras and closing the door on old ones. Singer Chxrry22 has mastered this art. Packing away the siren-smoked, seduction-studded persona of her previous EP, Siren, she is saying hello to a more authentic facet of herself. Last year, she was the first woman to be signed to The Weeknd’s XO Records. Now, she is brooding with a velvety passion, after just finishing up her whirlwind trip around Australia and New Zealand where she was the support act on his tour.

Chxrry22 is a rising force in the underground scene, blending hyperpop, R&B, and glitchy avant-garde sounds. Drawing from late-night partying experiences and chance encounters, she is in the midst of creating her debut album. For the multihyphenate, with every new project comes a different character, but this new body of work represents a divisive shift in her journey. “I’m big on commitment – committing to a look, a feel, an environment, a colour – whatever it is,” she explains. “This time, the character of my album is very myself – it’s not really a character. I’m just living my life authentically and dealing with this new-found discovery of who I am.” 

So, who is Chxrry22? Well, her real name is Lydia Habtemariam, but she prefers ‘Chxrry’. And she’s definitely not the intimidating exterior that she puts out. “In real life, I’m actually crazy and fun,” she assures. Gone are the days of carefully constructed images and self-imposed isolation, because she’s too busy partying in LA and having fun, all without forgetting her vulnerability and power. If Chxrry22 is sultry and mysterious, shrouded in smoke and mirrors, then Lydia is your unapologetically raw and painfully cool older sister, who is smashing those mirrors and saying, ‘Here I am, take it or leave it.’

The singer’s life is a cocktail of partying, photo shoots and producing music in the studio. Following a similar pattern, this new album was born out of an urge to hear her songs at these LA parties. “I would do something [at a party] and then come back and be like, ‘I want to write about this.’”, which is how her single ‘Poppin Out (Mistakes)’ came to be. “The [album] is about my nightlife experiences, meeting different types of people. You get so many different stories from these interactions.”

Wrapped up in hedonism, the partying that inspires the project isn’t just a celebration of her reaching career milestones, but also a navigation of self-discovery. “I’m talking about my past and about how I really feel inside – beyond the looks and all of that sex stuff.” This time, it’s not just about her glamorous exterior, it’s also about peeling back the layers to reveal those intimate, messy moments that define us. She’s tired of the idea that the shiny exterior is the only thing worth showcasing. 

Although the means of uncovering this sense of self and unveiling these hidden emotions would not be recommended by professionals, Chxrry shares the all-too-relatable scenario of ruminating over every life decision whilst on the “lonely and sad” drive home from the party. These are the moments that inspired the slower-paced tracks on the album. Each song is set to feel like a window into her life as it unfolds in real time.

It’s that unfiltered ferocity that is allowing the singer to build a closer relationship with her fans. It’s clear that Chxrry has undergone a significant personal evolution. No longer content with playing a role or hiding behind a character, she’s embracing a version of herself that is both grounded and unafraid to shine. “I want [my fans] to see the growth,” she says. “This time, it’s really me. I’m not hiding anything.” 

Even though she allows some of her fan pages all-areas access to her Instagram Close Friends, this isn’t to say that she doesn’t want to keep a sense of fantasy for her listeners. “I’m not trying to be fucking relatable,” she shares, “I’m an artist and my goal is to bring visuals to life that are beyond reality. With my music, I try my hardest to be honest, but the visuals are where I get to be as crazy, experimental, and otherworldly as possible. My goal every time is to give people an escape.” 

For Chxrry, connection with her fans is much more important than relatability. We’re in a time where representation is growing all the more important and the singer’s Ethiopian roots motivate her to achieve her dreams.  With plans to perform a show in Ethiopia soon, the singer recently made a breakthrough with her father, who didn’t realise she was on a path to becoming a popstar, but has since witnessed the recognition she now gets around the world.

“Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of pop stars that looked like me. This can really affect you. I know that when I go to my country and they see me perform, it will inspire so many kids,” she says. “It’s one thing to entertain but it’s another to make a difference.”

For them, Chxrry is not only evidence that achieving your dreams is possible, but a representation of their culture in the wider media. “From the things I’m drawn to, to the way I sing, it’s all a part of who I am. I am my culture. Naturally, it’ll always be part of everything I do,” she explains.

In embracing her roots, she opens a door for others to step through and follow their own paths. Here, authenticity and cultural pride coexist and flourish. Weaving these personal revelations into her music, she creates a space where listeners don’t just hear her – they feel her. As her music continues to evolve, it’s clear that this new chapter isn’t just about creating great art – it’s about creating a space where anyone who listens can see a part of themselves in her journey.