Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Narcissus.
Hi Chanel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started playing piano at the age of 3 and singing as soon as I could talk. I come from parents who are both musically inclined ad self taught. My dad introduced me to the piano and flute at a very early age and my mother put me into acting and singing. Throughout my childhood, I had sporadic piano lessons and didn’t receive consistent and structured lessons until college.
In 2001, I began my studies as a double major in the concentrations of Vocal Music and
Classical Piano at Morgan State University and sang with the world-renowned Morgan State
University Choir led by the late Dr. Nathan Carter. While at Morgan State, I studied under the tutelage of late and esteemed Pianist, Robert Jordan and the late Vocalist, Dr. Marilyn Thompson.
In 2005, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to begin a recording career as an independent artist. In 2007, I started an independent record label VYE Records, LLC and in 2010, I opened Studio Nar, LLC. Here, we offer private piano and voice lessons for pupils
ages 5 and above, audio recording, mixing and mastering services as well as audition prep to
aspiring and tenured performers.
In early 2012, I attended Sheffield Institute of Recording Arts (SIRA) in Phoenix, MD and was
the only woman in my class and received an Audio Engineering degree. In July of that same year,
I released my first single “Love Spell”, which I wrote, recorded and produced. “Love Spell” completed a two-month radio campaign and hit 2 BDS charts 7 weeks out of the 8-week campaign.
In November 2012, I released my debut EP CHANEL NARCISSUS: The Introduction. In 2014, I released my first single entitled “Make Love to Me” from my sophomore album, In My
Element.
In 2020, I acquired a Master’s Degree in Music Business from the prestigious Berklee College
of Music.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No. It wasn’t a smooth road. Doing business and doing business correctly are two different things. Learning about state laws, licensures, registrations etc. and how it affects your business is vital for the state that you are doing business in. For example, in the state of Maryland, you have to file your annual personal property taxes for each registered business which I was not aware of for the first 3 years I was in business. So, the entire time, I thought I was in compliance and an active business, I was not. So, imagine that bill when I went to get reinstated.
Also, running a business, as in anything, has its challenges. There’s the financial, emotional, mental, and physical aspects in addition to balancing your family life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My career spans music, education, film, theater, and print modeling. I began my formal music education in 2001 at Morgan State University, where I pursued a double major in Vocal Music and Classical Piano. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005 and embarked on my journey as an independent recording artist and audio engineer.
I founded VYE Records, LLC, and in 2010, I expanded my vision with the launch of Studio Nar, offering private lessons in piano and voice, as well as services in audio recording, mixing, mastering, and audition preparation for performers of all levels.
In 2012, I released my debut single, “Love Spell”, which I wrote, produced, and engineered accompanied by my first music video. My debut EP, CHANEL NARCISSUS: The Introduction, followed in November 2012. I continued building my discography with the 2014 release of “Make Love to Me”, the first single and music video from my sophomore album, In My Element.
In August 2021, I released “Pretty Eyes”, the second single from In My Element, accompanied by a music video and a live acoustic album, For Lovers Only, showcasing new material from my upcoming projects. My single and video “Beautiful” followed in July 2023, setting the stage for the highly anticipated full release of In My Element on September 16, 2023.
My acting career has landed me roles in movies such as Snowden and several independent films, theatre and work on several tv shows.
I recently launched my new business Amir’s Universe which features an educational coloring book series in vast subjects such as music, animals and more.
I am most proud of my journey and perseverance. I put my mind to something and I go for it. No matter the obstacle, I just keep going, creating and reinventing.
Pricing:
- Music lessons as low as $27.50
- Learning with Amir coloring books start at 9.99
- Chanel Narcissus Vinyl Album is $23.99
- Chanel Narcissus Vinyl and album bundle $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chanelnarcissus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelnarcissus/ and https://www.instagram.com/studionarllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChanelNarcissus/ and https://www.facebook.com/studionarllc/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chanelnarcissus
- Other: www.studionar.com
