Talent / ChiChi AKA Cecilia Gault
Photos / Lauren Nakao Winn
Styling / Phil Gomez
Art + Glam / Rory Alvarez
Shot at Izakaya Juraku
The New York-based singer, songwriter, producer, and DJ is building a glitter-coated universe where hyperpop euphoria collides with underground club culture, Y2K nostalgia, and the kind of unapologetic femininity that feels both digitally native and deeply human. Underneath the sugar-rush hooks and pixel-perfect aesthetic is an artist obsessed turning emotional whiplash into something you can dance through at 2 a.m.
After years lending her voice and songwriting to the electronic music world, ChiChi has stepped into the spotlight on her own terms, equal parts pop provocateur and DIY auteur, she’s proof that the future of pop doesn’t belong to those chasing trends…it belongs to the ones inventing them.
Welcome to ChiChi’s universe. The Wi-Fi is strong, the bass is louder, and logging off was never really an option.
Jacket, Starsica Modular. Dress, Ashley Stambouli.
Head piece, Sahar Jaberian. Pants, Starsica Modular. Dress, Caroline Zimbalist. Shoes, Moschino.
Dress, Giorgia Lucasi. Top and Scarf, International Appeal. Shoes, Alexander McQueen.
Dress, Giorgia Lucasi. Top and Scarf, International Appeal. Shoes, Alexander McQueen.
You released your debut album last year “wrong until right” how was that experience and where has it lead you?
It opened my eyes to see how capable I am. I produced most of the album myself, and having a full project instead of just standalone songs was a completely different experience. It showed me I can actually take on something that big and see it through. And it was so exciting seeing how hyped my listeners got having a whole project to sit with, instead of just single songs here and there
What’s the biggest struggle you find as an independent artist?
My ideas are too big and my wallet is too small. Being your own boss sounds fun, but it comes with a ton of stress and pressure. There’s no one else to pass things off to. So the follow-through is the hardest part for me overall and actually pushing them all the way through with limited resources.
What would baby ChiChi say about current ChiChi?
Go take dance classes
We love seeing you create on tik tok live. What’s your creative process when producing?
I usually start with a title or concept, then just jam by myself on Ableton. Doing it live actually puts the right amount of pressure on me because I have to stay focused and not waste time, since I need to keep the viewers’ attention. It’s also really fun to bring my listeners into the process with me. They’ll check in for updates on stuff they watched me produce live, and just be super supportive and excited about the things I’m working on
Let’s talk community; in what ways you think community helps you and why is it important?
The past few years have been really special to me because I’ve been able to be part of such a supportive and loving community. It makes me feel safe enough to actually be my best self and my best artist. My community is always there offering love, care, and support, and I always want to give that right back. Honestly, I would be nothing without my friends and the creative community around me
Dream collab?
Dream collab: any brand willing to fund my delusions. I’ll wear the logo, I’ll sing the jingle, I’ll do whatever
What or who is your most coveted artists/albums right now and why?
Horsegiirl – NATURE IS HEALING
This album is so clever and special. The concept is so cool and inspiring with such a positive message. I’m obsessed with her songwriting style. My favorite songs are organic intelligence, hands hands hands, and AURA
Kim Petras – Detour
The production and attitude of Detour is so sharp, clean and intentional. My favorite songs are Bitch Ball Out, Jeep, and DTLA
And honorable mentions-
Westwood – Glamour
Underscores – U
Kyra Machida – Control
Golin – Crush
4 things you are hot for TODAY?
I’m hot 4 UV9
I’m hot 4 push up bras
I’m hot 4 pink stripes in my hair
I’m hot 4 ground beef
