Symphonic metal artist Chantal unleashes Rainbow Warrior, a cinematic and soul-stirring album that calls listeners to awaken, heal, and rise with courage, compassion, and purpose in turbulent times.
1.
Congratulations on the release of Rainbow Warrior! How does it feel to share
this deeply personal and cinematic album with the world?
Thank you so much! It feels incredibly liberating and emotional to finally
share Rainbow Warrior with the world. This album is a reflection of my
inner journey - filled with both fire and healing - and releasing it feels like
offering a piece of my soul. I poured everything into it, not just musically,
but energetically and spiritually and to see it resonate with others is deeply
humbling.
2. The
concept of the “Rainbow Warrior” has deep spiritual and environmental roots.
What inspired you to build your entire album around this theme?
The concept of the Rainbow Warrior is rooted in an ancient prophecy that
speaks of a time of great chaos, when a group of people would rise to heal the
Earth, restore balance, and lead with compassion, courage, and truth. That
message struck a deep chord within me. I believe we’re living in such a time
right now - where division, fear, and greed are pervasive - and I wanted the
album to reflect a different path. One that calls people back to their
intuition, to their purpose, and to their innate power to make a difference.
It’s easy
to feel powerless when we look at the magnitude of suffering in the world. We
ask ourselves, “How can someone like me possibly change anything?” But
the truth is, we’re never as small as we think. There’s a quote I love that
says, “If you think you're too small to make a difference, just think of a
mosquito.” That perfectly captures the heart of this album. Real change
doesn’t always come from grand gestures - it often comes from small,
intentional acts of love, courage, and integrity that ripple outward in ways we
may never see.
Personally,
I’ve experienced how even the smallest act of kindness can have a profound
impact. Last December, I received a simple but kind message from someone during
one of the most traumatic periods of my life. That message, though they had no
idea, pulled me back from a very dark place. It reminded me of the quiet power
we each carry to uplift, to heal, and to reach someone when they need it most.
While
mainstream media often amplifies fear and division, I’ve become increasingly
aware of everyday people around the world doing incredible things. Individuals
- just like you and me - who are using their time, energy, and creativity to
clean rivers, invent sustainable solutions, support communities, and act with
compassion. These stories don’t always get told, but they’re happening. And
they matter.
Rainbow
Warrior is my
offering to that movement of light. It’s a musical tribute to those who choose
love over fear, action over apathy, and truth over silence. I may not be able
to change the world alone - but I can create something that sparks thought,
ignites feeling, and reminds someone else of their power. That, to me, is what
being a Rainbow Warrior is all about.
3.
You’ve said this album is a call for those who “choose love over fear.” What
does that look like for you personally, both as an artist and as a human being?
For me, choosing love over fear means living in alignment with kindness,
authenticity, and truth - even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. As an
artist, it means writing music that speaks from the heart, not from a formula.
It’s being willing to challenge systems, speak out, and stand strong in who I
am, without compromising my integrity. As a human being, it’s about showing up
fully, even when it’s hard. It’s about using my voice with purpose.
In today’s
world, I’ve noticed a growing intolerance toward differing opinions and belief
systems. So much division, anger, and conflict arise from the need to be
“right” or to convince others to think the same way. I’m not saying I agree
with every belief or lifestyle choice, but I do believe in respecting others'
freedom to live according to their own values. We each have to live with the
consequences of our choices - and no one else has the authority to dictate
what’s right for us individually. Respecting each other’s differences without
trying to force our perspective onto others is essential for peace.
Do I
believe in an ultimate truth? Yes. But I also believe people are more likely to
open their minds through empathy and understanding, not confrontation. Change
begins with connection - by seeking to understand where someone is coming from
and then offering your perspective, not imposing it. When we plant seeds of
thought with compassion, we create the space for others to grow, reflect, and
possibly change.
That
philosophy shaped a major turning point in my life around 2017, when I made the
conscious decision to live from my heart and follow my intuition. That choice
meant leaving the safety of the corporate world to pursue my lifelong passion
for music - a decision that wasn’t always supported by those around me, but one
that felt profoundly right. The corporate path, while stable, felt
soul-crushing. I couldn’t imagine reaching the end of my life filled with
regret over the things I didn’t do, or the words I didn’t say.
I once
heard a nurse who worked in hospice say that most people’s deepest regrets were
not the things they did - but the things they didn’t do. That stayed with me. I
want to reach the end of my life knowing that even if I was terrified at times,
I still followed my heart anyway and gave it everything I had. That’s why Rainbow
Warrior is so meaningful to me. It’s more than an album - it’s my legacy
for my children. A message of courage, truth, and compassion that I hope
outlives me.
4. From
thunderous orchestration to emotional ballads, Rainbow Warrior is sonically
diverse. How did you approach creating such a dynamic yet cohesive sound?
I wanted the album to feel like a journey - not just a collection of songs, but
an immersive experience. Each track reflects a different facet of the human
experience: anger, tenderness, defiance, hope. I worked closely with my
producer to ensure that, while the dynamics shifted from song to song, the
emotional and thematic thread remained consistent. The symphonic elements
helped tie everything together, giving the album that larger-than-life,
cinematic quality.
5. Can
you tell us more about the collaboration with your longtime producer and how
their role helped shape the sound of this album?
Absolutely. I’m incredibly grateful to work with a producer who is not only
immensely talented but also genuinely kind, grounded, and dedicated. He
understands my vision on a deep level and helps bring it to life with precision
and heart. He’s meticulous with detail but always leaves space for emotional
spontaneity. This album wouldn’t be what it is without his brilliance and
support. He also happens to be a horse enthusiast, which I think says a lot
about his intuitive nature!
6. One
of the standout tracks is “Which Wolf Will You Feed.” What’s the story behind
that song, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
That song is inspired by the well-known Cherokee parable about the two wolves
inside each of us - one representing darkness, the other light. It’s about
recognizing that we all carry both, and we have the power to choose which
energy we give life to. It’s a call to awareness and accountability, and a
reminder that even in difficult times, we’re not powerless. The wolf we feed
shapes who we become.
7.
“Never Give Up” is a powerful anthem of resilience. Is there a particular
moment in your life that inspired this track?
Absolutely - there have been several defining moments in my life that inspired “Never
Give Up.” I’ve walked through seasons of intense emotional, physical, and
spiritual challenge - times when I questioned everything, including my purpose
and path. But in those dark moments, I discovered a quiet strength I didn’t
know I had. That’s where the heart of this song comes from: the understanding
that even the smallest spark of hope is enough to move you forward when
everything feels lost.
It’s also a
reflection of the growing pressure I see in the world around personal freedom
and sovereignty. Over the years, we’ve seen a steady erosion of basic human
rights - freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and freedom of choice. And
while I may not agree with every belief system or lifestyle choice out there, I
absolutely believe in the right of individuals to choose how they live their
lives. I'm not referring to hate speech or actions that incite harm - I'm
talking about deeply personal choices: what we put into our bodies, what we
abstain from, whether we choose to have children, follow a religion, or walk a
different path entirely.
To me, “Never
Give Up” is about standing firm in that freedom. It’s about holding onto
your voice, your truth, and your right to exist as you are - even when that
truth is challenged. It’s a reminder that, no matter how loud the noise gets,
you don’t have to give up your power, your integrity, or your hope. This song
is my personal anthem, but I know it speaks to many others who feel the weight
of these times. And I hope it gives them strength to keep going.
8.
Rainbow Warrior touches on environmental and societal issues. How important is
activism or awareness in your music?
It’s central to what I do. I don’t just want to make beautiful music - I want
to say something that matters. Whether it’s about the planet, personal freedom,
or the way we treat each other, I believe music has the power to awaken,
provoke, and heal. Activism doesn’t always have to be loud; sometimes it’s the
quiet truth in a lyric that can open someone’s eyes, heart or mind.
9.
You’ve been described as “the metal Mariah.” How do you feel about that
comparison, and what influences shape your vocal style?
It’s a unique and flattering comparison! I’ve always admired Mariah Carey’s
vocal control and emotional delivery. My style is influenced by the dramatic
flair of symphonic metal, the emotional honesty of singer-songwriters, and the
ethereal qualities of cinematic scores. I aim to be dynamic and expressive,
always singing from a place of truth.
10. How
has your identity as a South African and independent online artist influenced
your music and creative path?
Being South African means carrying a deep cultural richness and resilience in
everything I do. I’ve seen firsthand how art can transcend barriers and heal
wounds. As an independent artist, I’ve learned to be resourceful, authentic,
and connected with my audience in a real way. It’s not always easy, but it
gives me the freedom to stay true to my vision without compromise.
11. With
the release of the physical CD on the horizon, are there any plans for live
performances or virtual shows to bring Rainbow Warrior to the stage?
Yes, absolutely - bringing Rainbow Warrior to life in a live setting is
something I’m incredibly excited about. This album carries such powerful energy
and emotional depth, and I truly believe it’s meant to be experienced beyond
the studio. While there are plans for potential live shows in the future, the
timing will depend on a number of creative and logistical factors.
At the
moment, my primary focus is on completing a book I began writing several years
ago. It’s a deeply personal project that I hope to have published in early
2026, and I’m pouring a lot of myself into it. Simultaneously, I’m also
preparing to begin work on my next album. Interestingly, the concept for it
came to me while I was still recording Rainbow Warrior, and I’ve been
itching to sit at the piano and start writing. The music is ready to flow - but
I’ve made a commitment to finish the book first, as it’s been a long time
coming and deserves my full attention.
That said,
the idea of performing Rainbow Warrior live continues to inspire me. I
have a vivid creative vision for how to bring it to the stage - visually
immersive, emotionally charged, and unforgettable. While a live show may not
happen immediately, it’s definitely something I’m working toward. When the time
is right, I can’t wait to share this experience with listeners in a way that
fully embodies the spirit of the album.
12. What
do you hope people feel or reflect on after listening to Rainbow Warrior in its
entirety?
I hope they feel seen, empowered, and inspired. Rainbow Warrior is about
rising above, healing, and choosing a higher path. It’s a reminder that we’re
not alone, that we all have a role to play in shaping a kinder, freer, more
conscious world. If someone walks away from this album feeling stronger, more
awakened, or simply less afraid to be themselves - then I’ve done my job.
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