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Some of you might know Chester Gregory from his breakthrough role as Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story, from a few years back. Ever since, Gregory has been devoting his time and energy to creating art on multiple plans, from acting, to singing, and pretty much everything in between.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with him recently, to discuss his upcoming album, entitled “Retrograde”. As the name already hints, this latest album from Chester Gregory, also known professionally as CHESS, is heavy on astrological metaphors and references.
“I am pouring my soul into this project using metaphors with astrology and astronomy to represent entropy within relationships,” says Gregory. This is perhaps why “Retrograde” is such a nuanced and pleasurable listen – the sort of album that’s catchy right off the bat, but also delivers a complex message that’ll leave you thinking long after you’ve stopped listening.
Using his musical and lyrical talent to send a message, Gregory isn’t afraid of touching on some unpleasant, harsh truths about the human condition. “Retrograde” has that unique gift of putting things into perspective, which makes it an album to remember. But then, Chester Gregory has always put his heart and soul into being more than just a pretty voice, but rather an artist with a message.
According to the artist himself, the album is also talking about the ever-popular theme of failed relationships. One of the most fascinating subjects in human society, the reason a relationship, be it romantic or one of pure friendship, didn’t work is a rich and diverse topic, that can keep one talking (or in this case, singing) for hours.
“I grew tired of self-sabotaging coping mechanisms. I decided it was time to face and address the darker sides of myself and allow healing to take place. “Retrograde” is the healing process from examining failed relationships.”
We also wanted to know, listening to “Retrograde”, who some of the artists that inspired Gregory were, what he’s listening to right now, and who’d be his dream collab at the moment.
The artist quoted the young American singer and songwriter H.E.R. as being on his On Repeat playlist at the moment, among other gifted artists, such as Georgia Anne Muldrow, J. Dilla, Lauryn Hill and Micki Miller. He also says H.E.R. would be a fabulous artist to collaborate with at the moment, as Gregory feels their two styles could blend well together and add to each other considerably.
Among his favorite all-time inspirations, Chester Gregory pointed toward the great Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, and Michael Jackson, as some of the sounds that helped shape his own. And we think that, if you listen closely to “Retrograde”, you can just feel hints of each one of these amazing talents.
Speaking of amazing talent, Chester Gregory’s latest release cements his place as one of the most exciting artists of the 21st century. Put simply, “Retrograde” is a must-listen for any human being.
