Written by Marilù Ciabattoni
Discovered via Musosoup
THE ENIGMATIC ALTERNATIVE ARTIST FROM LONDON — Chaidura, who seamlessly fuses alternative metal with Japanese visual kei aesthetics in her music. In a world where self-expression and acceptance reign supreme, Chaidura creates a unique sonic experience, emphasizing the delicate balance between beauty and horror.
Born as an experimental solo project during lockdown, Chaidura's sound has evolved through intentional experiments, drawing inspiration from influences such as rock band Bring Me the Horizon and iconic visual kei bands the GazettE Dir En Grey.
With hit singles such as "Menace" and "Night Forever," Chaidura's dynamic, genre-bending approach leaves audiences captivated. As we delve into the artist’s journey, expect surprises, vulnerability, and a reminder that even in darkness, "The Light" can emerge.
Read below to learn more about Chaidura’s musical style, how she crafts her songs, and what inspired her most recent track, “The Light.”
LITM: Introduce yourself — who is Chaidura?
CHAIDURA: Hello, there. I'm Chaidura, an alternative artist based in London. My music can be said to be a blend of alternative metal and Japanese visual kei. I place a huge emphasis on visuals that blend beauty with horror, striving to create a comforting juxtaposition for my audiences. On a philosophical level, Chaidura stands for self-expression, acceptance, and understanding.
LITM: How and when was this musical project born?
CHAIDURA: Chaidura was born as an experimental solo project during the lockdown. I was previously in other local bands that played more “indie” genres, like math rock and post-rock. I always felt that something was lacking from those music genres and decided to play around with a more theatrical style of music. I would say that my need for self-expression manifested itself as Chaidura.
LITM: How has your music changed within the past few years?
CHAIDURA: I would consider all my songs before “Basilisk” as experiments. I was essentially trying to find my sound. If you listen to the singles before “Basilisk,” the songs are all very different. There are heavy songs (“Menace”), dramatic songs (“Ante Metus,” “Insect Kill All”), and more pop-sounding songs (“With You,” “Night Forever”). These were all intentional experiments for me to find what is truly Chaidura. I wouldn’t say that I’m 100% sure of my sound now, but it’s moving towards a genre and production that is dynamic, unexpected, and genre-bending. I’m someone that loves change and gets bored of a similar sound pretty quick, so I do expect this to continue changing in the future as well.
LITM: Who are the biggest influences on your music?
CHAIDURA: Bring Me the Horizon is a big influence [for] me. Two things stick out for me from BMTH. Firstly, the heaviness and raw emotions. Their There Is a Hell album was the one that got me hooked on them, and I appreciated the vulnerability and ferocity. Secondly, their production and creativity. In the past few years, they have experimented with so many different sounds and styles and I really, really love that. That spirit is so inspiring and has been something I try to embody.
However, the largest influences for me are visual kei bands: the GazettE and Dir En Grey. I could go on and on about them forever. But essentially I’m inspired by the theatrical and dramatic nature of their songs, accompanied by their mesmerizing visuals and style. These two bands are the reason why I’m doing music.
LITM: Could you introduce your favorite singles you've released so far?
CHAIDURA: “Menace” — I believe it is one of my most-played tracks on Spotify. I like this song a lot, as it’s the main reason that brought me into the UK alternative scene. Many of the friends and fans that I made in the UK discovered me through “Menace.” It was also the first song that got featured on BBC Radio One, so it’s a meaningful one for me.
[To this day], “Night” Forever is still my proudest creation. It’s a song about the hypothetical idea of waiting for your loved one in the afterlife. You want to see them but you don’t want them to die. I’m not a pop musician, so this song was literally the hardest to create, and that’s why it’s my favorite.
LITM: How did you develop your style? Will you experiment with other genres in the future?
CHAIDURA: The main answer would be through experimentation and listening to different genres (I honestly rarely listen to metal these days). But I would say that having a narrative-driven approach to songwriting helped develop this chaotic style. The way I view making music is like making a movie. Movies have loads of ups and downs emotionally. There is an action sequence, an emotional sequence, and a calm sequence. I think I subconsciously brought this dynamism to my music. [I’ll be] experimenting in the future, 100%. Don’t be shocked if I start doing hip-hop (laughs).
LITM: Let's talk about "The Light." What inspired the track, and how did it come to life?
CHAIDURA: I do have a great tendency to keep everything to myself, to shoulder all burdens. There are plenty of times when I have experienced burnout and exhausted myself to bits. Where does this come from? Is it some pride? Is it ego? Is it the lack of courage to admit that I need help? It’s like sometimes I feel like I’m sabotaging myself. And in those moments, I basically give up, you know? Or at least I feel like giving up. This emotion inspired “The Light.” It’s showcasing my vulnerability and from a first-person standpoint, admitting that I need help. I need support from others. I’m honestly still a work in progress, but I do think that so far, whenever I ask for help. This feeling of suffocation goes away. Even the act of asking helps, you know? So, it’s a reminder to myself and maybe a suggestion to others that getting help helps.
LITM: Who produces your tracks? How do you choose which producers to work with? Do you have some dream producers you'd like to work with?
CHAIDURA: I’m currently working with Alex Copp (producer of As December Falls). Honestly, Alex, the legend, approached me after hearing “Menace” on BBC Radio One. I kinda just went with it and we started a very good partnership and friendship. I’m excited to share more songs (in the upcoming EP) that are produced by both me and Alex.
In terms of dream producers, Zakk Cervini, Jordan Fish, and Daisuke Ehara (from Paledusk).
LITM: Have you ever been on tour?
CHAIDURA: I have never been on tour and I would love to do so. The performance aspect is so important for Chaidura. I do think that fans need to experience the live show to really understand what Chaidura is about. Personally, I also love interacting with fans, so the sooner I can do a tour and reach people, the better.
LITM: Who's your dream feature?
CHAIDURA: Kendrick Lamar. The collaboration would be the coolest thing ever.
LITM: Where do you see yourself in one year as a musician?
CHAIDURA: I hope to become a staple of the underground alternative scene in the UK.
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