Chrysta Bell

Chrysta Bell is David Lynch’s Texan muse. The soulful chanteuse has been collaborating with the famed director-cum-music-producer for the best part of 14 years on her debut album, This Train, and understandably, she’s relieved and excited that her music’s finally seeing the light of day. This Wednesday, February 8th, she brings her sultry songbook to London for an intimate show at Bush Hall before returning to Texas for SXSW. Pick up the March issue of Dazed to read what David Lynch had to say about working together, but until then…

WHAT's...

...your secret talent?
Hmm… this seems like a trap but I’ll bite! I think it’s a pretty unshakable optimism and a fairly good grasp on living in The Now. I’m pretty good at that sweet mix of visualising what I desire my future to look like while being simultaneously really stoked about what my reality is right now. I’m good at focusing on the positives.

...your worst vice?
Attractive musicians. 

…the story behind your name?
Chrysta Bell is my first name. My mother says I gave myself this name while still in the womb and that her only task was to figure out how to spell it. I think she did a good job! Apparently we’ve always been good communicators.

... your favourite sound?
The perfect floor tom at the perfect moment. 

...your worst fashion secret?
Spandex.

...your favourite website?
Awkwardfamilyphotos.com

...your favourite label?
At the moment I’m pretty partial to my own label, La Rose Noire Records.

...at the top of your hit/shit list?
I think that Charli XCX is solid gold. Her phrasing and lyrics are so right on, far beyond her years. I’m so impressed with her track ‘Stay Away’. Top of my shit list? I would be devastated to be on anyone’s shit list. Don’t make me do it. I believe in karma. 

...are you listening to now?
Janelle Monae

... are you most excited about next?
Active Child. The track ‘Hanging On’ slays me in the best possible way

How would you describe your work?
As far as This Train is concerned… I’d say it’s dreamtrack all the way. And honestly the recording of it felt like a dream. Of course, being with David Lynch was a dream in so many ways. But the music itself seemed to emerge from some other place… through a portal of some kind. I think David has the skeleton key for that portal. I’m just so happy I was able to be a vessel for the lyrics and melodies. I listen to the music and I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of it. Good stuff.