Three years in the past, when the coronavirus pandemic put the world on pause, Chlöe Bailey needed to stage up with a dynamic efficiency that might showcase each her love of singing and faith-based roots.
The member of Grammy-nominated sibling duo Chlöe x Halle acquired that probability by touchdown her first starring position in Reward This, a lighthearted musical dramedy government produced by Will Packer now streaming on Peacock TV about an aspiring but troubled singer-songwriter who relocates from Los Angeles to Atlanta and finds pleasure via youth choir reward staff competitions.
“This was actually thrilling to carry my data of the music enterprise and likewise the sensation of eager to be one thing extra and preventing for one thing so unhealthy, and it was all of that put into one,” Bailey mentioned.
“Once I was first despatched the script to audition, I fell in love. I believed it was so humorous and intelligent. I used to be so comfortable that it had my love of God blended with music plus performing, so it was actually cool bringing it to life.”
Reward This additionally stars Tristan “Mack” Wilds, Anjelika Washington, Drew “Druski” Desbordes, Birgundi Baker, Cocoa Brown and Quavo. Directed and co-written by Tina Gordon, gospel artists Koryn Hawthorne, Charles Jenkins and Jekayln Carr additionally make cameo appearances within the movie.
Bailey labored intently with government music producer Harvey Mason, Jr. to reimagine well-liked songs with non secular themes for Reward This. The “Have Mercy” performer credit studying her tone from frequently performing along with her musical household in church since childhood.
Hoping to launch a gospel album within the close to future, the grown-ish co-star needed to each tighten her vocals and make her inspirational supporting forged proud.
“I don’t wish to do a film about praising and never doing the music justice, so I actually felt like I needed to carry it as a result of I used to be singing with unbelievable acts who’re fantastic within the gospel business,” Bailey mentioned.
“I’m at all times attempting to enhance my abilities whether or not it’s as a human being, musician or actress. It was actually nice having the ability to push myself and my vocal limits.”
The forged instantly took discover of Bailey’s infectious work ethic. Quavo, who portrays a preferred rapper and Bailey’s on-screen muse, begged Packer for 4 years to forged him in a movie.
Sharing most of his scenes with Bailey helped the previous Migos member work off being intimidated by maintaining with the blossoming multi-hyphen entertainer. “I used to be nervous as a result of I needed to ensure I used to be mastering my craft, however on the identical time, I knew this was an enormous second, so I needed to place my sauce on it,” Quavo mentioned.
“Y’all usually see me with chains, grills and glasses, however I needed to peel again the layers and present the opposite, extra weak aspect of me. I feel we acquired it, and I’m happy with myself.”
Reward This was shot all through Atlanta in well-liked spots like Entice Music Museum, New Start Missionary Baptist Church, The Painted Duck, and even Grammy-winning producer Dallas Austin’s Jetsons-esque mansion. The set of Reward This felt extra like a homecoming, particularly for Bailey and Quavo.
“It was superb and undoubtedly nostalgic,” Bailey mentioned. “It was totally different as a result of Atlanta has modified loads as nicely, and it’s progressing a lot, however I used to be comfortable there are nonetheless these landmarks and my favourite eating places and locations that I liked to go to as slightly woman.”
“It felt good,” Quavo added. “We made positive everyone was comfy and loved being right here. It didn’t even really feel like work; it felt like we simply got here to play and occasion on a regular basis.”
Bailey was additionally engaged on her debut solo album, In Items, in the course of the three years she was getting ready for Reward This. The Parkwood Leisure recording artist turned an everyday trending subject criticized for her extra wardrobe, first-week album gross sales, collaborations with artists like Chris Brown and most not too long ago her steamy opening scene of Prime Video’s Swarm with Snowfall lead actor Damson Idris.
Specializing in Reward This, In Items, and rehearsing for her upcoming headlining In Items Tour helped her look previous the trolls coming for her on-line. She needs listeners to note these Sunday morning harmonies spanning your entire challenge particularly.
“Whenever you hearken to the lyrics and peel again the layers, you may hear my heartbeat and see who Chlöe is,” she mentioned. “I take advantage of music as my remedy to heal me, and it’s therapeutic right this moment. Inside these three years, I went via a lot emotional and psychological development and hardships. It was a really, very tough time in my life the place I used to be nonetheless determining who Chlöe was, and listening to the lyrics at all times struck a chord.”
“I keep sturdy by simply understanding God made me this fashion, and I’m completely made in his picture,” Bailey continues. “Folks on Earth can’t choose me. If we have been to place a magnifying glass on their life, I’m wondering what trending matters would come from them.”
Bailey, who turns 25 this July, was simply forged within the movie adaptation of Lady from the North Nation. Working in the direction of changing into an EGOT and a greater human being, touchdown that breakout position in Reward This has fueled Bailey to proceed to evolve regardless of her naysayers and private bouts with vanity.
“I wish to be extra at peace and actually grasp the artwork of self-love and never have or not it’s up and down as it’s,” Bailey mentioned. “Individuals are seeing totally different sides of me, and I’m excited to not stick with only one factor. I’ve to remain grounded with quite a lot of prayer and dwell within the second.”
