Since the release of “Basilisk”, Chaidura has cast a spell on us at Indieterria. We simply can`t get enough of his music. So, we decided to sit down with him and ask him some questions. As an artist Chaidura came a long way and already achieved so much. Moving to another country, finding his support base, meeting new friends and collaborators. Every experience adds a layer that shapes him as a ground-breaking, genre-bending force of nature. We need people like Chaidura on independent circuit. It is good to remember that rock music is diverse, it is a form of art appealing to humans from all walks of life and often from distant lands. Art is timeless and universal language that we all speak.
The Light single cover
Please enjoy this interview as much as we enjoyed preparing it. Dig deep into the incredible world of Chaidura and follow the path of Ellie as she gets closer to Temple Paradise.
New single “The Light” blends J-Rock with metal, rave beats and even lounge music, throwing listeners into the middle of a whirlpool of emotions and changes. Be wary – you can easily get a vertigo. As the year comes to a close, we are also coming to the Winter Solstice. Soon the days will get longer and we will see more light.
You can think of “The Light” as a holiday present from a very artistic and caring spirit (kami).
Are you a human, a demon or a yokai? Who is Chaidura – please introduce yourself to the readers of Indieterria
Chaidura: Hello, hello. I’m Chaidura. I’m an alternative rock and metal artist based in London that is heavily inspired by Visual-Kei, a Japanese goth metal sub-genre. I moved over from Singapore last year and hope to share my music and art with the UK and beyond. To the amazing first question, I like to think that I’m a human that is occasionally possessed by an unknown spirit.
I like to think that I’m a fun loving and easy-going guy by default. But whenever I go on stage with my makeup, something takes over me. I really don’t know what it is. My personality changes and this darker, theatrical creature emerges. It’s almost like I’m being possessed by an otherworldly spirit, hence half-human half-spirit.
You are admired for your dedication to music and art. Every single or video shows a different make up, stage costume, and comes with a photography session. You purposely blend the lines between different forms of expression. Do you prefer to prepare everything yourself or is it a collaborative effort?
Chaidura: Thank you so much for recognizing the dedication! Well, I would say that there are two parts to every project (song, music video): conceptualising and executing. Currently, for most of my work, I do both of them. For the execution of music videos and visuals, I work with the talented Sorin Diaconescu and Lee Charis Cox to capture my ideas and concepts to life. For music, I am currently working with Alex Copp who also produces the legendary As December Falls. I would love to collaborate more with other creatives in the future as I do believe that collaboration is where truest creative work comes out.
Chaidura by Lee Charis Cox (Four Doors and a Door)
Since you moved to the UK you have released almost ten songs. How did the audience receive you? Do you feel accepted by the local music scene?
Chaidura: Actually, I’ve only launched 5 songs in the UK as I released the other 5 as experiments back in Singapore.
There are two parts to my answer! Firstly, I’d like to talk about my fans and secondly, the alternative scene as a whole.
I’d like to say that I’m so so thankful for my fans. When I first arrived in the UK, I felt very much alone. I didn’t know anybody and there were only a handful of fans who knew who I was. So, in a sense, they were the only ones to accept me and allowed me to have a sense of belonging. They have been coming to every single show and constantly giving me motivation and encouragement every day. I am really thankful for them (more than they know) and I do wish to continue making music for them and give back.
Secondly, with regards to the music scene, my music has been played by Alyx Holcombe on BBC Radio 1 Introducing Rock three times now. That to me is crazy and was a huge milestone for me, giving me the reassurance that my music is being perceived well by the local audience.
In terms of local artists, I have made some great friends since I arrived. Alienblaze, Rage Doll, Priestess, Tash, Tom Saint, Shirobon to name a few. All of them have been so kind and welcoming to me. I do feel at home with these folks and I hope to support them while forging deeper connections with them.
On December 15th you will unveil a video to your newest single “The Light”. Is it a continuation of your previous song “Basilisk” as female lead seems to be the same actress?
Chaidura: You’re spot on. The Light is the next chapter of the story. Previously on Basilisk, we explored Ellie’s abusive relationship with her partner (played by actor and photographer Nick Davarias), how she had the last straw and how she committed an irreversible deed. The Light explores what happens after that. We will see how Ellie (played by actress Ellie Harrison) is haunted by her past and is trying to move on. She is lost and seeking answers. The music video will explore Ellie’s journey. Will she find “The Light”?
Chaidura by Lee Charis Cox (Four Doors and a Door)
You plan to release your debut EP in 2024. What can we expect from “Temple Paradise”?
Chaidura: Temple Paradise is many things. It’s a story of self-acceptance. It’s a sacred haven dedicated to guiding damaged souls along the path of healing and enlightenment. It is also an EP. This release will guide you through a story of catharsis, as we experience the practices and experiences of the Temple Paradise. It’s going to be an emotional and mind-bending experience. I’m so excited to share more soon. As of now both Basilisk and The Light are part of the EP. I hope to be able to share the story of Temple Paradise with different parts of the UK through live shows after the launch as well.
Chaidura is a one-man project, but you can be seen performing with a band. Do you have a steady line up or prefer to use session musicians? Feel free to tell us about the musicians you work with.
Chaidura: Yes! The current Chaidura line-up features just me and Sebastian Fernandez on drums. As my music is heavily reliant on electronic and non-band instruments, my computer is essentially the main member of the band. My current live set up is designed for smaller shows. This gives me more flexibility in terms of organizing band members and getting a consistent sound. But for bigger shows, I aim to get a full band to unleash the full loudness of my music.
Unique, with a growing following and incredible work ethic – it is only a matter of time before labels and music scouts come knocking. What`s the best way to contact Chaidura for business enquiries?
Chaidura: I’m the most active on Instagram but feel free to email me at chaidura@gmail.com as well.
What inspires your lyrics? They are sometimes dark and disturbing but also full of hope and preservice.
Chaidura: I would say that my imagination inspires my lyrics. I always create stories in my head where I imagine myself as these protagonists. I then go through a journey with these protagonists and exaggerate their experiences to form the lyrics. “The Light” for example depicts a story where the character goes through depression and regret and is desperately finding a way out.
I believe this imagination is just a manifestation of my deepest feelings and emotions. In a long-winded way, it’s me articulating my own emotions, but not directly. If you know what I mean. I have to use this process to force the emotions out.
There’s so much darkness but I do fundamentally believe that everything will eventually turn out well. I share the darkness but I do try to provide hope. This is a way for me to comfort my fans which once again is a way to comfort myself.
What do you hope to achieve through your music? Do you have any particular goals or have any venues that you want to play? Where do you think Chaidura will be in thirty years’ time as an artist and a musician?
Chaidura: I fundamentally hope to have a positive impact on people through my art. On my deathbed, I want to smile peacefully, knowing that something I made has helped someone. It could be one person, one thousand people or even one million people. I want to know that my existence helped someone.
In the short term I do want to grow Chaidura as much as I can in the UK. I hope to be able to meet and interact and grow my fans throughout the UK through live shows (maybe a mini-UK tour next year?)
30 years! (laughs) I always dream of putting on a full stage production where I can fully express my art and vision for Chaidura. I hope to be able to actualise my artistic vision and produce a one-in-a-kind experience for my fans. Of course, I will need sufficient fans and budgets!! One day!
We try to keep our last questions fun on Indieterria. Let’s pretend you have the chance to work with your favourite rock/metal artist and you will be releasing a cover of one of their well-known songs. But here’s the twist: in your native language. Who is the artist and what are you covering?
Chaidura: I`d cover Bring Me The Horizon – Kingslayer. Firstly, even meeting BMTH would be a dream, not to even mention working with them. Kingslayer was a great inspiration for my song Menace and I saw it as the start of this new era for BMTH. It has a great blend of Japanese inspired sounds along with the harsh raw emotion. I would love to do a Chaidura version where I could exhibit harsh vocals along with the classic melodious harmonies with different vocal textures.
You can follow Chaidura on socials:
https://www.facebook.com/chaiduraofficial
https://www.instagram.com/chaidura_
https://www.tiktok.com/@chaidura
https://soundcloud.com/chaidura
https://www.youtube.com/@chaidura
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5G44MxEPEbE3JMDz1azv9N
Our previous coverage:
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2023/11/16/chaidura-basilisk-single-review/
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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