#Freshfind: Twin Flames united Christina Chong to her musical passion
Christina Chong is an international television and film actress who stars in the CBS series “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” as series regular ‘La'an Noonien-Singh,’ alongside Anson Mount and Rebecca Romijn. The series expanded on the iconic franchise, with six new crew members on the USS Enterprise, alongside its familiar trio of lead characters. The series returned for its second season in June and has already been picked up for a third season. Alongside acting, Christina is now following her musical passion with a debut EP titled “Twin Flames” releasing in August.
We had the chance to chat with Christina about her latest song Twin Flames both the song as well as the upcoming album.
Photo Credit: Scarlett Warwick
I’m curious when you were writing Twin Flames, was there any particular memory that was the source of inspiration for this?
Yes, 100%. It’s the story of how I met my ex-boyfriend Ignacio. We were told by a psychic that we’d had several lifetimes together and are what they call “Twin Flames” - two parts of the same soul - who apparently only meet every four lifetimes, so you know, it was pretty epic. But when you have such a passionate love there’s also more to lose, and the fear that it could all burn out ‘in any second’ is very up front and personal.
How was working with Jake Gosling, NUUXS, and Matt Brettle? They all have such a range of genre past work I’m curious about how you decided on the mood for Twin Flames.
Before working together, I’d collated a mood board of images from my life, love letters, videos, childhood photos etc, that I felt shaped the person I am today, and sent them a playlist which encapsulated the vibe of what I thought I wanted to create. They are an incredibly strong team that are massively in sync with each other, and very good at maintaining the authenticity and meaning of what the artist wants to say. Having already written three songs together and noting how all three songs had a thread running through them - linked to my ex - it became clear the last song had to be sexy, passionate and fierce. I played them a couple of tunes I love that conveyed that energy, and Jake and Matt did their thing laying down the keys, the guitar and whatnot. My little additions were the clicks - I love a good click, classic ‘Fever’ style clicks, and Jake modernised it with the scrunches. Oh and I also wanted to bring in some gravitas with the Dubstep - a parkour influence. We all contributed to the lyrics and I think wrote it in about 4/5 hours!
From going on set to going into a studio, what were some of the difficulties you had to overcome?
The main thing for me was figuring out where to place my voice. I trained in musical theatre which meant learning a variety of styles and genres but I was never really taught how to find MY voice. There was a lot of getting rid of vibrato, clipping notes sooner than what I’m used to, and finding that breathy Dusty kinda tone. To be honest I’m still figuring it all out. Even though I love this particular sound I’ve created with Jake, I did experiment a lot this past year, and hopefully I’ll be able to release some of that work, which showcases the different sides of me.
Since this is your first EP, what made you decide to make Twin Flames the title EP?
Photo Credit: Scarlett Warwick
It was either going to have no name or be what it is ‘Twin Flames’. All four tracks are about how the Twin Flame relationship affected me, so it just made sense. That’s what it’s about, our relationship.
With that in mind, How does it fit in the overall theme of the album?
It’s a full circle of emotions. Twin Flames is the passionate falling in love, No Blame is the break up song, Can’t Show Love is the healing and understanding of where my relationship insecurities come from, in order to heal them, which takes us to I Get to Choose, which is the rebirth, and the realisation that I can be happy without him. That’s the place you have to be to meet someone new, and when you do, the circle continues with Twin Flames!
Out of all of the songs in this album which one was the most challenging to write?
Probably No Blame, purely because it was one of my first songwriting experiences and when you’re in a studio with polaroids of everyone Jake has worked with on the wall, it’s pretty intimidating.
Has a stranger ever changed your life?
Yes. When I was 14 I was offered a place at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London which at the time was over £3000 a term to attend - a fee my parents just couldn’t afford. I was desperate for my Mum to find a way to send me, so she put a little folder together of all my dancing achievements and newspaper clippings and sent it off to local businesses. A couple of weeks before the term started, a charity called the Shepherd Street Trust offered to pay for me to go. Whoever that individual was who made that call, changed my life, and helped me to get to where I am today.
What can be found in your room that can’t be found in anyone else’s room?
My soulmate. My dog Runa Ewok who plays Princess Runa in Ep 8 of season one of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. She’s a toy Cavapoo and the love of my life. I take her everywhere with me.
What are you craving right now?
Two things. To do a Christmas single, which is a dream of mine, and to collaborate with a cool artist, maybe a rapper? I just wanna keep exploring, because for me, that’s what makes life fun.