Words by Carol Wright | Photographer: Drea Photography
We got to chat with musical-duo Hello Sunday about their time on NBC’s The Voice and their song “I Like It”.
Did you both grow up in households that encouraged creativity?
Chelsea: My household encouraged a lot of creativity while I was growing up because of the training and competitions I was a part of in and outside of school. We were always traveling to local and distant places so that I could sing. My parents sacrificed a lot of their time and money for me to be where I am today.
Myla: Yes, my household really encouraged creativity growing up. My mom has always pushed me to go for whatever it is I wanted in life. My mom actually went and got a second job, doing custodial work a few summers ago, just to pay for me to go to AGI performing Arts camp. She has since opened her own small commercial cleaning business, while she continues to work a full-time job, just so she can support my dreams and creativity.
The two of you met at a performing arts camp in Atlanta. What did you learn during your time at camp that you still take with you in your music careers now?
Chelsea: Camp helped me grow in a lot of areas. Change can be uncomfortable but it’s good for growth. I may not always get a song that I love but it’s about taking that song and giving it all you have even though it’s not a favorite.
Myla: During camp I learned how to conduct myself in a professional manner, and always present my best self. I still carry that with me today, as I try and remain professional in all settings.
What initially pushed you guys to go on The Voice?
Chelsea: Our manager Natarsha Garcia sent in a video of us singing. Then Myla and I received a call back for an in-person audition. We did not know that The Voice was interested in us because we were so young and we are not a solo act but they were also interested in groups. As we continued to advance, we felt like The Voice could give us exposure and create more opportunities.
Myla: When we were given the opportunity to be a part of NBC’s The Voice, we knew that would give us an opportunity to put ourselves out there and make a name for Hello Sunday. We also looked at it as an opportunity to see what real show business was like.
You had a fantastic run on The Voice and made it to the Top 8 Semi-Finals. Throughout your time on the show what’s one moment that sticks out in your memory as being the most surreal or fun or exciting?
Chelsea: A surreal moment I experienced while being on the show is when we met Meghan Trainer backstage! She came to us in the dressing room and I was so excited to meet her. I look up to her as a role model and she gave us some encouraging words. It was one of the best days of my life and I still think about it today.
Myla: The most exciting moment I experienced while on The Voice, was when we made Taylor Swift cry, because she was so moved by our song. That made us feel so special, to have a mega star like Taylor five is such kudos.
Tell us about your song “I Like It”. What message did you want to send people with this song?
Chelsea: Our song “I Like It” is about being confident in yourself and the message that we want to send to people while they are listening to it is you don’t have to change anything about yourself. You are beautiful and unique and nobody can take that away from you.
Myla: With our song “I Like It”, we really wanted to send the message for you to be happy with the skin you’re in. So many people these days focus on what they dislike about themselves, we wanted to inspire people to focus on what they love about themselves. We wanted to send the message of self love.
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
Chelsea: My advice for aspiring singers would be to trust the process. Sometimes you will find yourself waiting and wondering when will I have that chance to show my gift. I promise all the long hours will be worth it. Just keep going and work on your craft and the doors will open for you.
Myla: My advice for aspiring singers, would be to go for your dreams and don’t let anything stop you! I would also like to encourage them to stay focused and patient, sometimes the road is a long one and at times bleak, but you have to stay positive, work hard, and always believe in yourself.
