With “Grow Up,” Tucson Indie Pop Band Chateau Chateau Enters a New Era
Chateau Chateau’s new album Grow Up is a perfect example of pairing pain with pleasure. The indie pop group hails from Tucson, which has seen an explosion of fun and quirky music these last few years. Chateau Chateau is led by Bleu and Alex, the power duo that bring darkness and humor to their tracks. The band formed in 2018, with Bleu joining in 2019, and it has since released a steady stream of empowering and exciting songs that remind people that it’s completely acceptable to be themselves and be comfortable in doing so.
As with most musicians, the COVID-19 pandemic was tough on the group, but that didn’t dampen their spirits. They not only released a wonderful “Chateau Chateau” cooking video and a full band Q&A, both of which can be found on their YouTube channel, but they also released the album Princess during the height of the pandemic. Since the restrictions lifted and live music returned, the band has gotten back into touring and recently made an appearance at South by Southwest, bringing tracks from Grow Up to the festival’s stage.
Grow Up is set to release on May 6. The album is gritty and real and will leave anyone who has experienced similar stories feeling overwhelmed, but in the best possible way. Each song is about an experience frontwoman Bleu has had during her dating years. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Bleu wanted to highlight her experiences with relationships from romantic to familial and to bring a voice to those who might not normally feel heard. In “Converted,” Bleu brings anger—with a dash of humor—to the table as she discusses her experience being the token “converted homosexual” for a man she dated. Grow Up also highlights her experiences growing up in a religious, abusive household. The lyrics are raw, but the upbeat guitars and synthesizers bring a bubbly feeling to the track that will make the most cynical person start dancing.
As the album progresses, it keeps the funky, fast-paced pop sounds throughout. Grow Up’s penultimate track is a cover of ‘Til Tuesday’s “Voices Carry,” and Bleu knocks it out of the park. The song’s 80’s funk meshes perfectly with Bleu’s raw vocals, and it will make any fan of the original smile.
Chateau Chateau is a force to be reckoned with. Its album release party is slated for 8:00pm on Friday, June 17, at 191 Toole. Tickets and information can be found at https://chateauchateaumusic.com/shows or on the band’s socials @ChateauChateau_.
Category: The Scoop
