In a musical world where identity is often elusive, Ches Barrow stands out as a voice of raw authenticity, crafting songs that feel both timeless and cutting-edge. Her new single, “Parisian Chic”, is a dazzling fusion of her signature lyric-heavy songwriting, grungy vocal textures, and the deep well of inspiration she draws from her fashion pedigree. The track is a statement piece — a bold and seductive nod to her rich tapestry of influences, from the haute couture runways of Paris to the intimate corners of classic rock venues.
Ches Barrow is no stranger to crafting compelling narratives, whether through her music or her impressive career in the fashion industry. With an editorial background working alongside legendary fashion houses like Dior and Chanel, her music is imbued with the same attention to detail, sophistication, and fearless boundary-pushing that defines her work in fashion. Her journey, however, is not one of surface-level glamour; instead, Barrow dives deep into the interplay between perfection and vulnerability, creating work that reveals the tension between what we present to the world and the emotional truths we often conceal.
Following the success of her previous single, “Wild”, which garnered attention not only for its sonic ambition but for Barrow’s ability to blend her multiple worlds — music, fashion, and even beauty — “Parisian Chic” feels like the next natural progression. “Wild”, mixed by Grammy Award-winning Carl Glanville and mastered by Chris Gehringer (known for their work with Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga), cemented Barrow’s place as a multifaceted artist whose creative voice extends far beyond a single genre or medium. From writing and starring in a major UK television commercial for her clean beauty brand, Ches Editions, to seamlessly weaving these experiences into her music, Barrow is a master of creative synthesis.
At its core, “Parisian Chic” is an exploration of contrasts. With her signature raspy, growly vocals, Barrow commands attention from the first note, but what sets this track apart is the unexpected blend of musical styles. As much as it holds onto her alternative-pop roots, there’s an undercurrent of something more nuanced, a subtle jazz infusion that adds layers of depth and sophistication. The second verse, in particular, takes on a life of its own as the frenetic dance of piano keys — played on the same Schimmel she’s written on since childhood — propels the song forward with baroque urgency. It’s this kind of musical juxtaposition that defines “Parisian Chic”: light and dark, structure and chaos, elegance and grit.
This tension extends to the song’s lyrical content, inspired by Helmut Newton’s iconic “Le Smoking” photograph — a symbol of feminine power and allure. Barrow uses this visual as a metaphor for a woman who is outwardly fearless and passionate, yet internally conflicted, hiding behind her own carefully crafted persona. Through the metaphor of the red lip and Chanel sunglasses, the song becomes a reflection on how we use beauty and fashion as armor, as a means of shielding our true selves when life becomes overwhelming.
Barrow’s songwriting is deeply influenced by lyrical giants like Joni Mitchell, Courtney Love, and Alanis Morissette, artists known for their ability to weave personal narrative with universal emotion. She channels this same intensity in “Parisian Chic”, where her lyrics are both personal and poetically expansive. The story of the woman at the heart of “Parisian Chic” — bold, resilient, yet constantly walking the line between strength and fragility — mirrors Barrow’s own artistic journey. By the age of 16, she had penned over 100 songs, driven by a relentless need to express the poetry she saw in the world. Yet, fear of failure led her down the path of fashion rather than music, where she found immense success, working with the prestigious Condé Nast before launching her own award-winning fashion brands, featured in Vogue and Grazia.
It wasn’t until a personal catalyst in 2021 that Barrow finally embraced music as her primary medium, releasing her debut EP, which was praised as “everything that makes people fall in love with music”. This personal revelation feels ever-present in “Parisian Chic”, where every note and lyric is infused with the urgency of someone who has found their true calling, and who refuses to let fear hold them back any longer.
Musically, “Parisian Chic” is as cinematic as it is intimate. The “cabaret vocal tones” Ches delivers are magnetic — at once sultry and confessional, inviting listeners into the world of a character who feels alive, real, and deeply relatable. The skittering percussion, at times delicate and at others insistent, mirrors the emotional ebb and flow of the song, driving the listener forward while also allowing moments of reflection. The ballroom swing rhythm, tinged with the “jazzy innuendo,” brings an almost Parisian café vibe to the track, but one with an edge — the type of café where stories of love, loss, and longing are exchanged under the haze of cigarette smoke and the clink of wine glasses.
With “Parisian Chic”, Ches Barrow continues to blur the lines between her musical and fashion identities, crafting a world where the two are not only complementary but inextricably linked. Her music, much like her editorial work, speaks to the ways in which we construct and deconstruct identity, how we wear our emotions on our sleeve (or, in this case, our lips), and how beauty can be both a refuge and a disguise.
In this single, Ches Barrow offers us a multi-dimensional experience, rich with emotional complexity and aesthetic sophistication. “Parisian Chic” is a testament to her ability to merge these seemingly disparate worlds into something cohesive, compelling, and unforgettable. Ches Barrow is not just an artist to watch — she is a force to be reckoned with. Whether you come to her music for the lush instrumentation, the provocative lyrics, or the sheer presence of her voice, one thing is certain: Ches Barrow has arrived, and she’s here to make waves.
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