Innovative and sound blending Afro-Indigenous Boston-based DJ and producer Chelita introduces So far, so good a four-track EP that guides listeners into a realm of minimal, micro, deep, low, and melodic house. This project is fitting for Chelita since she’s no stranger to the music scene having played in a Boiler Room and Boston’s House of Blues. Through the project, the listener can experience the intricacies of sound and beats that showcase a work unlike what is currently playing on our streaming platforms and radio offering something refreshing.
So far, so good is an “intimate music journey through the past year of my life (2023), encapsulating love, emotion, vulnerability, and unfiltered honesty. This EP serves as a heartfelt reflection of my experiences, culminating in a celebration of resilience and gratitude for the journey,” Chelita shares in the press release. Through the song selections, there are a variety of moods and beats that listeners can feel as if they are on a roller coaster of feeling cheerful, ambient, eclectic, and more.
A subtle introduction of synths that gradually get louder by a computer techno aura introduces the first single of the EP, “Piece of Cake.” Clocking in at just four minutes, once the 34-second mark hits, the rhythm intensifies, transforming the atmosphere and drawing listeners deeper into its captivating soundscape. There’s even a bouncy tone that keeps you on your toes throughout.
Up next is “So Far, So Good,” which begins with a calm and steady synth beat followed by bass. There is a feeling of something distant from oneself that is coming closer as the song goes on from the beat starting at a low volume and ascending in volume, thus alternating. Through the ascending volume, the momentum builds up as additional elements subtly creep, adding complexity to the mix. Since there are no lyrics, the rhythm dives into a deep groove that guides the listeners into a trance of feeling good about life.
Living up to its title’s promise and delivering an upbeat danceable vibe, “Faded on the Dance Floor” exudes a nu-disco theme. The distinctive vocal element emerges with the repeated phrase “Get ready,” initiating a sense of anticipation and excitement. This vocal build-up is a prelude to the vibrant and soulful female vocals that follow. The infectious line, “Can you feel it” is consistently repeated, ensuring listeners keep up with the momentum of being per se “Faded on the Dance Floor.” From listening, this has been my favorite track and is the one to keep myself and other listeners dancing along. The minimal lyric “Can you feel it’ is so soulful and loud that I caught myself saying, “Yes I can!”
The EP concludes with “Marie Antoinette Turns 23,” exuding a celebratory flow. An introduction of percussive taps and mimicking claps sets the mood, followed by a layer of guitar adding a level of funkiness. This transports listeners to a groovy and vibrant musical atmosphere—think roller skating in a rink with disco lights wavering. Behind the groovy rhythms is a tropical percussion bounce hidden underneath the main melody. Together, the four tracks are a compelling invitation into Chelita’s mind and creativity, offering a range of funkiness, nu-disco, synth melodies, and minimal lyricism while demonstrating that successful projects can thrive on beats alone.
