Bio
Formerly known as Charli Haruhi, Charli Ra is an electronic fusion artist based in Virginia. Drawing from indie rock, prog, alt, dance, house, and funk influences, Charli Ra creates an immersive world of music all held together by one distinct vision.
Born Selathia Chestnut to an army family, they spent their childhood constantly on the move, never fully settling in to one place. Music offered them a place where they could express themself without enduring society's judgment.They began singing at the age of 7 and played multiple instruments throughout their childhood including flute, trombone, and bass guitar. Saying, "I've always felt like an alien", their fascination with outer space is just one of Charli Ra's eccentricities. They have spent much time studying psychology and religion, getting their Bachelors of Science in these topics from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016.
After graduating from VCU, Selathia started graduate school at the University of Colorado Denver to get a Masters in Multicultural Counseling. In 2018, during their second semester, they discovered that they had what it takes to create their own music. In that moment, they decided to follow their heart and fully pursue music.
They would continue to be influenced by their curiosity in astrophysics, spirituality, and even anime. Once they discovered the "Law of One" also known as the "Ra Material" in 2020, they were able further define their musical purpose and lyrical style. Determined to bring these ideas to the world in their own unique way, Charli Ra creates a narrative thread connecting all of these seemingly loose topics to remind the world of their divinity through genre bending, thought expanding music.
Charli Ra recently released their 2nd album, “Light Codes”. You can listen and download all released songs for free on this site or listen on all streaming platforms. Also sign up for the email list to find out about new releases and upcoming performances!