♫ ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: CHESTER FRENCH
Tuesday, June 17, 2008

♫ Chester French - She Loves Everybody
Meet D.A. Wallach and Maxwell Drummey, who make up the duo, Chester French. These two Harvard graduates wrote, arranged, produced and engineered their album, tentatively titled Love the Future in their dorm’s basement. Last December, their demo found its way around the industry and got them attracting offers from heavyweights like Kanye West, Jermaine Dupri, Pharrell Williams and Jimmy Iovine.
Naming their band after sculptor Daniel Chester French, who designed the statue at the Lincoln Memorial, the boys were signed to Pharrell’s Star Trak Music, via Interscope. Just last May, D.A. and Max completed recording and their degrees, in African American Studies and Social Anthropology, respectively. They’ve both since relocated to LA to put the finishing touches on their debut album, due out this year.
I’ve known about the guys for a while now and I definitely am digging their sound and I absolutely love their story. Pharrell better do these boys justice.
Make sure you show Chester French some CL love on their MySpace page, if you’re digging what you’ve heard.








89 Comments
COMMENT PAGES: [1] 2 » Show All
1.
paula
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
That degree in African American Studies is impressive. The music has a nice sound. Gotta hear more from them before I make up my mind about them though.
2.
Dame( I buy champions companies I am pass buying out bars but I do that)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
It sounds like something from the 60s it has a Beatles feel to it.
3.
afrobabe
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
its ok like #1 said i hav 2 here more frm them 2 make up my mind but i hav a feelin some ppl on cl won’t like it.
4.
KRAYZEE.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I loove it! They sound pretty sweet! I’ve been listening to them for a while now too. I first heard about them back in February. This was actually the song that got me hooked. Good feature
5.
Sammaji
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I’m diggin the sound……
6.
KRAYZEE.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I think some people on here are gonna be a little too quick to judge too, honestly.
7.
ThatGirlLinda
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
OMG.. I Love it. Sounds great can’t wait for the album.
“She craves affection, so I use protection”– Too bad she loves everbody..
8.
ImAButchQueen
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I looooooooooooooove this!!!!!
9.
southrnsoul
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I likes this!!!
10.
DOB
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
This is hot and different. I love soft/pop rock stuff like this. It’s great for playing around the house or taking a midday cruise.
It’s always good to be exposed to something other than the norm, so please keep posting stuff like this for us, Brian!
11.
HottieWithABody
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
This song is Hot! I’ve read about them and knew that Pharrell scooped them up and signed them. I can’t wait for the CD to drop. I will definitely cop this!
12.
AHOLE
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
OMG ! I LOVE ITTTTTTTTTTT
13.
ImAButchQueen
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Man I am soooo feeling this sound! I have listened to it about 6x’s already! “But You Feel So Clean….Aooooow”! Love that!!
14.
hott
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I LOVE IT! I could definitely see this group fitting in with Kanye’s or Pharell’s labels! They will be a hit!
15.
blackisbeautiful
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Damn Brian that is very late of you to post about Chester French lol well hey can’t knock you for doing ya thing on Concreteloop. Anyways I hope people like Chester French they are dope.
16.
SATC
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I really love these boys and can’t wait to hear more. They have a few songs on their facebook group page too!
17.
FASHNCHYLD
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
im feeling it .gotta hear more
18.
vonnie
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I really like this song the beat and everything different from what u are use to hearing but it’s a really good sound.
19.
IAMDARKAQUA
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
its cool….
ANTHONY DAVID!!!!!!!
20.
Danggirl
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I’ve been listening to these guys for a while now too, and they are AMAZING… They add a very new twist to the classic old school beatles-like sound.
21.
Nothing But Love
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Ohhhhhh i like it, its different.
22.
Tiffanie
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
yes. dig it. totally. very smart music
23.
yeahisaidit
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
It’s clearly sampling the temptations, I can’t catch the song, but I know that sound. They sound REAL good. Pharrell always had a good ear for artist, Star Trak’s roster always been great and underrated.
24.
Nottigrl01
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
JAZZYYYY!!!!
I LOVE great music.
It has a beatles flare to it also!
25.
(GMWstylez) stuffflypeoplelike.wordpress.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
The duo sounds great and their sound is very retro! Love it! They are going to make their mark in the music industry for sure. Running with Pharrell was a great decision.
Stay Fly!!
26.
Greatestloveofall
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
LOVIN THEIR SOUND!!! GLAD CL REVIEWING SOMETHING DIFFERENT NOT THE BORING BET STYLE TRASH.
KINDA LIKE 80′S SOFT ROCK MEETS NEW WAVE?
27.
DETROIT ALL DAY!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I LOVE IT! Can’t wait to here more and I respect the African American Studies! lol
28.
toons
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I dig the song. Mellow yet captivating. Great production and well written. They remind me of Pharrell’s artist Kenna.
29.
hmm.... continue being monolithic or diversify my music intersts???? hmmm.....
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Hmmm… the “rock play” being sold to non-rock audiences….
Hmm…. still thinking about this one.
Good for top-line revenues
Excellent growth strategy.
And the ‘music industry gods’ have appointed Pharrell to lead it, so I see - or at least, I see that he’s taken a leadership role in this regard.
I’ll pro’ly buy into it just b/c Pharell and Kanye have interests in them… But that doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m going to suddenly start liking “alternative music”. Fact is, I don’t… along with country and bluegrass. But I’ll convince myself to diversify, in the interest of not being monolithic.
30.
Brandon Charles
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I don’t know. To me, the vocals just sound way over-produced and engineered, however, if this is from a demo they did, I could see that just being due to a lack of skill and experience. I hope they don’t sound like that on every song or it’ll get annoying. I wouldn’t listen to this track, but it’s still cool for someone who would.
31.
ThatBKChick
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
The retro 60’s and 70’s sound is going to be hot this year…with dudes like this leading the way..and Solange Knowles new joint…there is clearly an inevitable music trend…which is taking it back “ol school”. These dudes are hot!
32.
TRUTHFULLY CUTE "HEY! I'M JUST BEING HONEST"
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I’m open to all types of music not just hip hop and rnb even though im not really into hip hop like that but anyway, this song is different loving the 60’s vibe I would give this a 3 out of 5 pretty good.
33.
DETROIT ALL DAY!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
There’s no such things as selling rock music to non-rock audiences. Black people invented/influenced rock and besides, people like what they like. Let’s not get all divisive…
34.
Greatestloveofall
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I’d rather listen to this over 99.9% of all the COMMERCIAL Rap and R&B thats all over the radio and TV. Matter of fact Ive given up on dat shit!
35.
TeTe(didnt feel like loggin in)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
i love listening to new music….and i really like this song….the lyrics make me smile.
“i know she loves me,she loves everybody”
i also love the fact that they’re educated men..in african american studies too!
36.
TeTe(didnt feel like loggin in)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
i like their song JIMMY CHOOs too…
37.
bDOT
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
this is really refreshing! album dropping soon?????
38.
Lori
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I like it
39.
tsagrednerp
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
The lyrics are SICK, i like it. The change over of instruments in the chorus is unexpected and brilliant. Looking forward to hearing more and GOOD things from them…
40.
BEAJAY
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I heard this song yesterday as I was going through the “5 Songs That Don’t Suck” archive on GiantMag.com. I downloaded it then; I like the song including its vibe and lyrics! Good Post.
41.
HOLLOWAY
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
To 36,
Yea, the Jimmy Choo Song goes hard too…
I been on these cats for a few now..their music is definitely artistically on point. Much love to the CL fam!
42.
STLCHICK
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I’m actually feeling them! Brian I love how you don’t limit your music posts to only one genre. They are nice and I’m feeling them!
43.
Questioneverything
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
LOVE IT!! Different! I will definitely check them out when the full album releases. Thanks CL!!
44.
boombox
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
lmao@#1
45.
Dev
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Ok, you guys are slipping with your late reviews! you need o stay on point! i’ve been rocking this for a while.
46.
Toot
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
It’s nice. Do I think it’s outstanding no. But, I do like it. I think the lyrics are clever. Graduating Harvard with a degree in African American Studies. That’s where it’s at. –You know during her time there, Natalie Portman, rallied to get OutKast to perform on Harvard’s campus. Harvard got love for the black peoples
lol.
47.
Toot
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Retraction: Their MySpace page has some BETTER songs on it, so I guess I can now look forward to their new cd lol.
48.
Marissa Chante
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I’ve known about them for awhile. I can’t wait to see what they have in store.
49.
Sophistakat
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I like Chester French. Heard about them a while ago. Their style is crazy!
I cannot see them fitting in with Pharrell (musically) but Pharrell just so happens to be a fan of them.
50.
Sophistakat
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I definitely agree with #45. Show me something new fresh, like EXCLUSIVE!
51.
Kellz
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Hmmmm funny how CL only post “alternative” music when it is popularize by a BLACK CELEB…. not cool. Not all black ppl listen to rap/hip hop and R&B. So of us enjoy alternative and rock music. There’s even alternative and rock artist who are BLACK and get no play on this site. Why is the white dudes getting play before ppl like “Race of Angels” huh? Bullshit. Anyway, the song some so euro-new wave dance influenced to me so I’m not feeling it. The only 5 good things that came out of Europe for my generation (in my opinion) was Bush, Arctic Monkeys, Amy Winehouse, Adele and Coldplay.
52.
Birch
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I love it!!
53.
Kellz
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I meant “some of us” and “the song sound so…”
54.
Kellz
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
To #28… Kenna is my dude. “Static” and “Sun Red Sky Blue” are my Jams!!!
55.
Richy
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
amazing!!!!! loves it!
56.
KRAYZEE.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
For anyone interested in these guys, I’d recommend Vampire Weekend. They have a pretty awesome sound too. I attended one of their shows and got the chance to meet Chris, the drummer. Pretty cool dude =D
57.
Mike J.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Brian your a little late with them playboy but it’s all good… I’ve been up on these dudes for months now, definitely feeling them…. Such a retro sound with tight lyrical content…When it comes to music I NEVER limit myself to a certain genre!! I have been anticipating their album for a minute now, so I’m excited about the new release!!
58.
rai
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
naw…these dudes r DOPE…pharrell knows good music…so he signed them maad hard….but from the songs iv’e heard a while back…they r really good
59.
Nick
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
THIS IS HOTT –my bf & I love underground MUSIC, def gta get the album (if available) —-
60.
chyna 722
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Love it…….ingenious of pharell to jump on to this project…their sound is impressive and i see big things for them in the future….
61.
..:iRok:..
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
..:iLive:..!!!!!!!!!!!!!
62.
BRIAN
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I’m not late with chester french, sorry. I’ve actually been on them for a while.
just because it’s not posted until later doesn’t mean no one’s up on it.
63.
The Wayno Show
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Phat as hell. The joint is mad fresh! They get my vote.
64.
Brad"kali"Bowden
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
yall got it all wrong on this one……. way off.
CF is the real deal no doubt, but their early recordings were engineered, arranged, and produced by the great Tyler Woods(also a harvard grad). my man did it CHEAP, so he’s deserves the nod. He crushed it!!! if youre feelin CF please go and dig these sessions up, it’s some magic like brion+apple. he is currently playing keys in their live band. don’t take my word for it,ask them about tyler….
it’ll be interesting to see what these “super” producers do with them.
65.
Diamond1
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I’M REALLY FEELIN THIS…. HAS A NICE SOUND… I WANT TO HEAR MORE FROM THEM..
66.
Los
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Brian, I think this was a great feature. A departure from the norm and very good music. Keep it up.
67.
african_queen
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
they sound good reminds me of maroon5 kind of style but i will listen to more of their music and i will see if i can jump on their bandwagon
68.
Cj
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Bryan you got it right this time! Right on!
69.
MADISON
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
THEY ARE ALREADY SIGNED TO STAR TRAK I SAW THEM IN RICHMOND VA. THEY OPENED UP FOR N.E.R.D. AND LET THE RECORDS SHOW THAT THEY ONLY DATE BLACK GIRLS. AND IM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE FAIR SKINNED ONES EITHER!!!!!
70.
Brent
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Be nice if you gave someone who wasnt a harvard grad a break….shit when you go to harvard you gonna do good no matter what! BOO!
71.
Ladyssolady
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I like it….good, mellow vibe to it.
72.
TRUTH80
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I like them, especially the lyrics. Thanks Brian for posting, some of us haven’t heard of them so I appreciate it when you post something outside the norm. Don’t listen to those saying your late.
73.
td
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Nice!
74.
stewart
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
NEXT
75.
EBZ01
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
bachelor’s in african american studies…interesting.
I actually really like this song.
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