Meet Chloe Dolandis | Singer/Songwriter/Voice Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloe Dolandis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chloe, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten was from a voice teacher I worked with for years, Aaron Hagan. I was burned out playing music full-time and called him after an exceptionally challenging gig. In complete frustration and exhaustion I told him I didn’t know what to do. He simply said, “Quit”. WHAT? He went on to share that I could quit for a day, a week, a month, years, whatever I chose. And I could do something else.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to stay in whatever game we’re playing that sometimes we miss opportunities to change and grow in natural and healthy ways. Quitting (even if only temporarily) can give us the perspective we need to move in a new direction or go back to what we were doing with a new mindset.

Just today I had a conversation with one of my former voiceover students about how he’s considering leaving the VO world — but he didn’t want to be a “quitter”. I told him what Aaron told me and gave him proper context (…let’s do this responsibly, folks). His reaction was, “Ok, so follow the joy. That feels good.”

The joy. Isn’t that what creativity is all about?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a Multipassionate is what I’m most proud of. When I first started out, people would tell me to choose only one focus. But I had a true love for so many facets of the arts, so I kept at it in the way that felt most authentic to me. Carving my own path in the entertainment industry has been equally challenging and rewarding, and finding/creating work in a few different disciplines ended up being my sweet spot. A good mix of voiceover, songwriting, singing, on-camera, producing, and coaching (now for Atlanta Voiceover Studio) is how I’ve come to be a full-time artist. Lately I’ve been spending time playing with visual art, so it’ll be fun to start blending that with what I’ve already created.

I’ve also always loved maintaining a balance of structured and completely freeform arenas in which I can create. Currently I’m a grad student in the MLA program at Johns Hopkins. Juggling school with my career has been a dance, but it’s worked out nicely. The university allows me to pace myself well and incorporate what my business is doing into my program, which is amazing. I recently took a Hopkins social media-oriented class that allowed me to focus on my brand, and it was so exciting to create a plan for my forthcoming EP release! (::clears throat:: My new EP, Battle Scars, comes out on October 22, 2024!)

The way I’ve overcome obstacles has been, and continues to be, through self-discovery work (e.g., reading, yoga, meditation, walking, spending time in nature/with animals, talking through things with loved ones, and writing). My relationships have supported me in immeasurable ways, and the gratitude I have for the people I love is too big for words. From the jump, many mentors have shown me the ropes of each of their given industries, which was absolutely invaluable to my professional (and personal) development. Recently a local actor friend, whose work I deeply appreciate, called me to get some advice about one of his client relationships. Hearing him say that he considers me a mentor kind of blew me away. This is someone I’ve watched on TV multiple times in awe. That kind of mutual admiration and respect is one of the most rewarding parts about being in this business. Community is such an essential ingredient in the mix, and I absolutely could not do all of what I’m doing on my own. So I’ll end with this question: If a singer sings in a forest, does she make a sound?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ooo, this is a fun thought exercise. First of all check out The BeltLine, of course. Then go over to Ponce City Market and get some Indian street food at Botiwalla.

For live, local music, check out an open mic night at Eddie’s Attic. And pregame at The Iberian Pig. Their tapas (omg the potatoes) are delicious. I happen to have a giant collection of pig statues so this was such a fun find.

If you’re north of the city, take a dance class at Motus in Alpharetta then go to the gorgeous Delbar for a great meal (the beets are my fav). Grab a bagel sandwich at Bagelicious in Marietta (delicious — and bring cash, no cards accepted)! Cristy’s Kitchen in Roswell will serve you the best dang gluten-free jackfruit bbq sandwich you’ve ever had.

I also have to include Buford highway’s extensive selection of cuisine from all over the world. And a hidden gem, if you happen to want to donate children’s books to a fantastic organization, is Children Read Atlanta. (Seeing how their volunteers spend such time and care to restore books was heartwarming.)

Other faves include the St. Regis in Buckhead, so many local parks, Sketchworks Comedy shows, and Atlanta Voiceover Studio! I teach at Atlanta Voiceover Studio and the community they’ve cultivated is super supportive.

That being said, Marietta Diner may be my favorite place of all. It holds so many memories for me and my family, going there feels like home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This Shoutout is dedicated to Nathalie Malpica (of Malpica Media). Nathalie and I met in TV Production class in high school and have been working together ever since. Now she’s my voiceover editor and video collaborator! She’s one of the most loyal, collaborative, kind, hilarious, and considerate people I’ve ever met and I feel lucky to know her every single day.

Website: https://chloedolandis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloedolandis/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloedolandis/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChloeDolandis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeDolandisMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAdyS8D6fPISo2qtKqSOVIA

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chloedolandis

Image Credits
Chase Anderson Heidi Rew