Since debuting in 2019 with the self-effacing ‘Dear Idiot’, CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE have dealt in dancefloor-ready pop and hip-hop that’s as chaotic as it is emotionally clear — hyper-coloured visuals paired with lyrics full of doubt, humour, and a kind of stubborn optimism. Led by vocalist and creative lead Chi-, the project includes masked collaborators Whoopies No.1 and No.2, who’ve been part of the trio since day one. From building giant banana props to shooting music videos on an iPhone, their DIY streak has remained a constant, even as the sound has grown more ambitious.
Their new album ‘Whoop It Up’ leans into that growth, drawing from Chi-’s love of ’90s music while embracing collaborations across genres and borders — from US rapper MadeinTYO and Finnish producer Rony Rex to PES of Japanese hip-hop icons RIP SLYME. It’s a record shaped by instinct as much as influence, guided by what Chi- calls “the one percent” — the part of themselves that doesn’t get negotiated.
Ahead of their UK festival debut at The Great Escape in Brighton, Electric Bloom Webzine caught up with Chi- to talk self-doubt, creative recovery, and trusting your gut — even when nothing’s going to plan.
You’ve described your new album ‘Whoop It Up’ as a “party beyond time and space”. How did that theme take shape during the making of the album?
From the start, our focus has always been on making music that gets people dancing. But this time, I wanted to create something that would truly make my own heart dance. I figured if I could move myself, that energy would naturally spread to others. I just want to dance with people all over the world. That’s really it!
The album draws heavily from 90s sounds but also experiments with UK rock and other styles. How did you find the right balance between nostalgia and new directions?
I used to wish I had lived through the ’90s, but the truth is I was born in a different era. So I figured I’d make music that could only exist now, shaped by my love for the ’90s. Somehow, I just had this confidence that whatever we made would turn out cool, even if I couldn’t explain why. So I focused on having fun and not overthinking it.
‘So-so Life’ opens the album with this mix of dry humour, casual resignation, and steady self-belief. What made it the right track to set the tone for ‘Whoop It Up’?
That song is just a reflection of my mindset and where I’m at right now. I feel like no matter what happens, this is the way I’ll keep living. I thought that if I could dance with that kind of feeling, it would make me happy. That’s why I chose it as the first track. I just want to be happy.
Tracks like ‘Growing’ carry serious themes, but the tone stays light or even playful. How do you approach writing lyrics that hold both humour and emotional weight at the same time?
My mind tends to swing between two extremes. I’m either super optimistic or I overthink everything. So I just let both sides show up in the lyrics as they are. I figured that maybe if we look at the world that way, it might actually seem a little more fun.
“After a lot of self-questioning, I ended up back where I started when I first got into music. Basically, if this were the end of my life, I’d rather spend it doing something I love.”
From Japanese artists like PES and TAKE-M to international names like MadeinTYO and Rony Rex, the album features a wide mix of collaborators. What did you take away from working with artists across such different backgrounds and styles?
We usually create everything just the three of us, so working with other artists was simply fun and refreshing. When we collaborate, we try to step into their world. We let go of about 99 percent of our own style and add just one percent of that CLWP essence. It’s hard to put into words, but working on this album reminded us that the one percent we hold on to is something really clear to us, and it’s something we never want to compromise.
As one part of Japan’s pioneering hip-hop group RIP SLYME, PES is someone a lot of people in your generation grew up hearing on the radio or seeing on TV — yourself included. What was it like working with him on ‘REACH’?
Totally. I’d seen him on TV so many times growing up, so when we finally met in the studio, I had this moment like, ‘Whoa, he’s really here!’. I felt like we shared a similar mindset and recording style, which made me really happy. He even had fun with our totally spontaneous, unplanned music video shoot, and I truly appreciated that. It made me realize I want to be like PES too—someone who can find joy in everything, with a great sense of humor, and who’s genuinely charming and sweet.
You’ve said the track came together naturally because of your shared 90s influences. Were there particular artists or sounds you both connected over during the session?
Yeah, I remember he asked me, ‘You like Beastie Boys, right?’ and I was like, ‘I love them!’. That moment really stuck with me. I’m pretty sure he’s a fan too.
Did that sense of generational overlap shape other moments on the album too?
Totally. I mixed what I love about the ’90s with my current vibe, so that influence naturally shaped the entire album.
‘Ready Yeah’ stalled in production until you brought in TAKE-M. What made him the right fit?
I felt like the song just needed a bit more spice. TAKE-M has a voice and rap style that’s instantly recognizable, and that kind of energy felt like the perfect solution.
You’ve spoken about how recent years left you feeling mentally low, questioning what was missing and whether things were really working. What helped you hold on and keep moving forward creatively?
After a lot of self-questioning, I ended up back where I started when I first got into music. Basically, if this were the end of my life, I’d rather spend it doing something I love. That helped me stop overthinking and just make the music I enjoy.
Working closely with Whoopies No.1 and No.2 in the studio this time meant you could adjust things on the fly and keep ideas flowing. What’s something that surprised you—or changed—in your creative process because of that setup?
Nothing really changed, but I was reminded how much fun it is to make music with them. They genuinely love music, and it made me realize that I really do too.
Speaking of Whoopies No.1 and No.2 — while CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE is officially a solo unit, they’ve been part of the project from the start: always masked, always present. What’s the story behind their role in the group, and what do they bring to the project that people might not realise?
I’ve been doing this together with the Whoopies as a team of three since the beginning, with each of us taking on different roles like songwriting, video editing, and more. I usually come up with the ideas, and the Whoopies help bring them to life. They mostly stay behind the scenes, except for our shows and music videos. That’s why the project is presented as my solo unit, with Whoopies No.1 and No.2 as my companions. Whoopies No.1 is the planner, always on the lookout for the best places to eat and visit. Whoopies No.2 constantly updates me on how his favorite soccer team is doing.
“Even when things suck, the way we look at them can make it all feel a bit more fun.”
CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE take charge of everything, from the music to the visuals. Videos like ‘Flower’ and ‘Secret March’ have a surreal, chaotic energy — how do those ideas come together as a team?
I usually come up with the ideas, then work with Whoopies to decide on locations, outfits, and hairstyles. We share the plan with our manager and go location scouting with the team. Bit by bit, our creative team has been growing with support from stylists and camera crew.
That same level of involvement shows up in other ways too — like handing out flyers at SXSW or building a giant banana for a live show. Why is staying so hands-on important to how you present the project?
We started out as just the three of us making music, and when it came time to shoot a music video, we used an iPhone because we had no budget. Since then, doing things ourselves has become our style. There wasn’t any cool reason behind it—it was just the easiest way to bring our ideas to life. We’re all pretty shy and not great at explaining our vision to others, so doing it ourselves made the most sense. That said, we do want to keep growing our team and bringing more people in.
Your orange hair has become a signature of CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE. If you ever changed it, would that be a sign something big was coming — like your version of a “new era” announcement?
Honestly, orange isn’t the only color I see as part of my identity. If it changes, it doesn’t mean anything deep.
With ‘Whoop It Up’, what do you hope listeners come away with?
Even when things suck, the way we look at them can make it all feel a bit more fun. Life’s actually more enjoyable than we think. I just try to remind myself—good or bad, it’s okay to keep dancing.
You’re making your UK live debut at The Great Escape, following standout sets at SXSW and Baybeats. What are you most looking forward to about playing in Brighton?
We’re looking forward to connecting with the UK audience through our music. We want to share our energy and turn it into a super fun and unforgettable experience together.
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While you’re in the UK, is there anything you’re hoping to discover — a sound, a record, a collaborator, or something totally unexpected?
UK music has had a big influence on us, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere firsthand. I’m curious about what the streets feel like. Since it’s my first time there, everything will be exciting to take in. I love surprises, so I’m hoping for some fun and happy ones.
After The Great Escape and ‘Whoop It Up’, what’s next for CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE —what’s keeping you excited right now?
We’ve got a super exciting announcement coming this summer, so be ready to dance!
CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE bring ‘Whoop It Up’ to the UK this week, with live sets at The Great Escape in Brighton on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th May.
CHAMELEON LIME WHOOPIEPIE
Whoop It Up
Release Date: 25/04/2025
Label: CLWP Records
Stream: Links
