From MTV to Country Music, Nashville & “Down to the Filter” | Chanel West Coast
Chanel West Coast joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CMA Fest 2026 to talk about stepping into country music, her single “Down to the Filter,” motherhood, and why Nashville has given her a new place to tell her story.
Millions of people know Chanel from MTV's Ridiculousness and Fantasy Factory, along with a music career rooted largely in hip-hop. Now she's exploring a different side of herself—one influenced by family, storytelling and country music.
Chanel West Coast opens up about moving from hip-hop into country music and introducing fans to a new side of herself with “Down to the Filter.”
Why Chanel West Coast Went Country
Moving from hip-hop toward country might surprise some longtime fans, but Chanel sees connections to the music that go much further back.
During her Heart of the Gulch interview, she talks about her country influences, family connections and why this new direction feels increasingly authentic to who she is today.
Becoming a mother has also changed her perspective.
As her life evolved, so did the stories she wanted to tell through music.
“Down to the Filter” and WSM Radio
One of the first songs representing this new chapter is “Down to the Filter.”
Chanel discusses the story behind the song and the experience of debuting it on WSM Radio, one of country music's most historic radio stations and longtime home of the Grand Ole Opry broadcast.
For an artist entering a completely different musical world, hearing her new country music introduced through WSM represented a memorable moment in that transition.
She also dives into her approach to music videos and why the visual side of her music remains such an important creative outlet.
Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza sits down with Chanel West Coast during CMA Fest 2026 to talk country music, Nashville, motherhood and her next chapter.
Hip-Hop vs. Country Music
Chanel has now experienced two very different sides of the music business.
That gives her an interesting perspective on the differences between building a career in hip-hop and finding her place in country music.
The conversation covers everything from audience expectations and criticism to what makes each genre challenging for an artist trying to break through.
Chanel also reflects on going viral with country covers and experimenting with songs from artists like Shaboozey as she continues introducing this side of her music to fans.
Nashville vs. Los Angeles
One of the biggest differences Chanel has noticed isn't necessarily musical.
It's cultural.
After spending years creating in Los Angeles, she says Nashville's songwriting community has introduced her to a more collaborative way of working.
Writers share ideas. Artists make introductions. People get into rooms together and see what happens.
Chanel contrasts that with experiences in Los Angeles where artists can sometimes feel more protective of ideas, relationships and opportunities.
For someone entering a new genre, that sense of community has made Nashville particularly appealing.
Learning From Snoop Dogg, will.i.am & the Industry
Chanel's career has also put her around some major figures in entertainment.
She reflects on lessons and advice she's received from people including Snoop Dogg and will.i.am, along with what years in entertainment have taught her about criticism.
And Chanel certainly knows something about criticism.
She opens up about dealing with haters, overcoming self-doubt and learning when outside opinions should—and shouldn't—matter.
Her approach now is increasingly centered on trusting her instincts and making music that reflects the person she's become.
Chanel West Coast reflects on Nashville's songwriting community, her years in Los Angeles and why country music gives her a new way to tell her story.
Motherhood and What's Next
Motherhood is another major piece of that evolution.
Chanel explains how becoming a mom has changed both her life and creative perspective while giving her new experiences to draw from as a songwriter.
Now the question becomes just how far she'll take this country chapter.
More songs are coming. Nashville is becoming increasingly important to her creative process.
And yes, even the possibility of moving to Nashville comes up during the conversation.
After years of being associated with MTV, television and hip-hop, Chanel West Coast isn't trying to erase what came before.
She's adding another chapter.
And with “Down to the Filter,” Nashville songwriting sessions and more country music ahead, Chanel West Coast is giving listeners an opportunity to meet a side of her they may not have heard before.
Watch Chanel West Coast on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Chanel West Coast interview from CMA Fest 2026 as she joins Tony Mendoza to discuss “Down to the Filter,” transitioning from hip-hop to country music, WSM Radio, motherhood, Nashville vs. Los Angeles, Shaboozey, Snoop Dogg and what's next.
Interview Chapters
0:00 — Chanel West Coast Interview | CMA Fest 2026
0:31 — Why Chanel West Coast Switched From Hip-Hop to Country Music
1:17 — Premiering “Down to the Filter” on Grand Ole Opry Radio
1:57 — The Story Behind “Down to the Filter”
2:31 — Music Videos, Creativity & Artistic Vision
4:07 — New Music Video Inspired by a Classic Movie
4:47 — Country Music Roots, Texas Fans & Family Influences
5:54 — Hip-Hop vs. Country Music: Which Is Harder?
7:10 — Chanel West Coast's Most Embarrassing On-Stage Moment
8:27 — Going Viral With Country Music Covers & Shaboozey
10:17 — Telling Her Real Story Through Country Music
11:13 — How Chanel West Coast Handles Haters & Criticism
12:04 — Advice From Snoop Dogg, will.i.am & Music Industry Legends
13:07 — Nashville vs. Los Angeles: The Music Industry Difference
14:32 — Why Authenticity Matters in Country Music
15:17 — Overcoming Self-Doubt & Following Your Heart
16:42 — New Music, Motherhood & What's Next
17:36 — Is Chanel West Coast Moving to Nashville?
18:24 — Final Thoughts
Tony Mendoza and Chanel West Coast together following her Heart of the Gulch interview at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville.
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
