Chanel West Coast: MTV Star enters Country Music, Nashville, & “Down to the Filter”

On this episode of Heart of the Gulch, host Tony Mendoza sits down with Chanel West Coast during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Best known for her years on MTV's Ridiculousness and Fantasy Factory, ‪@ChanelWC‬ is entering an exciting new chapter—her evolution into country music. Check out the official Heart of the Gulch website: 👉 https://heartofthegulch.com _________________________________________________ In this interview, we discuss her transition from hip-hop into country, what inspired her to embrace her country roots, and why Nashville has become the perfect place to tell her stories. 🔔 Subscribe for more great content:    / @heartofthegulch   ▶️ Recommended for you:    • Mason Ramsey on “Faith,” CMA Fest & His Ne...   We also talk about her latest single "Down to the Filter," which she debuted on WSM Radio, the legendary home of the Grand Ole Opry, along with how becoming a mother helped reshape her musical direction. One of the most interesting conversations centers around the difference between making music in Los Angeles versus Nashville. Chanel explains why Nashville's songwriting community feels far more collaborative, while Los Angeles often encourages artists to guard ideas and relationships. Whether discussing country storytelling, songwriting sessions, or the future of her career, Chanel shares why this new chapter feels like the most authentic version of herself. If you enjoy country music, artist evolution, Nashville songwriting, music industry conversations, and behind-the-scenes stories, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Subscribe to Heart of the Gulch for more interviews from CMA Fest 2026, CRS, and Nashville's biggest artists. 0:00 - 0:30 - Chanel West Coast Interview | CMA Fest 2026 0:31 - 1:16 - Why Chanel West Coast Switched from Hip-Hop to Country Music 1:17 - 1:56 - Premiering "Down to the Filter" on Grand Ole Opry Radio 1:57 - 2:30 - The Story Behind Chanel West Coast's New Song "Down to the Filter" 2:31 - 4:06 - Chanel West Coast on Music Videos, Creativity & Artistic Vision 4:07 - 4:46 - New Music Video Inspired by a Classic Movie 4:47 - 5:53 - Country Music Roots, Texas Fans & Family Influences 5:54 - 7:09 - Hip-Hop vs Country Music: Which Is Harder? 7:10 - 8:26 - Chanel West Coast's Most Embarrassing On-Stage Moment 8:27 - 10:16 - Going Viral with Country Music Covers & Shaboozey 10:17 - 11:12 - Telling Her Real Story Through Country Music 11:13 - 12:03 - How Chanel West Coast Handles Haters & Criticism 12:04 - 13:06 - Advice from Snoop Dogg, will.i.am & Music Industry Legends 13:07 - 14:31 - Nashville vs Los Angeles: The Music Industry Difference 14:32 - 15:16 - Why Authenticity Matters in Country Music 15:17 - 16:41 - Overcoming Self-Doubt & Following Your Heart 16:42 - 17:35 - New Music, Motherhood & What's Next for Chanel West Coast 17:36 - 18:23 - Is Chanel West Coast Moving to Nashville? 18:24 - 18:40 - Final Thoughts