In "Music meets Football", we speak to some of our artists about their love of the beautiful game and the teams they support. Our latest feature is with Mychelle.
The Hackney singer-songwriter is a fan of South West London side Chelsea and plays for Islington Borough Ladies in the Greater London Women’s Football League. Born and raised in Stoke Newington, Mychelle’s talents and raw, soulful performances whilst busking at London Bridge caught the attention of FAMM, the label that would go on to sign her. Her journey has earned her support from The Metro, Evening Standard, Dork, and Clash, alongside airplay from DJ Target, Adele Roberts and Jamz Supernova.
2025 has seen Mychelle step into a new chapter with the release of two new singles ‘Sweet Nothings’ and ‘You Don’t Care About Me’– both of which you can listen to on Blue Is the Colour, our unofficial Chelsea FC playlist – from her next project, along with supporting Jorja Smith on the UK leg of her tour this summer.
Sport Playlists: Tell us about how you became a fan of Chelsea?
Mychelle: So my step-dad supported Chelsea. He always had the games on and I remember him always shouting at the TV! My mum is a Spurs fan so there was no way I could ever support Arsenal even though we live so close.
SP: What are your earliest memories of attending a game at Stamford Bridge?
Mychelle: So I only attended my first game at Stamford bridge last year for one of the Women’s games against Man City. It was such a good feeling to finally enter Stamford Bridge!
SP: Who were your footballing heroes growing up – whether that be Chelsea players or otherwise?
Mychelle: Definitely [Didier] Drogba! He was my favourite player growing up for sure. I loved watching him play. He had such great football charisma too! His finals days at Chelsea make some of the best football highlights.
SP: Alongside your music career, you play for Islington Borough Ladies. Tell us a bit about your footballing journey from when you started playing, to now.
Mychelle: Growing up, I always played football on my estate with/against the boys, with maybe one other girl. We also played this game called four goals where the four people playing would each have to guard their goal. If you conceded a goal, you’d get replaced by the next player in the queue and you’d go to the back of the queue. I loved that game so much! I also played in school at lunchtime with the boys in my year.
After leaving secondary school, I stopped playing for ages until a few years ago when I hosted a birthday in Finsbury Park, where we ended up playing an impromptu game against some strangers. The chairman of my coach happened to be walking by and came over to invite the women that were playing to join the IBLFC beginner group. I then worked my way into a 7-a-side team, which I captained for three years. I also trialled for the 11-a-side team and made it into the reserves. After two years in reserves, I managed to bag myself a spot in the first team, where I play on the left wing.
It’s been a great journey. I’ve made some amazing friends in IBLFC, I’ve even been on some amazing holidays with some of the girls too. It’s honestly such a special community that I’m really grateful to be a part of.
SP: What have your favourite memories been playing for Islington Ladies?
Mychelle: One would definitely have to be scoring a hat-trick in a 2023/24 FA Cup qualifier game. I was put in the local newspaper which was great. Another quality memory was playing against Leyton Orient at their ground [Brisbane Road] – that was so cool!
SP: What are your thoughts on how the 2024/25 season has gone so far for Chelsea?
Mychelle: It’s definitely a stronger season than the previous two seasons. It’s nice to be in a top 4 spot although we need to fight and stay consistent to stay there. The season started strong but there has been a slight dip lately. I’m hoping they can build momentum again as the season rounds off. I also have hope that with the new manager settling in and as the players mature, we have an even stronger season coming next season.
SP: What are your hopes for the final few months of the season?
Mychelle: Chelsea to win the UEFA Conference League! I’m also hoping they finish top 4 in the Premier League as well – I need them in the Champions League next season.
SP: What’s the best moment been in your time supporting Chelsea?
Mychelle: The 2012 Champions League! Drogba’s winning penalty! The lead up to it was exciting too.
SP: Who are your favourite players in the current Blues squad?
Mychelle: Cole Palmer of course, he has been such a solid player for the squad. I enjoyed watching [Noni] Madueke shine earlier this season. Hopefully he is back soon and provides a solid performance. Enzo Fernández is a consistent player that I also enjoy being on the squad.
SP: How important has the crossover between music and football been in your life?
Mychelle: It’s been so important for me. I like to do multiple things I enjoy and I love to stay active. I love and am passionate about music but where I also do it full time, I think it’s important to have a hobby that you love and pour in to as well.
When I’m playing football, I am focused on the game and everything else leaves my mind for a moment. It’s so nice to have that headspace. I’m also grateful to have created a music video that features football to show the two crossover.
SP: What song do you associate with a cherished footballing memory?
Mychelle: ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ by The Verve. I love that song. It’s just so nostalgic. It was used a lot for football coverage on tv in the 00s and also the video is shot in Hackney.
SP: If you had to pick one of your songs for Chelsea to walk out to before kick-off at Stamford Bridge, which one would it be?
Mychelle: ‘Tightrope Remix’. It would be amazing if that ever happened, haha!
SP: You’ve started the year by releasing two new songs, ‘Sweet Nothings’ and ‘You Don’t Care About Me’. Tell us a bit more about the songs and the inspiration behind them.
Mychelle: In life, I like to be upbeat and positive and I think music is where I express my lower moments or when I am fed up – so here’s an insight in to that area of my life ahaha.
I loved working on both songs music wise too! I felt really creative and enjoyed collaborating with the producers to express what sounds I wanted to hear.
SP: What plans do you have in store for the rest of 2025?
Mychelle: I will be releasing more music and I’ve got some really amazing shows lined up later this year, including supporting Jorja Smith and playing Cross The Tracks Festival in Brockwell Park, as well as playing at Madcool in Madrid! I’m super excited.
