About Chaye Alexander
A Musical Beginning: A Mother’s Influence
Chaye Alexander’s lifelong passion for music was sparked by her mother’s love for timeless sounds. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Chaye fondly remembers how her home was filled with the voices of Dionne Warwick, Petula Clark, The Beatles, Brook Benton, and a host of other soul and pop legends. Her bond with music was forged the moment she was asked to change a record on the family turntable. The magic of hearing the needle touch the vinyl was transformative, solidifying her connection to music. It wasn’t long before Chaye began building her own collection of 45s and 12-inch records, spending her earnings on the latest albums and immersing herself in the vibrant musical landscape of her youth.
From DJ to Curator: Crafting the Perfect Soundtrack
As a teenager, Chaye spent countless hours DJing alongside her brother at various events. This chapter taught her one of her most essential lessons—how to design “the music to create the right atmosphere and mood for any space.” Eventually, Chaye took over the turntables, honing a unique style of blending genres. Her seamless mixes soon caught the attention of a local radio DJ, who invited her to become a regular on his show. These early experiences helped Chaye develop her skills as a producer and on-air talent, setting the stage for a deep understanding of broadcasting that would later inform her ventures in media.
Discovering Talent & Shaping the Airwaves
Chaye’s dedication to music eventually led her to the recording industry, where she managed and developed emerging talent. Frustrated by the limited platforms available to promote new artists, Chaye took matters into her own hands. She collaborated with a local production studio to launch Have U Heard, a television show that showcased rising stars and iconic talents alike, including TLC, Boyz II Men, and Eric Benet. Known for her signature style of putting guests at ease, Chaye’s interviews became celebrated for their depth and authenticity, revealing a truer sense of each artist.
Conversations with Icons
Have U Heard aired for three successful seasons, syndicated across 13 U.S. cities. With each episode, Chaye demonstrated her gift for connecting with audiences, not just through facts but through meaningful, insightful conversations that resonated. Her success on the show helped establish her reputation as a trusted voice in music and media.
The Birth of Chayz Lounge Radio & Venue
Chaye Alexander is a renaissance woman and the visionary behind Chayz Lounge and Chayz Lounge Radio. Driven by a passion for music and a commitment to showcasing emerging talent, Chaye conceived the idea for Chayz Lounge Radio in 2004. After years of research, she launched the station in 2009 under the name Chayz Lounge, pioneering internet radio as a platform for discovering new artists. The station’s popularity inspired her to expand beyond the online realm, envisioning a physical space where music lovers could gather. In 2017, Chaye brought this vision to life with the opening of Chayz Lounge, an intimate venue in the backroom of Nonnah’s restaurant in Columbia, SC. This elegant space has become a haven for live performances, embodying Chaye’s dedication to sophistication and connection.
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Realizing the need for a larger space, Chaye relocated Chayz Lounge in 2019 to its current home on Meeting Street in West Columbia, SC. Today, the venue stands as a testament to her commitment to providing an unparalleled listening experience, offering guests the best in live jazz, R&B, and soul.
A Legacy in Music & Culture
With a career spanning over three decades, Chaye Alexander has made her mark as a respected figure in the music and entertainment industries. Her influence extends beyond Chayz Lounge and Chayz Lounge Radio, shaping the cultural landscape through her roles as Musical Director for The Columbia Museum of Art’s Boyd Plaza Concert Series and the Richland County Parks & Recreation Foundation’s Jazz Fest. She also serves on the board of the South Carolina Jazz Foundation and is the visionary behind West Columbia’s Meeting Street Music Festival.
From her childhood filled with record collections and block parties to her established presence as a music curator and cultural leader, Chaye’s journey reflects a lifelong dedication to the arts. Her blend of creativity, business acumen, and an unwavering passion for music continues to inspire those around her. Today, Chaye Alexander remains a trailblazer, enriching lives through music and creating experiences that resonate long after the final note is played.
Supporting the Arts Community
Beyond her work at Chayz Lounge and Chayz Lounge Radio, Chaye Alexander actively contributes to the local arts scene. She is the visionary behind West Columbia's Meeting Street Music Fest and serves on its committee, fostering a vibrant music culture within the community.
Chaye also holds the role of Musical Director for The Columbia Museum of Art’s Boyd Plaza Concert Series and the Richland County Parks & Recreation Foundation’s Jazz Fest. Additionally, she serves on the board of the South Carolina Jazz Foundation. Through these roles, Chaye is dedicated to championing jazz and supporting the arts in meaningful ways across South Carolina.