Chloe Bailey on Selling Her Soul, Industry Struggles, and “Sinners”

Chloe Bailey has publicly addressed the pressures and moral complexities of the music industry, drawing powerful parallels to the film Sinners and reflecting on the daily challenges faced by artists who consciously choose not to “sell out.”

The “Sinners” Parallel: Talent, Temptation, and Staying True

On a recent livestream, Chloe Bailey spoke candidly about how deeply Sinners resonated with her. In the movie, the main character is an exceptionally talented musician whose guitar playing uplifts and honors his ancestors, yet his gifts attract dark forces. For him to achieve lasting success and immortality through his music, he’s pressured to “sell out” and give in to the vampires, a metaphor for industry exploitation and the temptations artists face.

Chloe explained:

“You could have a gift like he did with his guitar … he’s honoring his ancestors and uplifting … but then it also attracts the not good. So it’s like in order for him to be successful, the vampires were telling him he has to sell out so he could live forever and his music could live forever. And it’s exactly like things I see and go through every day … the people who decided not to go to the other side, they were in there fighting for their lives, they were in there going through it while the ones who did give in, they were outside celebrating and having a good time and got things quicker.”

This commentary underscores the painful reality Chloe and many artists experience: sheer talent is not always enough to succeed, and those who avoid compromising their integrity often face the harshest hurdles.

Refusing to “Sell Her Soul” in the Industry

Chloe Bailey has repeatedly stated she will not “sell her soul” for industry success, despite intense pressure. She has gone live to denounce rumors of occult involvement or “selling out,” clarifying that her passion for music and spirituality drives her—not the desire for fame at any cost.

• Chloe has addressed accusations directly: “One moment you all say that I talk about God too much, and the next you say I’m selling my soul. Which is it, my loves? … I didn’t sell my soul, no. … I love God so much, and I love music, and I just have a lot of passion. That’s it.”
• She emphasizes that real, lasting fulfillment comes from staying true to her values, not chasing shortcuts or compromising her soul for quick rewards.

Daily Struggles for Artists Not “Going to the Other Side”

Chloe’s journey shows the exhausting daily battles of artists who refuse to compromise:

• Mental Health: Chloe has been open about the toll that constant criticism and speculation take on her mental health, from anxiety to bouts of self-doubt and depression. She credits music, faith, and family for helping her stay grounded and resist negative industry forces.
• Industry Exploitation: She’s spoken honestly about how the music business can be unforgiving, with real financial success often coming only to those who sign brand deals or tour—while the business side can easily take advantage of earnest artists.

• Pressure to Conform: Chloe recognizes that contemporary music is shaped by powerful gatekeepers, and standing firm in her values can mean slower progress, harsher judgment, and extra effort for every win.

As Chloe describes it, while those who “give in” may rise quickly and enjoy perks, those who hold out for artistic and personal integrity endure more obstacles and isolation: “No matter how hard you work, no matter how good of a person that you are, no matter how talented you are, sometimes that’s not enough to get you places that you need to be.”

Why Her Story Resonates

Chloe’s transparency and persistence have made her a voice for artists navigating faith, ambition, and survival in a morally complex entertainment landscape. Her willingness to speak about these challenges—while drawing from films like Sinners—offers both a warning and inspiration to others who refuse to “go to the other side” despite the costs.