Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with CHASELAVISH

CHASELAVISH is an exciting young artist who’s poised to have a huge 2019. This week he’s dropping his highly-anticipated new single, “Nostalgia,” which showcases his star power and diversity.

Having grown up in a musical family, it’s no surprise that CHASELAVISH has embarked on a career in the industry. As he puts it, “Music is in my blood.” However, unlike his father and grandfather who are established Reggae artists, CHASELAVISH is paving his own path blending R&B, Pop, Rap, and House influences, and he’s spent the past few years honing his craft. This Friday, he’s ready to show off all that hard work with “Nostalgia.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
CHASELAVISH: My father’s side of the family has always been in the industry, so I guess it’s one of those instances where I can literally say I grew up around it.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
CHASELAVISH: The driving force in my career has been how many people I could potentially connect with and inspire around the world. There have been so many times when I thought about quitting, but no matter what I do, I’m always led back into music and I strongly believe there’s a reason for that.

PC: You come from a very musical family. Did that bring any added pressure after you decided to pursue a career in music?
CHASELAVISH: I don’t think so, considering all my family’s ties to the industry are reggae-based. I’m kind of like the oddball trying to pursue different styles.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Nostalgia”. What inspired the song?
CHASELAVISH: “Nostalgia” is a story of an aspiring singer, a love interest, and the complications that both are facing as the singer continues to elevate in his career. With any relationship, time and effort are extremely important, but in this record, a lack of both forces the singer to really prioritize and remind his love interest that she is just as important as every accolade and achievement.

PC: You sing, rapped, and produced the track. Which skill comes the easiest? Which was the most challenging?
CHASELAVISH: Hmm, I’d probably have to say in this instance, making the beat was definitely the easiest. I was in such a vibe during this session that it felt like every instrument was adding itself to the track. [laughs] I’d say writing the song was probably the most challenging. I wanted to tap into a space where the song is relatable and honest.

PC: As we look ahead to 2019, what does the year hold for you?
CHASELAVISH: This year, I’m focused on building a beautiful fanbase and putting out a ton of content. I took a long time away from releasing stuff to work on my voice and my music in general. I think I’m ready to finally put myself out there and just build the right way.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of the industry?
CHASELAVISH: Always trust your instinct. You’ll run into so many people who will try to do you wrong or manipulate you, but you always have to follow your heart, not what other people say.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
CHASELAVISH: Looney Tunes

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
CHASELAVISH: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. I’m such a sucker for rom-coms. [laughs]

PC: Favorite book?
CHASELAVISH: Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

PC: Favorite play or musical?
CHASELAVISH: I still watch all the High School Musicals all the time.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
CHASELAVISH: The Neighbourhood

PC: First album you bought?
CHASELAVISH: 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’—surprising, considering I wasn’t even ten yet. [laughs]

PC: First concert you attended?
CHASELAVISH: Sadly, I haven’t gone to one yet.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
CHASELAVISH: Drake’s So Far Gone. To have someone come out with such vulnerability and a willingness to discuss the things in life and love that we all think but don’t say was inspiring and probably one of the reasons I decided to write music that wasn’t reggae.

To keep up with CHASELAVISH, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Katie Yu/SYFY