In this exclusive Q&A, Chaise Williams, the dynamic South African rapper and entertainer, opens up about his artistic evolution, the influences that shaped his sound, and the experiences that continue to fuel his creative fire. From his childhood memories to his aspirations as a performer, Chaise offers a glimpse into the passion and dedication that drive his craft.
Section One :
1. My childhood was always filled with music and dance from an early age. It was always playing in my household and part of the movies I watched allowing it to mould the versatile genre’s you now experience from me as an artist. It ranged between Whitney Houston all the way to the Chris Brown era.
2. The first time I watched YOU GOT SERVED the movie , was the moment I decided I wanted to dance. As a kid I thought it was the coolest thing and had no idea it would end up being such a massive part of my life.
3. Perspective. Ive experienced multiple cultures and classes of life growing up which allowed me to relate to more than just one group of people. I changed schools often and moved throughout SA quite a bit in my childhood too , traveling played another part in this. I think it mostly allowed me to expand my mind and view point on life which opened me up to a bigger understanding of people as a whole.
Section Two:
1. It was cool. The dancer kids in the movies were the cool kids that got the girls, and it was something I was willing to put my all into in order to obtain that feeling.
2. It showed me that I was all I could count on, that the only way I could and would win was if I put my entire heart on the floor.
3. It was the desire to want “more” out of the experience, to be able to express myself in a bigger way than what dance limited me to. Music was more universal, you didnt need to know how to move your body in order to experience it.
Section Three:
1. It about what I feel on the day and at the time , Honestly along with that I let the music guide me.
2. Every song is different , again it’s led by what I am feeling. Some days I’ll have a hook in my head and will build the beat around ir. Other times it could be a dope beat that guides me etc
3. MASSIVELY, I dont think my music who hold such deep musical value if it werent for my dance history. You can sense and feel that most in the more dance like tracks.
Section Four:
1. They made me desire to be a LEGENDARY PERFORMER, and not just a standard in studio artist.
2. Whitney Houston , her talent was unimaginably real. Just having an opportunity to exist in the space of someone who is so connected with their craft would be life changing.
3. It wasnt planned , we were just in a session one day and it all started with a joke about “Hennessy” I dont think either of anticipated it would end up being a #1 track on radio for weeks.
Section Five:
1. Endurance is everything. Never stop trying , never stop taking the risk and never doubt what trying again can result in.
2. I treat every achievement as a stepping stone towards who I have always believed I was capable of being. Staying authentic and real throughout every win, is important to me because I got here by being myself and do my best to stay that way.
3. Every year in the last 4yrs has had its memorable moment or its break through moment , so for 2024 Im gonna say getting to the point where I can release an EP I am proud about and actually feel confident that people are going to receive it and appreciate it.
Section Six:
1. Listeners can expect to experience multiple genres and a world wind of different feelings from each track. It’s a fun yet meaningful body of work that will teach people a bit more about my personality as an artist.
2. I don’t think I’ve ever I’ll ever stop evolving or trying new genre’s. Whatever hasn’t been tried yet, it’s highly likely that it wont stay that way.
3. Theres a message in every song, but I’d rather the listener find what that message is for them without me guiding the narrative. This EP was for me and in the same breath because of that , I believe it can be for every listener regardless of how different each person may depict it.
Section Seven:
1. Being an artist allows me to experience the world differently meaning Im able to offer something to others that they may not be able to offer themselves. Being an artist is a life commitment thats chosen , being a human is default.
2. Honestly , Im ready to be recognised but mostly I cant wait to be performing on a big stage. I want to entertain people on a large scale , this kind of events that change people. How am I going to achieve it ? Keep pushing , keep the momentum and keep believing. Hard work – works.
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