In this exclusive interview, we delve into the world of underground rapper Chi Savi, as he shares his background, inspirations, and experiences in the music industry. From his early musical influences to the challenges he faced along the way, Chi Savi opens up about his journey as an artist and the impact it has had on his music. Join us as we explore his songwriting process, collaborations, performances, and the messages conveyed through his music. Discover how Chi Savi stays true to his artistic vision while navigating the music industry and find out what the future holds for this talented and versatile artist.
Can you tell us about your background and how it has influenced your music? How did you first get into music, and what made you decide to pursue a career as an underground rapper? What are some of the challenges you faced along the way, and how have these experiences shaped your music?
Growing up I was born into a musical family. With my mom being a singer and my pops being a singer, musician, and producer, I was influenced heavily from a young age to start doing music. Though I was never forced to do music, my pops always surrounded me and my two brothers with instruments, he would throw us in the booth to record songs for fun, show us how to engineer him on his songs, and we’d go to a lot of the gigs he’d played keys at. At a young age I grew a love for guitar and got my first guitar at 8 years old. At age 13, I grew a lot more interest in being in the studio so I’d be in my dads studio day and night making beats, Then I’d transfer the beats I made in the studio to my phone and I would record my vocals in garage band at the time because I was just finding my voice. Them songs was horrible haha I’d show my friends and they thought I sucked too. but the more I practiced the better I got. Then, around the age of 17 I got my own Mac desktop and started really taking the music more serious.
A lot of the reason I’ve wanted to become an artist was because of major influences like Chris Brown, Michael Jackson, Usher, and Justin Bieber. Those are a few people who I look up to as some of the best entertainers in the industry. I remember as a kid my pops woke me and my brothers up and called us into the living room to see Chris brown’s live wall to wall performance on tv and Chris was hooked to some wires that made it seem like he was flying while he did flips and danced in mid air. That performance inspired me to wanna be an artist.
I think some examples of challenges I’ve faced along the way were like being a secular artist in a Christian home, learning the music business, and fine tuning my ears to be able to make quality music. I even went through a lot of pain growing up because I chose music over people a lot of the time. I didn’t wanna do it but I had to break a few hearts so I could stay on course for my music. So it got lonely at times but it helped me to create some really amazing albums too haha but I would isolate myself in that space because it’s the only thing that made me feel happy, like I could be myself, it truthfully made me feel safe and I made music my home. Being a secular artist in a Christian home wasn’t always easy for me. My pops really wanted me to go the Christian Artist route but I never felt that was the route for me even though I am very spiritual and still do believe in God. They are still very supportive of me though. They just don’t listen to the explicit songs I make haha
Learning the music business was probably one of the hardest challenges I had ever encountered though. Me and my pops took a year to really dive deep into what it truly takes to be a monetized artist. I think every artist should know and understand the music business if they are serious because if you are that passionate about anything in life the end goal and dream is to live off of it.And finally, just going into the studio everyday really allowed me to get better at my craft. Like any starting artist, I feel like my songs sucked! haha but the more you practice the better you get. There’s no shortcuts in this game. Hard work, passion, dedication, and consistency is the only thing that will catapult you forward to be successful. All of these challenging experiences really shaped my artistry and work ethic into what it is today but the learning and growing process doesn’t stop. That’s gon’ be for life.
How do you approach the songwriting process? Do you have a specific routine or method for writing lyrics, or does it vary from song to song? Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished product? How do you know when a song is "done," and how do you decide which songs to release?
These are great questions! My process for every song is different every time to be completely honest with you. Sometimes I’ll hear a beat and feel instant inspiration and I’ll hop on my mic and make a song in 30 mins. Sometimes it’s the total opposite and I’ll have writers block so bad and maybe a couple months go by and I revisit the track or I’ll have a life experience that really inspires me and I’ll quickly come out of that writers block. Most of the songs I’ve written have been about my life experiences and how I felt in those moments. I have very few songs that I’ve written that are simply concepts but I think being authentic with my writing really helps me to get a lot off my chest. It’s my therapy.
Sometimes I’ll also produce my own beats and it will often times just start with the beat and being inspired by the sounds. I don’t really question my process because I think all my processes are truly divine and when I’m in that space i just kinda let it happen and I just flow with the energy.
I know when the song is done after I’ve heard it over 1000 times, I’ll mixed and master it, then I’ll take it to the car and just really hear all the frequencies and just vibe. If I’m feeling it in the car I think that’s when I’d say it’s done fasho! And I’ll check it out on multiple speakers in multiple cars. I’ll even ask a few friends & family to see how they’re liking it but for sure if it sounds good in the car then Issa wrap haha
Can you describe your music style and how it has evolved over time? What are some of the influences that have shaped your sound, and how do you incorporate these into your music? How do you stay true to your artistic vision while still experimenting with new sounds and styles?
My music style is definitely just very chill R&B/Pop vibes. Sometimes I’m on my sad boi vibes too but other times I’ll be on some dancehall Afrobeat beach type vibes. I have music for everyone. R&B, Pop, Dancehall, Afrobeat, Latin Pop, EDM etc. I’ve always been into experimenting with my music but I think what has truly evolved more is my vocals, my sound quality, and my lyrical content. Chris Brown and Michael Jackson have always been my biggest inspirations all around.Some other artists that have inspired me vocally have been artists like: Eric Bellinger, Justin Timberlake, Ty Dolla $ign, Justin Bieber, Frank Ocean, Drake, H.E.R., Rema, Don Toliver, Tory Lanez, Bruno Mars, Miguel, Kehlani, Tank, and Jamie Foxx etc.
My favorite writers are people like: Chris Brown, Gabrielle Nowee aka Goldie, Eric Bellinger, Andre 3000, Big Sean, Anderson Pak, J. Cole, Kanye, Jay-Z, Russ, Tyler The Creator etc. there are so many great writers in the world.I got different lists of inspirations for everything. Writers, producers, rappers, performers, Artist aesthetics. I’m very inspired by a lot of people in this world, even the people around me on my team.
I think no matter how much I experiment with different genres the authenticity of my vocals and the words I’m saying is what allows me to stay true to my vision and sound. I feel so blessed to be able to say that my voice fits in about every genre. That’s the best part about being an R&B vocalist because R&B is in everything no matter what anyone says. That’s why I don’t understand why a lot of people are saying that “R&B is dead”. That is one thing that will never die.
How do you choose your collaborations and what do you look for in a collaborator? Do you have a specific process for selecting artists to work with, or is it more organic? How do you ensure that your collaborations are authentic and meaningful, and what role do these collaborations play in your music?
I am very closed off when it comes to collaborations because I feel like that process is so intimate, there definitely has to be great energy and chemistry for me to collaborate with someone. so when I do collaborate with someone it’s probably because I have had a genuine relationship or connection with them for years or I really just love their energy right off the bat. I do look for people with real talent and passion though. I think that’s very important. I also look for people who are correctly set up in the music business because it allows me to know that they are taking themselves seriously and with that I’ll know that they will take our collaboration more seriously too.
Can you share a particularly memorable performance experience? What made this experience stand out to you, and how did it impact your career? How do you prepare for performances, both mentally and physically, and what are some of the challenges you face when performing live?
I personally think that every performance I have done has been really special. Back in 2021 I was performing a lot at places like community center 729 where they hosted an event called “the hippie hideout”. I got an opportunity to headline there and I also headlined a performance at The Soundbar.
I think with every performance I did I was always so hard on myself, the nerves would hit me and I just wanted everything to go perfect but in the live scene it never does no matter how much you practice. I think it’s important as artist to leave everything all on that stage because after it’s done you can’t redo what already happened you just gotta accept it for what it was. There were plenty of instances when I started performing for the first few times where the power would shut off or the track wouldn’t work or the sound guy sucked and my mic would be low or giving too much feedback in the speakers. You just gotta always role with the punches and really know how to improvise in those instances.
Till this day I still get nervous and overthink before a performance but before I go up I just do a couple breathing and singing exercises and I’ll practice my set a little in my whip and try to let all those feelings go. Once I hit that stage the nerves suddenly leave and a switch in me happens that’s kinda hard to describe but I just feel alive in those moments and try to have fun rather than overthinking it because at the end of the day this is what I love to do. I haven’t performed since 2021 though because I’ve been working on a few albums that I can’t wait for everyone to hear soon. I’m definitely now going outside more to different events and plan on performing more soon.
How do you connect with your audience and what role do they play in your music? How do you stay engaged with your fans, both online and offline, and what strategies do you use to build and maintain your fanbase? How do you balance the expectations of your fans with your own artistic vision?
I connect with my fans in any way I can really. I like to see everyone as people rather than just followers or numbers so I’ll engage with any comments I get on my posts and even in person I just look at them like they are my friends. I get a lot of inspiring DMs and comments that allow me to keep pushing with my music.
A couple strategies I use to build my audience up is just going outside to different events and meeting like minded individuals. I definitely recommend printing out some QR codes (that are attached to your music) on some card stock and just passing them out. I’ll also do a lot of short form content too but you definitely gotta be consistent or you’ll have to start over. Having a formula or blueprint for your content that doesn’t change for any release helps too. The only thing that changes is the song you’re putting out so the content won’t be the same but the formula will if that makes sense. I’d also definitely recommend finding a professional who knows how to market. Understanding who your target audience is really helps too. I just try to stay as authentic as I can to myself and the things I love and hopefully my fans could resonate with me on that level.
Can you discuss a challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it? How did this experience impact you as an artist, and what did you learn from it? How do you stay resilient in the face of setbacks and obstacles, and what advice would you give to other aspiring musicians?
Many times I’ve been discouraged at the numbers on my posts or the numbers on my song after the first week and sometimes I’ll even feel like “damn, when will my music blow up so I can just do that for the rest of my life?”. It’s very easy to get frustrated in those type of moments but definitely having patience with yourself and knowing that it’s not that greatness doesn’t happen overnight sometimes greatness just isn’t recognized overnight.
Id definitely advise any aspiring upcoming artists to not look at their numbers and to just have the mindset of knowing that you are gonna make it regardless. It’s just a matter of time till things fall into place while you are still working hard to achieve that success. Don’t stop. Don’t give up. The gold could be an inch away and all you gotta do is continue to dig but if you give up you’ll never know.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to create new music? What inspires you to keep pushing the boundaries of your music and exploring new sounds and styles? How do you overcome creative blocks and stay productive, even when you feel stuck?
Life. Life inspires me. Moments inspire me. People inspire me. Feelings inspire me. Nature inspires me. Love inspires me. Heart break inspire me. Experiencing the world and all the possibilities of this reality just inspires me. If I ever feel like I’m getting writers block or I don’t feel as productive I’ll just go experience the world and go out. Maybe I’ll take a walk or go out with some friends or sometimes just by doing a feature on someone else’s song concept will really help inspire me to write. I just don’t really try to force it because creation is a divine thing. It comes when it comes and if it doesn’t you wait.
Can you talk about the themes and messages in your music? What are some of the social and political issues that you address in your lyrics, and how do you use your music as a platform for social change? How do you balance artistry with activism in your music?
I don’t necessarily talk about political views in my music. The messages I put out are based off my experiences in my life and love life. Sometimes it’s about a break up that really left a mark on me and other times it’s a positive anthem that I’m trying to sing just to remind myself. There is one song in particular that I made called “Press Rewind” with my older brother ZVMVR that is a breakup song but the music video is about suicide awareness. I definitely feel like topics about mental health should be talked about and will be talked about a lot more in my artistry. It’s something that has been on my heart since the loss of one of my family members.
How do you balance authenticity with commercial success in your music? How do you navigate the music industry and stay true to your artistic vision while still achieving success? What are some of the compromises you've had to make along the way, and how have these impacted your music?
I don’t remember a time I had to compromise my authenticity for anything or anyone. If feel like if I can’t be my most authentic self at all times I don’t think it would be something I’m interested in doing. I find that success gravitates more towards authenticity nowadays anyway.
Can you share a project you are particularly proud of and why? What makes this project stand out to you, and how did it challenge you as an artist? How did you approach the creative process for this project, and what did you learn from it?
I have almost 4 hours of music out now on all platforms but I only have 3 big projects and the one I love and cherish the most is my project called “hhhrtache” which is the name of my friends clothing brand. We did some merch for this album a while back which came out pretty dope! Every song on this project came to my head quickly while in the process of a break up so I was actually experiencing the true heart ache while making an album for my friends clothing brand called “hhhrtache”. Which is kinda ironic haha.
What makes this project stand out to me so much is just the flow of the transitions when you play it through. You can hear the album through and be so unaware that you’ve played it 3 times back to back. I also produced a lot of beautiful string work on this album that gave it such a unique and heartfelt touch. It was very fun for me to express myself through the string arrangements I created on “hhhrtache”. You can really hear the passion and heart ache I was truly feeling in that time of my life. I listen to that album often and I also have a part two in the works! The approach of the creative process on this album came so naturally to me that I didn’t even really have to think much. I even made “Did it 4 me” drunk, just singing my feelings into the mic. Having my great friend Freddy Leone by my side really helped this album come to life too. He helped me with the mixing, mastering, and he even produced a few tracks on the album.
How do you see yourself and your music evolving in the future? What are some of your goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them? How do you stay relevant in a constantly evolving music industry?
I think the only way to stay relevant in this constantly evolving music industry is just to keep being yourself unapologetically. Being authentic, original, and consistent is what usually keeps artist around for the long haul so that’s definitely what I’m gonna do. I feel like my music is evolving with every album that I write, produce, and mix. I’m constantly learning and trying to be better everyday. so hopefully that reflects and shows as I grow in the years to come.
How do you stay connected with the underground music scene and stay true to your roots? What role does the underground music scene play in your music, and how do you stay connected with other artists in the scene? How do you balance the desire for authenticity with the need for exposure and recognition?
I love the underground scene because I feel like the world has so much talent that nobody really knows about just yet. It’s beautiful to experience and be apart of. I stay connected with a lot of the underground music scene by going to events and meeting new artists who are on the rise. I’ll often times network while I’m there and get other artists instagrams and numbers to stay in contact. You never really know what opportunities can arise from just a couple of relationships you make at an event. I also just be looking at the Nefarious Supply Instagram page to stay updated on the underground scene. That’s an easy way to stay locked in but to stay true to my roots I just be staying on the R&B/Hip Hop side.
Can you discuss your creative process and how you generate new ideas for music? How do you stay inspired and avoid creative burnout? What are some of the strategies you use to keep your music fresh and innovative?
Again, just by experiencing life. Going out with friends. Getting myself into situations and getting out of them haha maybe I’ll hear a song and I’ll feel super inspired to write something after those experiences i had. I also write with my team sometimes (Brandon Richardson aka Brndn, Brandon Yancey, and my brother ZVMVR). They are all super talented and amazing when it comes to the writing process. I’ll often times do open verse challenges too just to really test my skills and have some fun outside of writing my own songs.
How do you handle criticism and negative feedback in your music career? How do you stay confident in your artistic vision, even in the face of negative reviews or feedback? How do you use criticism as a tool for growth and improvement, and what advice would you give to other artists facing similar challenges?
I don’t handle it. I just accept that it was something that was said by someone who doesn’t really know me and I move on with my life.If it was constructive criticism I’ll take note of it and see how I can better myself but I just don’t accept negative words or energy. Sometimes things bother me and I just gotta remember who I am and what I do best but I couldn’t be upset at it for too long. I’d eventually laugh it off. I think overtime I’ve developed a strong confidence in myself and who I am.
Sometimes people will respond negatively to the things that they can’t comprehend or do themselves so they’ll reflect those feelings on you. At that point it’s on you to accept the words their saying or don’t and walk away with yo happy self while they bask in their misery.I personally take criticism with a grain of salt when people don’t know me so I just learned to not care and do me. If you’re an artist facing these challenges I’d advise you to just know who you are aside from the personas or alter egos a lot of artists tend to make for themselves nowadays. Just stay true to you and stay in your lane.
Continue to push the envelope even when people don’t understand it because that could be the reason you pop off and the thing people love most about you as an artist or even a person. Before ending this amazing interview I wanna say thank you and give a big shoutout to Nefarious Supply for allowing me to be on their platform ✨ I also want y’all to know that I have a project coming out real soon in the next few months called “The Cycle” that I’m excited for y’all to experience. Much love to all the supporters, friends, and family. None of this would be possible without you guys.
