INTERVIEW: Choze — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Josh Snaps

Choze

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WITH Nothing to Lose out there…

I have been speaking with Choze about the track and what inspired it. He discusses his upcoming plans and the influence of Clapham. I ask him which rising artists we need to look out for and the albums that have been instrumental to him – he tells me what it was like working with Skolz on his latest song.

Choze reflects on the past year and how it affected Nothing to Lose; what advice he would give artists coming through; if there is going to be more material coming up; if he gets moments to unwind away from music – he selects a good song to end the interview with.

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Hi, Choze. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi. I’m good. My week HAS been like most weeks: very productive

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I go by the artist name ‘Choze’ and I’m an Alternative artist that has been on the scene for a few years now.

Nothing to Lose is your latest single. Can you talk about the origins and how the song came together?

It basically came together about a year – one when London was going through tragic moments. Whether we lost hundreds of people due to the Grenfell Tower fire or the increase of gun and knife violence or Brexit; I just felt that it was time to speak on a few touchy subjects. I was brain-fried by the disappointment I was seeing and I wanted to address it.

What was it like working with Skolz on the track? What did he bring to the track?

I feel, when I work with Skolz, he brings out the best in me. His sound has his own stamp on it which I easily became a fan when he first started to play me his material. Nothing to Lose was one of the tracks he played to me and, at that moment, I knew I was going to record something deep on that record. The beat was just calling and telling me what I should say. He brought the edge that I needed to enhance my lyrics even more which is why I’m happy with what we’ve created together.

PHOTO CREDIT: Josh Snaps

It seems like 2017 impacted you. Looking at all the horror that occurred – including Trump’s election and the Brexit result – how do you see the year? Do you think the world has lost some of its mind?!

Honestly, I feel we’re living in the last days but also I’ll have to get back to you with an answer. It’s just too deep to respond...plus, we’ll be here all week if I do (laughs).

Is there going to be more material coming later in the year do you reckon?

100%! I’ve got two more records to put out then the mini-album which I’m excited to share with the masses. Very personal record to me

PHOTO CREDIT: Josh Snaps

Who are the artists that inspire you and led you to get into songwriting?

Kendrick Lamar, the Paul Institute; Skepta, Plan B and Mike Skinner. There are a few more but, roughly, these artists push me to write chapters after chapters. I feel they help my storytelling but push me to create my own style with it.

How influential were your experiences in Clapham, and the scenes you witnessed there, to you regarding your path into music?

Clapham can be very embracive and multicultural: it can also be very problematic and difficult to live which helps me write songs to explain my experiences growing up in neighbourhoods such as Clapham. But, honestly, how the area has developed over the years; I wouldn’t change it for the world and it’s what made me the artist I am today.

PHOTO CREDIT: Josh Snaps

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

To get a wider audience; to follow see and support what ‘Choze’ the brand has in store. Plain and simple.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

My favourite memory is when I got a standing ovation to a packed crowd at Union Chapel in North London. That was a moment I’ll never forget. It made me feel that I’ve achieved my goal but motivated me to strive for more shows where I would work my best to receive more support from bigger crowds. It just made me a fiend for performance after that night.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

I’ve got so many albums that are a big influence in my life but the three that comes to mind are Boy in da Corner by Dizzee Rascal; No More Idols by Chase & Status and 21 by Adele.

With Boy in da Corner; it was the album that described everything that was going on when I was in college/uni times. It made me believe that I could tell my story in my own narrative and believe that no one can take it away from because it’s MY TRUTH and nothing but MY TRUTH.

No More Idols showed me that you can collaborate with all different genres or artists but still make an album which people will say stood the test of time. It’s a classic.

21 was the most personal record for me. It’s showcasing a person’s emotions with no fabrication or dishonesty - which is why I believe Adele is the most important artist of our decade. She put the transcript out to the music industry that ‘honest’ music always prevails no matter what.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I would love to support the Gorillaz - and my rider will be only water before the show and then a stiff Jack Daniels on the rocks after (laughs).

PHOTO CREDIT: Josh Snaps

Can we see you on tour soon? What dates are coming up?

We’re just organising the dates as we speak. Go to my Twitter/Facebook/Instagram for more info (@CHOZEofficial)

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Never compromise unless you honestly believe it’s beneficial to achieving your reality - not dream, reality! Also, never stop. This game can never be taken for granted. You fail when you quit, simple.

IN THIS PHOTO: Shai Sevin

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Skolz, Shai Sevin, Lemzi; The Grime Violinist, the Paul Institute; Anjlee Desai, Obongjayar; Max Stone; DOGZ OR GODZ. Few more but I’ll get back to you.

IN THIS PHOTO: The Grime Violinist

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I still read books or watch inspirational docs to keep me motivated. I need those tools because I listen to music way too much - so they’re my ‘chill out’ sessions.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Jai Paul – jasmine (demo). It’s still the greatest record I swear (laughs)