Back in January we received an email from the publishing team at Distro 360 about a Jamaican-canadian dancehall singer-songwriter named Chizzy Bashment, we checked out her stuff and we noticed her catchy-reggae flows.
On this quick Q&A, Bashment talks about her music background, experience, last single, songwriting process and most importantly, what inspires her.
Tell us a little bit about who you are?
I am a Jamaican-Canadian Dancehall Artist who has always been exposed to the dancehall – reggae culture being that father, uncle and grandfather used to play their sound systems most family events that I could remember and my multiple visitations to Jamaica from birth till now has also assisted me with cultivating my skill sets and creativity with the dancehall – reggae music.
Being involved in dance ensembles , being involved in singing ensembles, participating in cultural activities but most importantly embracing my uniqueness with the implementation of other genres that compliment dancehall and reggae has definitely shaped my identity.
What was your entry point into music?
My entry point into music was at a young age, being involved in community choirs , church choirs and competitions, dance groups and playing instruments, I’ve always been involved with music just during different phases in life executing multiple roles within music. My entry point for dancehall -reggae music and taking my artistry seriously would have been 8-9 years ago.
Tell us about your last single “Hype”?
Hype is a single that reflects my past relationships and the emotional instability that they’ve instilled upon me. A Firm reminder that I would have done anything for them but being “HYPE” would cause them to be replaced because they don’t appreciate what you’ve done for them and the sacrifices you’ve made for the relationship.
What does your songwriting process look like?
My song writing process looks like having numerous books literally everywhere so that when I think of an experience or I envision a scenario or I hear an instrumental and it gives me a feeling I start to write down the first thing that comes to mind.
Sometimes it gets difficult because when you’re connected to your song, you have to exude Feelings and the lyrics have to make sense!
What are your goals for this year?
My goal is to collaborate with upcoming artist to bring forth more unity into music and my second goal is to make more singles to that my audience has a variety of music to listen to and be connected to. I have multiple singles that I haven’t released because I want to make sure that anything and everything I release really speaks to my audience.
I can make music for myself but I rather make music that people can reflect on no matter the emotion, that makes making music more worthwhile.
What are your advice for new artists?
My advice to new artist is that you are a vessel that highlights every emotion or thought of your listeners. Use your talent to tell your listeners stories.
Do not be afraid to take risk, do not be afraid of the word no, no call backs doesn’t mean you are not good enough, however it means you need to work on something and that something might change your whole life once you find out exactly what it is.
Be humble and utilize every experience as a learning opportunity
What inspires you?
Life experiences inspire me to do music, the good bad and the ugly. I feel that music is a form of expression when I don’t have the right words and the approach.
I’m inspired by multiple artist from older artist especially the female dancehall reggae artist such as Tanya Stephens, Lady Saw, Nadine Sutherland, Patra just to name a few. I felt that these ladies and other dancehall reggae artist that I grew up with were able to captivate their audience and make hits that were timeless.
Inspire to be like that as I further develop my musical journey.
