Exclusive | Zavier Talks His Upcoming Album 'Planet 33'

“I would like people to know that in majority of the songs that I have, both unreleased and released, I always put out a piece of myself. I want my music to be relatable and also be able to make people feel good.”

— Zavier

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is California artist, Zavier! Zavier is multi-talented as he is a singer, songwriter, producer, and rapper hailing from Orange County, CA. Zavier brings a unique flow as he has music that gets you hype with his most popular single being “I Ain’t worried” featuring Kyra Walls and more sentimental music where is singing as shown in his single “Love Letter”. He found his passion at the age of 5 and credits his mom as a big inspiration in his music because he was able to attend his mom’s shows and watch her perform live. Zavier’s musical talents extend past his singing and rapping ability as he also plays piano for his church where his grandfather is the pastor.

Zavier serves as a producer for rising Inglewood rapper Dayway. He produced the hit song “Bands” which had 2 remixed version with Joe Moses and Compton Av. He is also part of a producer team with credits such as Kap G, Phor from Black Ink Crew: Chicago, Fetty Wap, and more. Outside of music, Zavier has aspirations of getting into acting and modeling.

We talked with Zavier in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

Zavier: I have been doing music seriously for about 5 years. I’ve been singing for most of my life because I grew up in church so I was always singing in the musicals. Growing up in church is also what lead me to playing piano when I was 13. It sounds crazy when I tell people but I learned how to play piano from a dream. I woke up from a dream and knew how to play “Fur Elise” by Beethoven. From that point I just kept on working to perfect the craft. Later on when I was 16 I taught myself how to play guitar. When I Graduated I got a midi keyboard and a MacBook Pro and that’s when I started producing and not too long after I had gone into my first session was where I recorded for the first time. 

Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?

Zavier: My biggest musical influences are: Chris Brown, Eric Bellinger, Blxst, Scott Storch, Zaytoven and Ty Dolla $ign.

What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?

Zavier: There are a lot of artists I would love to work with but 2 artists I’d like to work with are definitely Toosii and Blxst. I’d work with Toosii because I really like his sound and what he talks about in his music and I know we’d really make something crazy. I’d work with Blxst because he really makes timeless music and that’s always been a goal of mine with every song I put out. I want to make sure that its timeless and can hold longevity.

What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

Zavier: I think that my best song ever released would have to be “Ride for Me” Produced by Mr. Wilson on the Beat of The Wav Godz. The reason I feel like this song is the best is because of how organic it was writing that song. I had the first verse and the chorus written before I hit the studio with my engineer Lil Nunu. But when I did the second verse, it was one of those times I didn’t write anything. I was just in a zone and the song didn’t take long to make.

What projects can we look forward to in the near future?

Zavier: My main focus is on releasing singles right now but I do have an album called “Planet 33” that I’m working on. When I came up with the name “Planet 33” I got the inspiration from Planet 9. Which is a hypothetical planet. The thing about hypothetical is that you can choose whether or not to believe if that hypothesis is true or not, just like my dream of doing music. There are going to be people who believe in me and support what I do but there are also going to be those who tell me that I can’t turn this dream into a reality. The number 33 symbolizes creativity, imagination, and self-expression which is everything I stand for creating music.

How do you generate new ideas for your music? 

Zavier: The way I generate ideas can really go so many different ways. Sometimes I’ll get an idea just hearing a song I like and I’ll go home and make a beat and then I’ll start writing. Another way will be when I’m playing piano at church. Sometimes I come up with melodies and then I’ll come home and incorporate it into a beat. 

Zavier Music Interview

What motivates you and how do you define success?

Zavier: Besides being self-motivated, my family is a big part of what motivates me, even outside of music. They have always been there to pick me up especially when I was battling with depression and having suicidal thoughts. I’m thankful that I had them to help me out honestly. That’s why I go so hard. I want to get on so I can help the ones who helped me along the road, which is how I would define success. I feel like once I’m doing good and able to help the people around me do good I’ll be successful.

How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?

Zavier: I would describe my music as very all-around. I have songs where I’m singing and more on a slow vibe. Then I have songs where I’m rapping and its on more of an upbeat, turnt type of sound. I also have songs like “Ride for Me” where I do both. I can really come out with any type of song I want because I’m so versatile. Whether its producing or being an artist, I’m always experimenting with new sounds which is also what separates me from other artists. 

Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Zavier: In all honesty, I don’t believe there is a formula to being a successful artist because there are so many artists who have shared stories of how they came up and they’re always different. I feel like as long as your doing you and you love what you do, you can be a successful artist especially if you’re really determined to do it.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

Zavier: My greatest inspiration is definitely my mom. She is the main reason I got into singing. She used to write her own songs and put together her own shows and I’d always be with her at all the rehearsals when I was a kid.

In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Zavier: I feel like the most influential and successful artist today is Drake. In all the years that he’s done music he’s constantly continued growing and improving year by year and is continuing to do that right now. I also respect the fact that he didn’t stay in the same lane coming up. He’s done Reggae, Latin, and other different genres.

Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Zavier: I think I’m emotionally unstable when it comes to describing the mood of my music. But I would say that joy is the mood that dominates my music.

Zavier Music Interview

What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Zavier: One of the sacrifices I’ve had to make in order to make my dream a reality is that I had to miss out on hanging with friends and family at times so I could go to the studio. There was one time I had missed my grandmother’s birthday because I was in a session for more than 24 hours and was working non-stop. I honestly felt bad but I know it comes with the lifestyle.

What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Zavier: I think I get excited making a beat and recording a song the most. With both I can just come up with one melody and it’ll set the tone for the whole project. When I’m producing a beat with Mr. Wilson, we always have those moments where a beat will sound hard and we start bobbing our heads. It’s the same with recording. I just get into a zone by myself. There isn’t anything that really discourages me when it comes to music. I’m very resilient so I don’t really let anything get in my way. If a song or a beat isn’t coming out right, I move on to the next one and I might come back to it later.

Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Zavier: In 10 years I see myself being a successful producer/artist/businessman and owning all of my masters. 

What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Zavier: I would tell other up and coming artists that in the music industry you need to have tough skin and be able to handle everything that comes with the lifestyle. But as long as you stay hungry, have a strong determination, and don’t let anything stand in your way, you can make it and do big things.

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Exclusive | TJ Upshaw Talks His New EP 'One 4 Her' and Giving Back to Detroit

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Detroit’s very own TJ Upshaw! TJ is an R&B artist and songwriter who is bringing back the true sound and soul of R&B music. He recently dropped his new single “ONE 4 HER”, where his vocals capture the audience’s attention with a genuine feeling of passion and emotion. TJ developed his gifted talent for music growing up singing in multiple choirs and male quartet groups. He has recorded two mixtapes and just recently released his sophomore EP, "One 4 Her". This rising singer has had the opportunity to perform at many live venues between Detroit and LA at universities and clubs, opening for mainstream artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Eric Bellinger, Sammie, Dwele and J Drew Sheard and Day26. This an artist that you should definitely add to your playlist if you like real R&B, don’t sleep!

TJ Upshaw - Options (Music Video)

We talked with TJ Upshaw in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

TJ Upshaw: I’ve been making music since 05/06... I was in my senior year of high school and it all started by just doing hooks for rappers that went to school with me.

QUESTION: musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?

TJ Upshaw: I don’t know if I can say who had the biggest influence because I studied so many R&B greats. From Motown, 80ʼs & 90ʼs R&B, to a lot of artists from my generation. If I had to pick though, it’ll have to be Tank. Bro a hell of a artist, performer, singer and songwriter! At the end of the day that’s what I’m working towards.

QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?

TJ Upshaw: I would love to work with Chris Brown, Usher, Trey Songz, Sammie, Tank, Eric Bellinger... just to name a few dope R&B dudes!

QUESTION: what do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

TJ Upshaw: I think my best project is One 4 Her II - it’s all me. Its flavors to it. All kinds of vibes. It really shows my range as an artist and songwriter.

QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future?

TJ Upshaw: I will Be releasing my first album 3rd quarter of 2019.

QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?

TJ Upshaw: Most of my music is just life situations. Lifeʼs feelings. I have ppl that come to me for advice at times... itʼs just so much that gives me inspiration musically. I really just try to make music that people can relate and vibe to.

QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?

TJ Upshaw: Success in my eyes is defined as happiness. If youʼve reached that level of where youʼre completely happy, then congrats. Youʼve made it! My motivation is my family. Being their provider and seeing them smile is all the motivation I need to keep going.

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?

TJ Upshaw: I call it #theVIBEofRnB - itʼs a feel. It creates a memory. Therefore whenever you hear it for the rest of your life itʼll create a vibe. Iʼm not too much worried about other artists in my genre. Iʼm in my own lane.

QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

TJ Upshaw: Naw no formula. What God has written is written. Just gotta put in yo work.

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

TJ Upshaw: One of my inspirations is Big Sean. Coming from where Iʼm from and becoming one of the biggest artist in the world says a lot within itself. Not to mention all he gives back to the city. Thatʼs what itʼs about. Sharing your gift.

QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

TJ Upshaw: I would have to say Chris Brown. Heʼs the modern day MJ! Fasho Fasho!

QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

TJ Upshaw: Passion. I write and record with passion so thatʼs what you hear over the track.

QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

TJ Upshaw: when dream-chasing you gotta isolate yourself from everybody, sometimes including yourself. Just to really map out how we goin make this thing pop. Once you figure that out you start to build your circle of individuals thatʼs on the same thing you on. So i sacrificed a lot of friendships to pursue this. We still good.. just not to the same extent as before. Iʼm on a mission!

QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most?

TJ Upshaw: I think the process of creating melodies & writing is lit. Thereʼs sooooo many different ways to say things and get your point across.

QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

TJ Upshaw: in 10 years? A couple Grammys.. multi-platinum albums. Those are just a few goals.

QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

TJ Upshaw: In a world full of fugazziness, BE YOU! Every dream can become reality. You just gotta take the initiative to make it happen.

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Exclusive | R&B Sensation Trey Forever is Making Sure His Music Will Be Remembered Forever

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is rising R&B artist Trey Forever! Trey Forever is an up and coming singer from the Midwest; St Louis to be exact! Trey is grinder and is always working on his music and when he's not putting his time into releasing dope music, he's just spending time hanging with his people. "Just like everyone else I just like to really be around good people, even if I don’t say much sometimes." For you R&B fans, this is a name you need to get acquainted with as this is an artist with some real talent and vocals!

Trey Forever - “Good Intentions” (Music Video)

We talked with Trey Forever in an exclusive interview, check it out below! 

QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

Trey Forever: I started creating music in 2016. I started, because again, I don’t really say much, and I am pretty much to myself, so music is a way for me to say things that’s on my mind and heart.

QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey? Who are your favorite musicians?

Trey Forever: The Most High has really been helping me on my musical journey. You can get lost a lot of times trying to get to where you wanna be, and God has a way of sitting you down when you move to fast. Besides God, my producer BC, and bro Rell really been behind me musically.

QUESTION:  Who are your favorite musicians and who would you like to collaborate with?

Trey Forever: Artists like Usher, Trey Songz, Sammie, and Eric Bellinger are artists I really rock with.

QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song ever released and why?

Trey Forever: Honestly I haven’t took the time to really just enjoy my own music, because I am always working, and on to the next. I am very hard on myself as an artist, it’s crazy. Good question, just not sure I have one yet.

QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music? 

Trey Forever: Life alone helps me generate ideas. Watching movies, and listening to other people's stories,  also helps me.

QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Trey Forever: Music alone motivates me to be great, the people counting on me motivates me, and being able to take care of my family really motivates me. Being able to take care of my family, being happy, and being a help to others in need is success to me. 

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?

Trey Forever: I feel my music is escape music. It allows people to think, meditate, and visit different places mentally to find a way to figure things out.

QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Trey Forever: I hear a lot of artists, and people who been in the game for years talk about formulas, and blueprints, but I have a long way to go, so I'm not sure if I can speak on a formula just yet. I do feel like being strong mentally, physically, spiritually, along with hard work, dedication, and keeping God 1st is a good way to start.

QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc., and why?

Trey Forever: All those feelings are in music, because that’s what we feel. I feel those feelings are very important, so I make sure to put those emotions in my music.

QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Trey Forever: Everything. A home, stability, some family turn on you. I don’t do any complaining though. Even without a home, I make a way to create, and keep pushing.

QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Trey Forever: The creating process of music always excites me. It’s something about working on music to get it right, and perfect that is soothing for me. What discourages me, is when I can’t record whenever I want to. 

QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Trey Forever: I see myself as a artist that has made a way for himself, family, and other artists. Trey Forever stands for my music and how my music will be remembered for ever. I wanna be unforgettable.

QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Trey Forever: I would say believe in yourself, consistency, make music from the heart, and never be afraid to take risk.

QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

Trey Forever: I make what I want when I want, and that’s it.

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