Refining her sound since the release of her single “Castles” last year, Chikaya has honed into her cosmic sound with an R&B twist. Her latest release, “Mazes” solidifies this new direction. With intricate instrumentation and Chikaya’s stunning yet powerful voice, it’s no surprise that the artist has been named the “artist to watch” by BBC Radio 1.
I had a chance to talk to Chikaya about her musical journey and how the Bristol music scene has impacted her work. Read more about it below!
Your debut into the music scene has been met with an abundance of acclaim. Being places on BBC Introducing’s Hotlist, performing for Sofar Sounds, and now claiming the title as the artist to watch in 2020 as coined by BBC Radio 1’s DJ Huw Stephens, how does it feel to have this much of a spotlight so quickly?
Thank you! I’ve been busy working on and refining my music for some time before this so it doesn’t feel like a quick thing at all. I’m extremely grateful to have received the support I’ve been given since releasing “Castles”. It’s been such a wonderful thing!
How would you describe Bristol’s music scene? What’s your favorite thing about this community?
The Bristol music scene is incredibly liberal which is why it’s so easy to find your own unique style and sound and why so many artists are polar opposites of each other. It’s a city that welcomes individuality with open arms, and that freedom allows so much growth and honest self-discovery.
I’ve noticed that since the release of your first single, “Castles”, your songs have progressively become more Lo-fi in tone. In a previous interview you said you might transition from cosmic trap to cosmic R&B. Is this that transition you had mentioned?
Yeah, trap is not something I’m working on anymore. I will always evolve my sound and possibly return to that vibe in the years to come. But, I’m excited to share new material next year because its going to shock a lot of people how different its going to be from my current vibe!
Its not in my nature to pin a genre and choose it forever, I will always be onto the next thing ha
What are you most excited for in the new year?
Just saying goodbye to 2020 will be a blessing in many ways. We have all gone through our own personal struggles this year and I think for a lot of us, closing this wild chapter will feel brilliant!
Chikaya
