Recording artist Chosvn has masterly kept us anticipating more since the release of his groundbreaking debut mixtape, Watching From The Sidelines. The formidable lyricist has demonstrated his virtuosity through classic single releases and picturesque music videos.
Chosvn recently reignited the momentum through the release of his fiery studio record, “From Then Until Now” —which was released in December, 2021.
The 6-track masterpiece features the likes of songbird Briar, as well as soulful vocalist, Soul Themba. “From Then Until Now” is a reflective body of work that fuses various sounds, and follows the release of his sophomore mixtape —Sincerely Yours.
808 PLUG caught up with Chosvn to talk about all things “From Then Until Now”, and got an opportunity to pick his brain about his artistry.
“From Then Until Now” is your third record. What inspired the mixtape, as well as its title?
In all honesty, “From Then Until Now” was spontaneous. I was meant to drop a different project before its release but that didn’t pan out because of certain logistics. On one random day, my producer played me the “Honestly” beat, I jumped on it and we took it from there. The mixtape is an illustration of my journey as an artist. I came into the industry as an underdog and eventually became the marquis —getting attention from different people. This came with the many changes that I rap about in “From Then Until Now.”
It has been 2 years since the release of your first full-length project, “Watching From The Sidelines.” What have you learned about yourself and your artistry since then?
Most importantly, I have learned that I can tap into different sounds and play around with sonics. There are many ways to approach music and its production. I have also learned to appreciate my art a lot more.
Your song “Then And Now” features astounding songstress, Briar. How did that particular feature come about?
Briar and I are from the same record label, Seadly. We are also around the same age which makes it easier for us to relate and get along. Before getting Briar on the track, I had recorded a different chorus. My producer suggested that I get a singer to do the chorus instead —and after some deliberation, we decided to feature Briar.
The beats on the mixtape are immaculate, to say the least. How do you go about selecting beats for your projects?
I am blessed with a supportive team, which I’m very grateful for. My producer, Savllzi, is always breaking barriers and experimenting with different sounds to get the most suitable beats for my music. We sometimes work on beats until midnight and it’s always worth it.
Soul Themba brings a jazzy and soulful ambiance to the mixtape. His sound is distinctively different from yours. How do you go about selecting features —especially with artists whose sounds are different from yours?
Soul Themba is from my hood. I was mind-blown when he played me his music for the first time. I just knew we would work well together because of his dedication, extensive experience, and sterling musicality. I usually select features based on energy synchronicity. If our artistic energies match, we can surely create music together.
You are a prolific writer and “From Then Until Now” is a true testament to this fact. What does your creative process look like —especially concerning songwriting?
Thank you. I have always viewed making music as an expedition to self-discovery. I use music to unpack my emotions, share my experiences and reflect on some of my decisions. I tap into into both my conscious, and subconscious mind.
Which song from the mixtape stands out for you as an artist? Which one resonates with you the most?
Above all of them, “Decisions” resonates with me the most. My fans have always questioned my disinterest in puff-chested raps and I feel like I gave them a glimpse of that side of me in “Decisions.” I did something different from my usual approach of being humble on the beat.
You show appreciation for your tribe in the mixtape’s outro, “5027B.” How have your loved ones contributed to your growth as an individual and as an artist?
Again, I am truly grateful for having a support system as solid as mine is. I come from an academic family and it wasn’t easy to be the outlier who chooses to take an unconventional path —music. But, as time went by, my family started realizing how passionate and dedicated I am to my craft. Their support motivates me to keep going and be an even better version of myself.
What are you currently working on?
I am shifting my focus from releasing music to promoting myself, and my music in the process. I plan on doing more interviews, performing, and getting my name out there. I will not be recording any new music this year. However, there is a lot of good music in the archives —just to be clear. 2022 is about building my brand and promoting all my previous releases.
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