Outside of the box for CHISEKO
Photo credit: Cohen Chapman
Perth Artist, CHISEKO has released his new single ‘Outside’, an alternative dance-fuelled track that is also accompanied with its own music video. ‘Outside’ sees CHISEKO fusing elements of hip hop, rap and house into his own addictive style, with lyrics that capture the feeling of exhilaration on a night out as the world passes you by in an intoxicating blur. We caught up with CHISEKO to chat about the new track, his time at this year’s BIGSOUND and what his 2024 is looking like.
For those that haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe your sound?
Upbeat, bouncy, vibey and housey. I make music that exists somewhere in between a sunset drive with your hair blowing in the wind and a sweaty rave in an underground basement.
CHISEKO, you have just released your new track 'Outside'. What inspired the writing of this new track?
It’s funny, I normally exclusively write tracks that are inspired by a strong concept or theme but to be completely honest, Abe T and I had too much Hennessey one night and decided to write an upbeat party track. For me, this song’s intention is purely to get people moving and having a good tie.
Do you have a favourite line or part on 'Outside'?
I love the bass melody switch in the middle of the track and the cutscene that happens prior to it. We were stuck for a really long time trying to think of ways to make the song more interesting and my DJ/Producer Andi stepped in and suggested we switch up the bass. This added so much life to the song.
“I created a document highlighting everything I wanted to achieve and all of the visual themes I wanted to express in my music. ”
'Outside' has been released with an accompanying music video. Who came up with the concept for the video? Were there any memorable moments during the making of it?
The concept for the video was the work of me and the director Lachy Ross. At the beginning of the year, I created a document highlighting everything I wanted to achieve and all of the visual themes I wanted to express in my music. We referenced this and found a way we could meet in the middle. The most memorable moment of the clip is how beautiful the weather was. If the sunset wasn’t so beautiful, we wouldn't have been able to get such nice colours in the grading phase.
Do you have plans to release an EP or full length album in 2024?
My debut EP is coming out in the first quarter of 2024!
Recently you got to showcase your music at the national industry event, BIGSOUND. What was that experience like as someone relatively new to the industry?
I’ve been writing music since I was 13 and releasing since I was 16 so I’m definitely not new to the industry! If anything, it gave me faith that I could actually achieve something in this industry. It was really nice meeting people in person who I had spoken to online or followed on social media platforms. It gave me a sense of community and so many doors opened up via our performances there. We literally got asked to play SXSW Sydney after our last show that week.
“It’s the best way to be at the centre of what’s going on in the industry and to make connections that help you to expand your artistry & your business.”
Is attending an event like BIGSOUND something you would recommend for artists still trying to break into the industry?
200%. It’s the best way to be at the centre of what's going on in the industry and to make connections that help you to expand your artistry & your business.
Did you connect with anybody while at BIGSOUND that surprised you or gave you a "pinch yourself" moment?
Not really to be honest! I tend to see other artists as just regular people regardless of what size they are so I'm never really floored when I first meet someone. If anything I think just being at the event was the pinch-yourself moment.
“ I really want to play Wildlands, I’m an UNTITLED artist so I’m sure that’ll happen eventually. ”
Australia's festival season is just kicking off, are festivals something you would like to play more of? If so which ones would be on your wishlist?
100% my music is built for festivals. I really want to play Wildlands, I’m an UNTITLED artist so I’m sure that’ll happen eventually. I also want to play Listen Out and Splendour. My biggest dream is to headline Coachella.
You've collab'd with Your Girl Pho & Adrian Dzuke on previous tracks so who would be your ultimate Collab Partner?
My ultimate collab partner is the one whose voice suits whatever track I'm working on the most! If I really had to choose, I’d say Kaytranada because there are so many pockets in his beats, I could navigate with my flow, but I generally collaborate based on who I think will suit the track the most.
“We have an insane amount of music in the vault.”
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
My assistant manager Jack, He’s always organising the Google Drive, keeping tabs on finances and managing my travel expenses. He does a lot of the dirty work behind the scenes which I hate doing and is always efficient and transparent. What a guy! That being said, I love my whole team though, I have one of the best managers in the country in Cohen and everyone works hard for the better good of the project.
What's next for CHISEKO? What can we expect with 2024 quickly approaching?
More music! We have an insane amount of music in the vault. I'm excited to share it with the world!
Interview by Michelle Symes
November 2023