Pop Singer Songwritter Chioke Dmachi boast “Y’all Know What we came to Do!” in the HipPop, Rock, dance Track Str8 Nazty. Featuring rap artist Geechi Dan & Vaughn. Str8 Nazty is an aggressive track featuring deep grimmey 808’s, pulsing synths, agressive guitars riffs and and a very almost visceral vocal performance by Chioke or as his fans Call him “Chichi”. Str8 Nazty off Chioke’s F.l.i. Ep is now available for download and streaming on Spotify, itunes and Soundcloud.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Chioke: Hey world I Am Chioke Dmachi my friends call me Chichi, I was born in Hollywood, CA and grew up in the inland Empire, my hometown is Redlands CA. As early as I can remember, till this moment right here, right now I have always been an artist. It never felt like a decision to become, rather more of a simple allowing myself to just be.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Chioke: Chioke is my birth name it’s Ethiopian or Nigerian in origin and it mean God’s gift or gift of God. My mom let my big sister give me my name when I was born.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Chioke:
It’s important in life to support who and what you believe in, support allows for growth. It’s very important that music fans support their artist so they can grow. Especially if the music is on a platform where the artist can be compensated such as Spotify, Apple Music, or downloaded on iTunes. Fan support makes it possible for artist to create more new works to enjoy. However with that said having my music heard, appreciated and enjoyed is always the most important priority to me. Thank you so much for listening!!! 🙂
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Chioke: Pay attention! Sometimes the opportunities sought are right in front of you. Always be ready to do your thing, there are no rules to this stuff everybody is figuring it out as they go falling into opportunities simply by being at the right place at the right time, being present and ready for this moment. Some of my first gigs involved cold calls, I picked up the LA weekly and called around to some clubs. Some gigs resulted from a chance meeting at a coffee shop. Websites like Sonicbids & ReverbNation are great resources as well.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Chioke: Life is what happens when making other plans. “Mistakes?” some of the best moments happen because of “mistakes” even if that means I’ve learned to never let it happen again. I’m very much a fan of meditation. It has helped me tremendously to focus. Mistakes happen, however I realize it serves me more to be focused on the moment I am in, rather than the moment that was, or is to come, especially when I’m performing. Performing for me is all about being the moment, thats when it’s the most fun to do and to see.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Chioke:
I just stepped out the studio with a brand new project that I am so excited about, currently I’m in rehearsals preparing to embark on my first tour. Details to come.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Chioke: My usual song writing process begins like this, I’ll be dead asleep and then my “Muse” will wake me up, It’ll be 3am and I’ll wake up typing into my iPhone and or recording some lyrics and melody into my voice memos. lol my 3am just woke out of a dream singing voice can be a bit rough. but yeah thats mainly how it begins for me. I’ve learned to answer the call of inspiration when it comes, even if its at 3 in the morning.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Chioke: Dmachi.com is my site, and i’m so excited for whats to come to my site with the release of my Next project. listeners can hear all my currently released music Including my most recent project the F.L.i. EP featuring Str8 Nazty, BoyZ Don’t Cry and Luv On U at Spotify, Apple Music, And soundcloud. Music Videos are at Vevo. Follow me on Instagram: @ChiokeDmachi @ChiokeMusic on Twitter: @Chiokemusic
Facebook/ChiokeDmachi
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Embarrassing? I’m loud and proud about what I like and what makes me happy, especially when it comes to music. My playlist has it all, from Dolly Pardon, Bjork, Queen, Beyoncé, Meditation music, Lil Kim, Rage against the Machine, Coletrane to the Avenue Q Soundtrack.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Chioke: Explore life and create more art.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Chioke: I get tons of emails and advertisements everyday about ways to promote music I look into them and see what may work and see what happens. The Marketing and promotion of any-thing is just as important as the actual “thing” it’s self because if noone knows about the “thing” in this case music no one will ever hear it and be able to appreciate. I’ve seen a lot of artists create music and think that it wasn’t good enough because it didn’ get the reception they wanted. I feel a lot of people don’t really understand how big the world is and how marketing in essential in order to find who and whats looking for you. If you believe in your music invest in marketing it. Set a budget and be open to possibilities, asses what works and what doesn’t.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Chioke: Micheal Jackson at the Superbowl halftime show!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Chioke: As I mentioned earlier I just stepped out of the studio working with on a new project with this dope Producer “Pollimer” @PollimerMusic check him out on Pandora. We truly created art, It’s a very powerful 4 track Visual EP and I promise it’s something Epic! I was so honored to collaborate on one of the Tracks With the great R&B vocalist and songwriter Terry Dexter. Now that the music is Mixed and mastered all complete. My team and I are planning for the production of the visual components. This new project coming is something I cant wait to share!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Chioke: I believe the first album I purchased for myself was Aaliyah. the self tittled album. every single and every track made me want it. it was dope, it had a vibe and it inspired me my favored track is “I Can Be” I love the Rock&B vibe.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Chioke: To be honest its all about priorities there has been times when I had to decide between my dreams and other people places and things. I’ve learned to be mindful of who and what I obligate myself to. I stay accountable to all my responsibilities and I stopped stressing out about everything that doesn’t concern me. I started minding my own business. I’ve learned for me the less I have to juggle the better. Now I just make it my priority to stay focus on what I’m doing and be present in this moment.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Chioke: An all new Visual EP, Performances & tour. I really am so beyond excited to get this new project out in the world I’ve been working on for a little over a year and it’s coming together so beautifully and wonderfully and it’s amazing!