Chhina, a highly respected music producer, originates from the thriving music scene of Toronto. With exceptional talent and a successful artist career, Chhina has made a significant impact in the industry. Collaborating with renowned producers such as Robinson's Village and Elija Paris, Chhina showcases his mastery of music production. Notable influences on Chhina's work include Travis Scott, Kanye, Drake, and Future. His outstanding abilities have earned recognition from industry peers and artists like Slawn (Central Cee, Unknown T, Bakar), who have endorsed his talent. Chhina's compositions and extensive discography have been featured on prestigious platforms such as Balamii Radio, NTS Radio, Earmilk, and even Billboard Hip Hop.
The latest single by Canadian-born Chhina, titled 'Days and Days.' Is a post-summer HipHop anthem that showcases Chhina's lyrical flow over a laid-back groove, creating an immersive soundscape for listeners. After spending over a year refining the track, Chhina collaborated with renowned UK-based synth artist Robinson's Village to add the essential synth layers, completing the sonic composition. The track has already received recognition from notable figures such as UK artist Olaoluwa Slawn, known for working with Central Lee, Skepta, and Unknown T, as well as BNYX, a collaborator of Yeat, Drake, and Lancey Foux. Notably, 'Days and Days' has gained popularity on TikTok, amassing over 500K views. This remarkable track serves as a preview of Chhina's upcoming EP, set to be released in the coming months.
Photographer KUYA Z
Take us back, do you recall the moment you told yourself "I'm going to make this my career", describe that moment. What made you pursue this career?
My creative journey took a transformative turn at University when I discovered a request for rappers in the Class of 2020 Facebook group, leading to a lasting friendship and hours in the studio. Years later, I faced a dark period in my life where music became my anchor, providing the motivation to endure. That's when I realised that music wasn't just a pastime; it was my essence, a lifeline in my moments of despair. This realisation emphasised music's pivotal role in my life, shaping my identity and offering resilience during challenging times.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I definitely have a global style, however it will always be 100% my own. I like to say my music is like one-way glass. To me it's transparent, however to everyone else, they can see themselves in it.
What are you most passionate about? What themes or concepts do you explore in your music?
It's always about the truth, but it's only my truth I can tell you.
Are there any specific artists or movements that have influenced your work?
Yeezus by Kanye West and Rodeo by Travis Scott sum up my musical influences. However growing up in Toronto, a cultural hub, I had the privilege of cultivating my creativity within a diverse community. The collective appreciation for global music has significantly shaped my artistic style.
If you had to title this chapter in your life, what would it be?
The Prologue, I’m just getting started.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? What did you learn from that experience?
I feel like I do something for the first time everyday, no two days are the same. I'm open to making mistakes on a daily basis and learning from those mistakes.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Be patient.
What’s one something you had to “learn the hard way”
Many of your friends will never be your fans unless it benefits them in some way. Social Media has made everyone want to be the Star.
Has there ever been a time when you felt like giving up and starting a new path? What keeps you focused?
Never, because I can’t. I don’t want to do anything else or pursue anything else. I have family rooting for me, friends rooting for me, and people probably hoping I don’t succeed; it’s all those things that keep me focused. There’s too much going on outside for me to not be focused on my own path.
What has been the most exciting thing that has happened to you recently?
Career-wise, going viral on TikTok was probably the most exciting thing. I didn’t expect it to happen and it opened up many more opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have received without it.
In your opinion, whom do you consider to be a visionary? What about them do you admire most?
I think Travis Scott has changed the way we look at things in the industry, especially Rap. Sonically he’s shifted things, inspiring many new upcoming artists like myself. But even from a business perspective with things like brand deals, to artist imagery, and virtual performances, nobody was really pushing it to the extent he did.
How do you show up for yourself? As in, what does self-care look like for you?
Self-care to me is discipline and an organized life. I don’t need breaks or time to relax if everything is organized and maintains a constant flow. However when things start to get out of order, then my self-care is to re-establish that order and flow.
The past years have been life-changing. What's something new you've learned or discovered about yourself in the past 3 years? How have you applied that to your work?
Leaving my hometown to embark on new journeys and experiences has allowed me to learn things about myself I probably would have not discovered if I stayed in Toronto. I think the biggest thing was learning that I can trust myself to get things done as I didn’t have anyone else to rely on. At the end of the day, the results are up to me doing my best.
What was the inspiration for your new project? Can you tell us more about the meaning behind the music? How does your new music compare to your previous releases?
My life over the past few years inspired the song. I’ve been traveling a lot and trying to build a career by learning from new experiences. Hence the first line in the song: “I’ve been praying for days and days… going from place to place”. Musically I think it’s the best song I’ve released as it gives listeners a taste of what I’ve been working on. Structurally, it's a composition rather than a song. From the intro to the beat switch and the outro, it takes listeners on a journey.
Describe the creative process. When did you know you had the final cut?
I had this song (‘Days and Days’) for almost a year before I released it, but I only had the intro. I kept posting that snippet and it received good recognition each time but the song didn’t extend past that. There were no drums in that section either so it could have gone in many ways. However, I played it for one of my producer friends Nate Mani and we finished it in a few hours. I felt like it was still missing a nice intro though and that's the part that went viral. I sent the finished version to Robinson’s Village who added the heavy bass line at the intro, and even though it was just one note, it completed it.
What do you feel has been your biggest growth as an artist?
Leaving my hometown Toronto, Canada and moving to London helped me grow as an artist. Meeting new artists, and discovering new genres and subgenres that we don’t have in North America really pushed my taste and allowed me to explore sounds I wouldn’t have done otherwise. This also adds to the stories I’m able to tell through my music and lyrics.
Following your dreams comes with many ups and downs. What would you say is the hardest thing about following your dreams?
You’re alone in it all the time. Following your dreams is almost like a lifelong task of getting the world to see what you see, however, many people will remain blind to that.
In your opinion, what do you think is not fair about today's music industry?
I don’t think anything is unfair. The game is the game, either I learn to play it or I lose.
How do you hope your music resonates with viewers or impacts the world?
Creating music is one thing, crafting a compelling story that connects with many is another. I aspire to be the voice for the often unheard. Music guided me through my own difficult times, and now, I aim to illuminate the path for others facing similar struggles. My art and achievements are not about me but serve those on their own path.
What's next for your career?
In the short term, I’m working on a couple more singles and a project. In the long term; I still have a long way to go. I aspire for my work to be globally recognized.
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