Hip Hop Artist Chad Watson is Taking the Music Industry By Storm
Chad Watson is a hip-hop artist out of Los Angeles. He has performed in a variety of venues from California, Vegas, Dallas and Arizona. He had the pleasure to opened up for Yo Gotti, and headline at festivals such as Kushstock. He has been featured on "Black Hollywood Live" on Afterbuzz TV, in major magazines, and his professional music videos on YouTube have garnered thousands of views and over 80,000 plays on Apple Music. He has been on KCAA Radio (102.3 FM), DASH RADIO (a music and talk show w/Mike Live), and the Kaliente Girls Radio Show for on-air interviews. He was also the 2019 "Backwoods Cigars" winner for the artist showcase in Los Angeles. As a published model for international lifestyle brands "Oliventa" and "Underrated", he has made many hearts swoon including while walking the runway for Los Angeles Fashion Week.
Cultured Focus Magazine met up with Watson to learn more about how he got his start in the industry, his passion for music, and giving back to his community. Learn more about him below.
1. Tell us about your background in music and how it came to be?
I grew up in a very Christian environment and was always in the church. Whether it was choir rehearsal, Sunday school, or bible study, my mom always had a reason to have me in church. The musical melodies and harmonies of the lead singers and various vocal sections of the choir always captivated me. The institution of the black church prides itself on the musical abilities of the choir, musicians and director. None of this was lost on me. I honed my pension for note choice and melodic delivery from a very early age and from professionals that would never settle for anything less than perfect.
When I was 9 years old, I began formal musical training at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music. At the conservatory, I learned music theory and was classically trained on the piano. The combination of the conservatory training and what I received from my church upbringing laid the groundwork for a solid musical foundation. I would later lean into those experiences when creating my own songs.
2. How did you get your start in the record industry?
As I got older, I would be around different creatives that would be in the studio, recording songs, and making instrumentals. Originally, I never wanted to create music myself, though I always took a liking to writing. I would support those around me making music, until eventually they wanted to hear what music I'd make, if given the opportunity. I made a few connections, recorded a few songs and hit the ground running. I've been fortunate enough to have my music played all around the world, and have shared some of the biggest stages with the biggest names in music.
3. In addition to music, tell us about your other passions and what motivates you?
Giving back is very important to me, so I've managed to give away hundreds of blankets, hot meals, shoes, and backpacks full of essentials, to the needy and underserved by partnering with the Think Watts Foundation, the Watts Community Core, HavAsole, and the Humanity Heroes Project. I think it's one's duty to give back to one's community, especially after gaining any success.
4. Where can you fans find out more about you and your music?
My music is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5wK3GKPPNzTlGDgvNKZs5J
Fans can follow me on social media platforms including Youtube.