INTERVIEW: Chavar Dontae shares his love of Prince and rock influences alongside new single ‘Too Much’

After the positive response to his much-loved 2022 EP ‘Keep My Cool’, US artist Chavar Dontae has now returned to deliver his uplifting new single ‘Too Much’.

Brimming with bright and dynamic textures throughout, ‘Too Much’ sees him return to the scene with one of his most euphoric offerings yet. So we caught up with him to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

Watching Prince in Purple Rain made a huge impact on me. The music and the entire aesthetic of the band was an inspiration to me. 

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre? 

Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Santana, David Gilmore, David Bowie, Radiohead, The Talking Heads, Devo, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Jane’s Addiction, The Beatles and Chuck Berry to name a few. 

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

I was heavily influenced by Jazz players. Miles Davis, John Coltrane, We Montgomery, Grant Green, George Benson, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Dave Holland, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock. I was also influenced by Kraftwerk, Michael Jackson, Sly and the family Stone, George Clinton, Zappa and Roger, The Temptations and the Isley Brothers to name a few. As well as the Detroit electronic music scene. 

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

I try to be an open channel to hear inspiration and to see the beauty in all things. Sometimes that beauty is cloaked in pain. My main inspiration changes at any given moment. I try to be ready to let inspiration and ideas flow at any time.

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?

I love the energy that’s created with connecting with people through my music. I had the pleasure of having several moments on my own headlining shows and as an opening act. There’s a beautiful moment in Columbus, Ohio at A&R Music Bar. I was opening for Marc Rebillet and  the entire crowd was singing my lyrics by the end of the set. It was a great show.

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

I had my song Keep My Cool chart at #4 on the iTunes Austria Alternative Chart in February. My song On My Way (acoustic) reached #13 on the iTunes Brazil Alternative Chart. Just a few days ago, my new song Too Much landed on Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits playlist for a short stint. The most rewarding moments are connecting with people through my music. 

How would you define success as a musician?

Finding a way to live out the art. Bringing ideas to life is success. I feel very fortunate to be able to support myself in music and being an entrepreneur.    

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Be willing to dedicate a lifetime and don’t give up. Learn the business, publishing and as much as you can about music. There’s an audience for your music, you just have to find and connect with them. 

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Listen to Chavar Dontae’s new single ‘Too Much’ below.