Grabbitz, aka Nick Chiari, is the rising American producer and artist who has been making a name for himself on the scene with his unique blend of pop, rock, hip-hop and electro music.
With two albums under his belt and a string of releases including a feature on deadmau5’s ‘Let Go’, Grabbitz has already garnered well over 20 million Spotify streams on his catalogue.
Having signed to Ultra Music, even bigger things are on the horizon for Grabbitz. The artist recently released a new single called ‘Polaroid’, which marks the beginning of a new journey for him and further cements his status as one to watch.
We recently had the chance to quiz Grabbitz about ‘Polaroid’, working with Ultra Music, his forthcoming plans and more.
Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Polaroid’. What’s the reaction to it been like so far?
Thank you… So far I think people really dig it. It’s new territory for me but I like the way it’s looking.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song?
All of my songs are based in truth, but no one ever knows just how much. ‘Polaroid’ is my hyper-dramatic heartbreak song. Toxic relationship, whirlwind of emotion, no logical thinking, something everyone can relate to at one point or another. I amplify things to get my point across.
What was the creative process like? How long did it take for the song to develop from an idea to the final product?
My creative process is pretty fluid. This song in particular went from idea to product in about three days, where inspiration hit and wouldn’t relent until the song was done. I was actually in my bathroom getting out of the shower and wanted to open a song with a spoken word message to someone. The polaroid I’m talking about was on my bathroom counter.
What’s your favourite lyric from ‘Polaroid’?
Ah there’s so many this is one of my favorite songs lyrically. I guess I would have to say “The world doesn’t care about our feelings when it turns.” It’s the wake up call, the realization that the world goes on, get up and start moving with it.
I also love “my mind keeps playing tricks, saying ‘get back on, sit back, keep that going, relax, it’s mad fun”
We love the music video you’ve released for the track too. What was the filming process like?
I conceptualized the video in LA, then we shot it in Minneapolis where my director Jude is from, and we worked with an amazing crew. It was cold as hell because in my head I’m doused in gasoline, so I did the whole video drenched.
You recently signed to Ultra Music. Can we expect even more new music from you very soon?
Yes, this is a new chapter for me, and Ultra is giving me a great team and great tools to evolve into what I’ve always wanted to be.
What do you hope that people will take away from your music?
I hope people can feel something. My music advocates ‘feeling your feelings’, whether they’re happy, sad, mad, or indifferent.
You have a unique sound which blends pop, rock and hip-hop over an electronic beat. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
We could do a whole separate interview about my music influences, I could go on for hours. I would say Timberlake/ Timbaland, Eminem, Nine Inch Nails, 90s rock like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden. Zeppelin, Stones, Beck, Skrillex, Sneaker Pimps, Ennio Morricone. I would like to say I’m inherently a little bit of all of my influences, compiled in some way, into different new songs.
You’ve already released a handful of albums and EPs – how do you think your sound has evolved over the years?
When I started releasing music officially I was really into dance music. I still am, but I’ve learned to take elements I like from it, trying to incorporate it into my sound, which is a mixture of many things, with my voice being in the forefront. I’ve learned to love my own voice whether it be singing or rapping, I just love all of the different things I can do with it. It has evolved into songs that can be digested by all, with elements from all of the things I love. That’s the beauty of music today, there are no rules. You can place music into boxes all you want to make it easier for the consumer, but artists don’t play like that.
You’ve worked with several artists during your career including deadmau5. If you could pick five artists to collaborate with in the future, who would they be and why?
I want to work with Mark Ronson. I want to work with HER. I want to work with Billie Eilish. I want to work with Skrillex. I want to work with Elohim. I can’t say for sure but based on the art they create, I think I would vibe with these people.
You’re a multi-talented artist who is skilled in everything from writing, production to performing. Do you favour one element of the process more than the rest or do you enjoy all aspects equally?
Honestly I love every aspect of it, but I truly thrive in the performance. I also love the production process because I feel like I’m on a music playground with unlimited tools. It’s then where I’m in my most creative state.
What do you have in store for 2019 in terms of new music/touring?
I can guarantee an album or two and some shows in select cities across the US. I love connecting with my fans who support me and connect with my music.
Thank you to Grabbitz for his time. Make sure you keep up to date with him via his website and on social media: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.