Photo from the Tiramisu show, click **HERE** to explore more

@rockychatman A solo artist and also a member of @TheRealEarthTones

I met Rocky in the CMII building at Georgia State University. (It is a great place to meet creatives like you so if you attend GSU, then you have to go in there with the intent to be open to socializing with other creative people) I was in the studio with @Trestandbelieve (artist name hippi) and Tali (my soon to be/current BFFL) just to hang out apparently because when he asked me if I was ready to get on the track I deeply hesitated despite my burning enthusiasm to engage with the art. “If Kayne asked you to get on the track, then you wouldn’t hesistate like that so whomp! missed your chance. Be careful. Be on it next it time.” says Treston. He is kinda funny.

(first encounter) Rocky and Noa show up, her and Treston were working on a song together. Polite but focused, Rocky was listening to the track while occasionally prompting Noa with dinner ideas. I watched Rocky and Noa be an absolutely adorable together- the playfulness, the support, and the genuine interest in each other made me feel something. I didn’t know Rocky was also a musician at the time. Then, there was

Tiramisu in Decatur, GA

This show is such a valuable memory: college students being courageous enough to pursue their dreams with support from friends and colleagues. Absolutely equisite vibes. I just kept repeating to them any chance the performers gave me, “this is it, you made it! You are an artist. You’ve got the songs. The audience. This is it! These are real artists here.”

Click here for more information about the show

Describe what it feels like to listen and watch Rocky Chatman

Okay, so I am on Instagram and I see Rocky’s posts and I get that feeling in my chest, that itch in my brain(the knock from my soul!) that asks me “what is Rocky doing that I am not?”. And I say this with an understanding that “jealousy is a feeling and that our feelings lead us to what we want and away from what we do not.” Knowing this, I am simply asking myself when will I give myself a chance the way I see Rocky is doing for himself? When will I put myself out there with strength and grace? (Of course then I can answer and acknowledge my efforts, *Ex. this website. lol I am doing it!)

I am sharing my internal dialogue just to highlight that I see this person as an artist and thus my human condition leads me to analyze and compare notes with his way of existence. I think this is a good sign that Rocky has got something special. I admire his creative flow.

His stage presence is a warm reminder, maybe even an invitation, to do it for myself- to love myself and commit to the craft. This translates very well to what I see via his social media as his post are about connecting his art to his humanity. I am deeply inspired by the way he is openly trying in front of all of us- this is something I want to support.

(His sound, from my perspective) Don’t get mad at me! I love a couple of Lloyd songs and I hear it in Rocky sometimes. Think: You by Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne. It’s mad similar vibes to Mine! (ft. NOA & hippi) I hope to hear Rocky to sing Telegraph Ave. (Oakland by Lloyd) -Childish Gambino, at the next Earthtones concert. Not to compare, but I like Rocky’s songs just as much as I love those classics. I look forward to hearing what direction he takes his sound in next. And I will be at the next Earthtones event.

(Final Thoughts) Rocky Chatman is a talented, confident artist. I am having fun watching the way he carries himself online as well as at his performances. It is clear to me that this is a real person showing up with his art. Not a caricature of the artists he is inspired by nor does it feel like a persona he is creating.

I truly see his creativity coming to life. It is absolutely flourishing with support from others who share his values.
There is some real community building going on here. He appears to not be allowing fear to discourage him from this journey, but instead choosing to embrace it. Seeing him being a fan of his own work and asking others to join him- now, that is feeling creative and I love it!

Rocky is a mutual friend of Yako (check out the piece I wrote about Yako in Creatives I know) he came to support her at Smith’s Olde Bar. We have not known each other long, but so far I see a kind spirit in him.

However, there is always more that meets the eye so I asked the man himself to do his best to describe what this experience is like for him to create, for us.

(Q)uestions & (A)nswers: R o c k y C h a t m a n

(1) Can you explain your relationship to singing/using your voice? (When did is start, what encouraged/inspired you to pursue it, what makes you want to share yourself this way)

Ha! It’s so interesting to hear this question at this stage of my life, actually. I’ve been singing my entire life. When I was in the first grade, my desk had to be placed on the outside of the classroom because I would hum while I took my tests. I’ve always had really bad test anxiety so the humming calmed me down tremendously. While walking to church with my mother, I would create freestyles to the beat of my mother’s high heels clicking and clacking on the pavement. And sitting in my father’s studio sessions only made my musical ambitions grow. Yet, my family are very tough people with pretty high standards. It wasn’t until I was about 11 years old that my family began to take my musical desires seriously. When I turned 13 is when I began to get booked and perform at more serious gigs. Now let’s fast forward a bit.

After getting into college, I’ve learned that I’ve been ignoring the fundamentals and the guidelines that the majority of vocalists follow. It wasn’t until the beginning of last year that I’d actually begun to get back into my vocal lessons and learn how to sing properly (using my diaphragm, understanding harmonies, etc.). I haven’t even been able to read music until last year. I’ve never really been an extremely confident person so my relationship with my vocal instrument has always been a love/hate one. Sometimes I love how I sound! Sometimes I hate it, hehe. Even so, I prefer to use my voice to express myself because it’s the only way that I know how to.

(2) As a creative, how do you access your creativity? (Routines, self care, moment before creating)

Good question. Um… I don’t know! HAHAHAHA! It kind of just comes and goes. I guess I’d have to say that whatever forms of media that I take in definitely contribute to my creativity. Now that I’m 22 and have many more firm beliefs, I enjoy finding media to consume that may contradict what I believe in. Anything that challenges my way of thought. Lately, I’ve been watching podcasts that push values and ideas that I disagree with. Then I’ll watch another podcast that I deem positive and encouraging. Something that I’ve noticed though is that I usually will learn at least one new thing from both forms of media.

In today’s climate, it seems almost impossible to have a conversation with somebody with opposing views without it turning into a screaming match or demonetizing one’s point of view. I personally believe that you can learn something from anyone or anything. Working together is what leads to true change and strength. I write my songs in an attempt to bring two people with completely different world views together to sit and amicably debate about whatever topic I am trying to convey within my music.

And other times? I write simply to have fun. To bring back more “feel-good music”. Either way, I want my creativity to spark a positive outcome in the world. Whether that spark is important conversation or encouragement for one’s day.

(3) What do you do if you experience a block or moment of pause from producing your art? (Self care tips, things you find work best for you)

I usually just pause and come back. If you’re experiencing a block, just stop. You CANNOT force creativity the same way that you can push yourself to finish that last set of push ups. The more that you push, the more that the block persists. Instead, I’ll go work in a different area and then come back to the block to see if it is still persisting.

(4) What is your current favorite project of yours that you want others to take another look or resist and why?

My favorite project that is released right now would be a song called Mine!. I’m really tired of hearing the song and being asked to perform it. It’s currently my favorite only because of what it represents. It was the song that led to me creating my band, forming new and transformative relationships, the song that led to me believing in me again. This song also is what led to more people knowing who I am on the GSU campus so I have a lot of gratitude towards it. A very close second favorite would be a song that features me! It’s titled HMU by hippi. The song and music video speaks for itself as to why I call it one of my favorite projects.