We had the good fortune of connecting with Champagne Aramis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Champagne, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue an artistic career and decided to create music for multiple reasons. One important reason was to shine light on the area and environment I was raised in. It not being a complete dark space but definitely overshadowed by other musical communities within the Southern California area. Being able to speak freely and truly be myself has always been important. Giving others my perspective of the world through music is pretty much my only way to display not only my experiences but the ones close to me that have shared their stories. I take that with some smooth production and crafty wordplay to create something special for self and for the ones who decide to listen.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Mid 2020 was when I decided to pursue a career in music. Prior to that I’ve never done any talent shows, contest, or open mics. Maybe Karaoke once but that’s it. Getting positive feedback from the first two singles I released October of 2020 gave me a huge push to actually give music a shot. Friends and Family members thought it came outta nowhere but since I was kid I’ve been writing songs and creating melodies. Just never displaying them publicly. Now I’m doing at least 4 shows a month to keep my flow sharp and on point. I rehearse and practice my performances alone at times but the more shows I do it feels like I’m practicing with an audience and I learn something new from each one. Rather it be improve something during my set or removing something from it . I invest in myself and put all my effort towards growing as an artist and a more knowledgeable person. Not having a studio to record my thoughts at any given second was my most difficult challenge at first. Thanks to a few of my peers that isn’t much of a challenge these days. There’s so much talent that comes out of the IE every other day and is overlooked by someone from a major more appealing area but as a whole we just have to stick together and build what it is we want as a community. I carry myself with respect and display that through my music every chance I get. I’ve seen artist try and mash the street life with the music and it not going as far or nowhere due to jail sentences or worst. Out the gate I had the mindset to not take that route and to open the eyes and ears of someone who would enjoy a more positive vibe. My sound will continue to get more wavy and pass a message towards progression because that’s something I see for myself and other artist being a voice for the next generations to come. I have nieces and nephews that look up to me and listen to my music, it’s only right I speak value into every verse I put together. My journey as an artist has been going great the past 3 years from meeting new people who are also in a space to showcase their art to performing in places I never imagined I would be. I’m excited to see how far music takes me. I’m looking for a peace that was never shown to me so since the start of my musical journey I’ve been working hard to get there. I’ve learned you have to just keep moving forward and though any obstacles in life and never to wait on any credit from anyone . Art is all about your perspective of the world we ALL live in. You have to love something and believe in it before anyone else does. Any other believers are a plus.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love a good vibe or any space that a good vibe can be created with the right energy. So Cal is definitely home to some of the best Mexican cuisines, but Hibachi might have to be my Go-To when it comes to showing someone a great spot to eat at. One in particular would be “OOKA” in Riverside California. They have some of the best Japanese style hibachi I’ve ever had. Drinks are great there as well. Im really a laid back person so my views on fun vary. Im either out drinking and having a few laughs with friends at a bar, creating vibes at a local studio or even watching some of my favorite movies just relaxing. Going to shows supporting some of the other local talent is always something fun I enjoy. Being able to soak in and study stage presence is always dope. Plus it comes with networking. My friends/family members also enjoy coming to my shows and having a good time because not only do they get to see me perform my music but they also shop with vendors, eat from upcoming food businesses in the building and mingle & network themselves with other creators or artist. Being from the IE is pretty chill not much excitement as Los Angeles which is only a 45 minute drive West. Plenty of things to get into that way for sure. The beach is prolly one of my favorite places to be in the world. Relaxing on a blanket in the sand vibing to the waves crashing is definitely a form of tranquility everyone needs every so often. There’s definitely enough sports teams around to check out possibly one of your favorite teams or players. I enjoy Basketball mostly but Hockey Games are fun and definitely college football games. Sunday is full of Local brunches all over the city that offer good music, vibes and unlimited mimosas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely thank GOD for blessing me with a creative talent that many don’t possess. I’ll forever give effort towards being as creative as possible and never give up on myself knowing this wasn’t something I was forced to learn but was blessed with. My family plays a huge role in giving me support and love like no other. Without a solid backbone or support system pursing something artistically and creatively just makes the road a little tougher and I’m grateful for everything they do for me. Huge shoutout to Parish Walker (Taylor Brown) for introducing me to you guys over at VoyageLA. Her as well as the entire Inland Empire music community have welcomed my talents in with open arms. I truly feel accepted and respect anyone whose ever put me on a showcase, played my music for someone, interviewed me or even recognized me as a good person and wanted to see me progress in whichever playing field I choose. I never want to be handed anything, so putting in the work and waiting my turn without merging in the next Artist lane is always the focus.

Website: https://linktr.ee/champagnearamis

Instagram: aramisbaby

Twitter: aramisbaby

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@champagnearamis

Image Credits
Rae Prada TakeOvr SWAVY Taylor Smith

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