From the echo of steelpan melodies drifting through Saint Lucian streets to the global stage, Chazz is more than a musician—he’s a cultural force. Raised in a world where rhythm reigned supreme, Chazz’s journey began before most children learned to tie their shoes. With his father, Cyril Desrivieres, by his side, Chazz’s path was paved with steel pans, jazz chords, and carnival cheers. In this exclusive feature, we dive into his story—one forged by tradition, fueled by passion, and tuned to perfection.
- Can you share the story of how you first became interested in playing the steel pan?
Whilst the typical child played with toys, I was stuck trying to figure out instruments and how they worked. I’ve always been in musical environments, whether it was backstage at a Concert, a Pan Yard, Carnival Roadside, Panorama, the list simply goes on. My father, Cyril Desrivieres, a musician, took me everywhere on his musical journey. It was at the age of 4 that he taught me my first song, and it’s been history in the making ever since.
- Who have been your major musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?
Trying to pinpoint a specific artist or genre seems more of a challenge. Music in its entirety has a great influence on my playing style. Today, I may be listening to Soca, tomorrow I may be listening to R&B from the 50s.
- How would you describe your unique sound and approach to steel pan music?
I’d describe my tone as soothing to the listener’s ears. I’ve always tried replicating songs to perfection whilst also adding my ‘touch’ to them. Numerous have voiced that they’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the instrument as I continue to showcase how versatile the instrument truly is.
- What role does Saint Lucian culture play in your musical creations?
I don’t typically put out original music; however, as with any country, we all possess different sounds and styles unique to us. I think the vast majority of people here quickly gravitate to music infused with the rich percussion tones and pulsating bass lines, whether it’s slow as kompa or fast-paced soca. With such, I try to diversify both my musical sets & creations to rhythms I strongly believe everyone would enjoy.
- Are there any particular moments or experiences that solidified your passion for music?
I once had to choose between community college and starting my musical career. I think it was in that moment that I truly acknowledged that music was my true dream in life, and I would do anything to achieve it.
Creative Process & Performances
- How do you select the pieces you perform or cover on the steel pan?
Honestly, majority of my videos are such impulsive ideas; they hit at the most random times, whether it’s in the shower, whilst driving or even whilst performing. When the idea hits , it hits. From there, I then factor in whether the song is playable on my instrument, whether it’s trendy or marketable and whether the video in its entirety is executable amongst myself and my team.
- Can you walk us through your process of arranging a new piece for the steel pan?
For song covers, it’s as simple as hearing the song once then replicating exactly what I’ve heard. For creating original music, it seems to be complete chaos. I believe it stems from me wanting to perfect each and every note/phrase played & wanting to put out quality music.
8. What has been your most memorable performance, and what made it stand out?
One of my most memorable performances happened to be at a local Community Jazz event; I think it was the first time I featured my father as a surprise Guest Artist in my performance set. Sharing such a stage with him was such a heartwarming moment for me.
9. How do you prepare for a live performance, both mentally and technically?
Getting to a performance can sometimes be the easiest or the most infuriating process. Once I hit the stage and start playing the very first song, it all goes away; the world is forgotten, and it’s just me and my pan.
- Have you faced any challenges during performances, and how did you overcome them?
I’d say one of my challenges starting off was truly song selections. Imagine making a mix/playlist prior to your performance & whilst executing it, the audience just wouldn’t connect/vibe with what you were playing. To overcome that, I got into live mixing, essentially DJ-ing whilst performing. At the majority of my performances, you’d probably see me with one hand on my MacBook and the other playing the steelpan. With that, I feed off of my audience’s energy and pick music accordingly. From there, I attain crowd control and simply let the vibes continue to tell the musical story.
Carnival Ambassadorship & Cultural Impact
- What does being a Lucian Carnival Ambassador mean to you personally and professionally?
Being a Lucian Carnival Ambassador is nothing short of exhilarating. This honorary role tasks me with not only representing my country, but representing an art form that I love so WHOLEHEARTEDLY! It allows me to use my platforms to not only showcase the results of our hard work but also give people insight into the process and what really goes on behind the scenes for our shows, events, and parade days. One of my main goals as an ambassador is to simply invite everyone to embrace, embody, and share the enthusiasm for our beloved Carnival.
- Can you share any initiatives or projects you’ve undertaken in your role as an ambassador?
Youth Development has always been a priority for me personally.. Being an Ambassador simply blessed me with the opportunity of connecting with the Youth on a deeper level. With newly implemented projects such as the Ambassadors’ School Tour & National Schools’ PanFest, it allows me the chance to connect with the kids physically and helps me gain insight into their goals or any challenges that they face locally.
- How do you balance traditional elements with modern influences in your performances?
It’s quite easy to incorporate what we may consider ‘old school’ or ‘traditional’ music into my sets, as I have a fond love and appreciation for them. I view them as the music you never knew you wanted to hear until that very moment. The majority of these songs have such core/fundamental values in our upbringings, and hearing them simply reignites the deep love we once had for them.
- What message do you hope to convey through your participation in the carnival?
I hope that through my content, people get a better understanding as to why carnival is simply freedom to us & why we love it so dearly. Carnival is just not a 2-day parade but a season of Love, Unity & Unexplainable Thrills.
Personal Insights & Aspirations
- What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Building a community & being able to inspire others is beyond rewarding to me.
- How do you stay motivated and inspired in your craft?
Motivation: Firstly, God; as much as we may have our own goals and desires, none of them are achievable without Him. Pair that with my Hunger for Success, alongside Discipline, it simply forces me to keep going. Inspiration: Just as a child in a sandbox, the World is my playground. I utilize my surroundings in my own creative ways to produce what I call my own. The world is continuously evolving. Trends form overnight, Music of all Genres is released daily, People invent new products & concepts daily. Inspiration is at every corner, we simply have to open our eyes.
- Are there any artists or genres you’d like to explore or collaborate with in the future?
I’d be blessed to work with ANY global artist/musician.
- What advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially those interested in the steel pan?
I’d advise aspiring musicians to firstly perfect their craft; constant practice may not seem beneficial in the moment but it’s necessary in becoming a ‘great’ musician. I’d advise them to play in their own unique styles, create something refreshing, creative & marketable to whichever path they’d like to journey on. And lastly, advise them to follow their dreams; no one sees your vision clearer than yourself.
- Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the next phase of your career?
One of my main goals has always been to showcase my talent and skills globally whilst continuously representing my home, St. Lucia. I believe that this is a goal being achieved progressively, one step at a time.
Contact/Socials: @chazz758 on all platforms.
