Get To Know – Chazzy Lake – For The Rabbits

We Say…

Chazzy Lake is the musical project of Charlie Hill, a songwriter who splits his time between Brooklyn and Burlington, Vermont. Chazzy sets out with an ambitious musical mission, “to break down the emotional barriers of his listeners”. We last heard from Chazzy back in 2018, with the release of his EP, Goodbye V.D. Baby. That changed last week, when he returned with his brand new album, Sup, Circumstance.

Discussing the themes behind the album, Charlie has suggested it is, “about my experiences, the juggling of perspectives and finding the sweet spot of truth in my effort to understand reality”. Musically, the record walks the line between alt-country and DIY-punk, at times the record channels the wide-screen Americana of Kevin Morby or Horse Thief, while at others it slips into more introverted, darker tones, nodding to the likes of Sparklehorse or Elvis Perkins. With the songs from the record being drip-fed onto streaming sites across the coming months, expect to hear a lot more from Chazzy Lake, a songwriter more than ready for whatever opportunities come his way.

They Say…

FTR: For those who don’t know who is Chazzy Lake?

Chazzy Lake is the creation of myself, Charlie Hill. A musician, songwriter and producer recently of groups Bison and J Bengoy. Brooklyn, NY based via Burlington, Vt. Sort of an alt. Indie, punk, country project. I released my first EP in 2018, Goodbye V.D. Baby. It was originally a Valentine’s Day gift for an old partner of mine and kind of just turned into an EP.

FTR: What can you remember about your first show?

My very first performance ever was when I was 12 years old and performed Bob Marley’s Redemption Song at a summer camp talent show. I was so nervous I had to pause in the middle of the song cause I forgot the rest of it. But everyone in the crowd was so happy and cheered me on. They really liked it even though I could hardly finish the song. I got off stage so thrilled, all I could think about was how I wanted to perform again.

My first Chazzy Lake show, however, was in April 2018. I got to open for Michael Nau and the Dove and the Wolf at Arts Riot in Burlington, Vermont (My favorite venue). That was a real treat.

FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?

Music has always spoken the loudest to me of any art form. Before I could play it I felt very connected to it from a creation aspect early on. I feel like I can envision my musical ideas and discoveries in a way I don’t know how with other art forms. Most importantly, I love making music for its incredible ability to reach so many people so fast and easily. It just captures emotional experiences so well.

FTR: What can people expect from the Chazzy Lake live show?

Some boogie, some rock, some tenderness, some tears, some laughs, and lots of love.

FTR: What’s next for Chazzy Lake?

Slowly releasing this record on major streaming platforms over the next 2-3 months. Live Stream full band album release show in late September with friends, Clever Girls. And getting started on the next album! Or two! And hopefully some shows once we can get together in person again.

They Listen To…

Angel Olsen – Sister

Spoon – Metal Detector