There are so few artists producing themselves front to back on projects, and this is because it’s HARD to do — to be good at production, songwriting, performing that songwriting, and then tying it all together in the mixing and mastering process. It takes time & experience to get good at each one of these pieces in their own right, so having the patience & discipline to complete your own project so early in your release career is incredible. In my interactions with her, Charisse Sky (she/they) has always been extremely humble about this 360 degree aspect of her work (it’s part of her charm), but we are going to celebrate that HARD here in the i-wave spotlight!
Bittersweet Addictions, Vol. 1 is a six-track project, and it’s finally here on all platforms. There are layers to listening; you’ll hear something new on these tracks each time, and that is in huge part due to Sky’s gorgeous vocal production. She builds labyrinths of harmonies throughout her songs like the R&B greats of the past over beats that give her the space to do just that.
Her production style feels sparse while high in drama — it leaves a wide lane for her to expand and twirl vocally all along the way. Lead single “After You” sits firmly in the middle of the track list, the anchor that it is. In the context of the EP, it delivers maybe the strongest and most tongue in cheek moment of the project — definitely my favorite. There’s something so satisfying about how “….I might do a lil jog or something” lands over those staccato keyboard hits and the massive beat drop.
Sky’s “Ri-Ri-Ri-Ri-Risse, ho” producer tag puts a smile on my face every time, and I really can’t wait to watch her grow as an artist/producer with such a strong debut project under her belt. I think the web3 music space could be just the place for her, and for others to appreciate her well rounded talent. Catch the EP on Audius in addition to web2 streaming platforms, and read on to hear the artist in her own words below.
Artist Statement of the Moment:
My name is Charisse Sky. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA where I currently reside. I’ve been creating music since 8 years old, and began producing at age 11. My first song ever was actually a Yo momma diss track where I rapped. My biggest influences are Nicki Minaj and Tamar Braxton. I began working on music constantly during middle and high school and was once a part of a girl group that never took off. After graduating from high school in 2017, I was introduced to stocks and subsequently cryptocurrency by 2018. By February 2022, I minted one of my beats on Opensea as my first music NFT. In July 2022, I released my first song on streaming platforms as a music NFT on Opensea. In February 2023, I released my promo single from my debut project on Decent.xyz as a music NFT. My debut project “Bittersweet Addictions Vol 1” released on all streaming platforms May 5th 2023, and on the web3 platform Audius.
As a human in general, I’ve always been more inclined to music and quite awkward. I often found myself isolated with nothing to do except daydream and sing. Music has allowed me to get through countless dark moments, whether it was just listening to it or creating it. I hope my music allows someone to do the same, and I hope they feel a little less alone when going through tough times. As humans, we are much more similar than we are different and when we connect on that basis we make a difference in the world around us.
How are you feeling now?
pretty chill
What does success mean to you?
Being able to take care of myself and my family without struggle, pain, or loss. Being able to share my gifts and perspective with the world in order to make it a better, more compassionate place. Being able to bless other people who may need it, whether it be emotionally, spiritually, physically, or financially. Being able to do the things I enjoy without stress or worry. Being able to see your impact on the world and your environments.
What work of yours has you excited & inspired right now?
i am very excited about my debut project! I feel as if I’ve been haunted by the emotions and experiences that were captured in my debut project, so I very excited to release a project about relationships and transformations on a full moon eclipse (conjunct my natal scorpio moon!). I am excited to collab with artists, especially in the web3 space and I get a chance to soak up finally feeling like I belong someplace. I am also very excited to create fun romantic, and create music oriented towards the social times we are in, as it is something I am very passionate about.
What does web3 mean to you, and what excites you about it?
Web3 is for the rebels and passionate pioneers with a vision, so as a Heaven-sent Hellraiser, web3 is a perfect fit for me and my “fxck you” additude towards a greedy sheisty web2 industry with salivating record execs and algorithmic bullshxt. Web3 excites me tremendously because I maintain complete control, and any agreement I engage in or entertain is one of my choosing, making it inherently authentic. It is a hub centered on being a community where fellow outcasts and talented individuals can create magical experiences, and recenter art, their artists, and the fans.
What artists/creators are inspiring you right now & why?
Nicki and Tamar are constantly inspiring me to hone my skill and appreciate the craft of music. Also as of late, I’ve been inspired by my friends and fellow artists in web2 JazzyThaRapper and Sys. we all went to college together and seeing them continue to create music despite the world constantly changing helps me push forward when I’m stressed or down.
Fill in the blank: I wish the web3 music world was more ___________________.
mainstream like web2 but it’s coming! They can’t stop all of us!
Describe yourself in one word!?
Otherworldly
What message do you have for fans/supporters?
Be strong now, because things will get better. It may be stormy now but it cant rain forever. You are inherently valuable, deserving of love, and necessary on this Earth. Never forget that.
How do you stay grounded in the VERY online world of web3?
I’m working on scheduling out content so I’m not constantly subjected to millions of opinions per day. I journal often and I am getting into consistently meditating to recenter myself in the present.
xo C