The latest signing to Outlast Records in partnership with 333 Wreckords is Miami-based artist GARZI, who brings his latest alternative single “MESS” on all streaming platforms.
A rising artist in the emo/punk scene, GARZI has already earned credits on projects with acclaimed artists including Travis Barker and John Feldmann. “MESS,” featuring Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens, demonstrates the breadth of GARZI’s musical talent. In speaking about the collaboration between both artists, GARZI shares:
“Reaching out to Kellin was actually a lot easier than you’d think. I followed him on Instagram and saw he followed me back (fanboy moment) and I sent him a DM saying we should work and him being the cool guy he is, he was super down!
I wanted this track to be really high energy and pack an emo punch and I think we accomplished that, so I’m happy. The song captures that moment in people’s lives where they’d rather have fun over anything else, especially having genuine connections/relationships.” – GARZI
“MESS” is explosive. With energetic guitar riffs and an anthemic chorus, the collaboration between both artists gives the single cutting edge teeth. “MESS” is sure to be a fan-favorite amongst all alt-punk heads. And for singer Kellin Quinn, the opportunity to join GARZI on the track was certainly a pleasure. “Working with Garzi is a dream! He’s such a talent and I was honored to be a part of this track!”
GARZI is an original artist who stands at the intersection of rock and hip-hop but aims to blaze a new trail. “I like to describe my music as me throwing up my emotions on the track,” he says. “I freestyle my feelings until it forms the song.”
Born Chris Garzon, the Miami native was always drawn to creativity. A theater kid, he initially wanted to pursue acting and formed his first band (The 3 Seas) in high school. A self-described lover of Warped Tour (he’s been several times), he gravitated towards rock, punk, and metal sounds like Memphis May Fire and Of Mice & Men. “I loved the energy,” he remembers. It was a fitting soundtrack to feelings of isolation, of being an outsider during those teenage years. “I am a pretty peaceful, chill person but I listened to angry music. I was feeling a bit lost.” Still, GARZI was a good student and was accepted into the University of Florida where he majored in business and plant science.
However, college life wasn’t for him. Bored, he returned home after two years. He worked at a local plant nursery and started tinkering with music once again. The timing couldn’t be more opportune. South Florida was fertile ground for burgeoning hip-hop – bolstered by artists and producers on SoundCloud – and GARZI was at the center of it. In October 2017, he uploaded his first song, “Bury Me in Designer” featuring ‘Til Death (with producer AGODD) and quit his day job the next day to pursue music full time. A slew of releases followed, culminating in his breakout, “Demonstrate” (with producers Nick Mira and Taz Taylor), which has nearly 7 million streams on SoundCloud.
GARZI has collaborated with veteran producer John Feldmann (Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, Panic! at the Disco), who he describes as a kindred sonic spirit, and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. “We figured out a really dope sound. I have faith that the music is really sick.” GARZI hopes that fans connect to the universal themes of the project while appreciating the new path he’s forging musically. “It’s new. It’s fresh,” he explains. “This is the soundtrack to my life.”
There is more to see in GARZI, whose been added to the So What?! Music Festival lineup this May, and will be touring with Zero 9:36 and Fame On Fire for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. The tour kicks off March 2nd, and tickets can be purchased here.
Tell us about your story as an artist:
I’ve been making music for almost 5 years now. I had just dropped out of the University of Florida when I decided to move back home to Miami, and reconnected with an old friend who had become a sound engineer/producer. He knew I had always been into singing, and convinced me to give recording music a try. Things really just went from there. 8 months after we started releasing music together, I put out my biggest song to date, which really changed my life. Before I knew it I was receiving label offers and flying to LA every so often to record music and make my rounds. I later realized the music I was making wasn’t making me happy and decided to start making what I had always wanted to make. So I began a new journey. Fast forward a year or so and I’m finally in a good place, striving for higher grounds, and just totally focused on making the music I’ve always wanted to.
What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?
Right now I’m most focused on my career, and setting myself up for success through doing what I love.
What makes this song special in your opinion?
Well, besides it being my first official release with a feature, the feature is also someone who has inspired me since I was in middle school. I also feel like I’ve really grown into my own on this record and after a year of not dropping music, I’m excited to show the world that I mean business.
What inspired this track?
It was inspired purely by teenage angst.
What are some of the core messages here?
To have fun and not waste your time with people or things that only take from you. Everything should be give-and-take.
How do you think TikTok and social media are contributing to an artist’s career?
I think TikTok specifically is a way for a lot of people to find new artists right now. It used to be going on SoundCloud and searching for new bangers, but now you just go on TikTok and there’s an abundance of up-and-comers.
What excites you about your life?
The potential of what could be, but that’s also my biggest fear. I live in a constant state of contradiction.
What are some of your core values as a human being?
To not be a piece of shit. Love everyone regardless of color, sexual orientation, beliefs, or anything that makes them unique.
What are your projects this year?
MESS is the first track to my upcoming EP. It’ll be the most songs I’ve dropped on one project so far. I’m hoping to get another project out at some point this year, but besides that, we have tours and festivals to look forward to!
