Craigiewave chats his new single 'WhatUThink', realising his passion and his impact and as an artist

Last week, Craigiewave released his debut single, 'WhatUThink' via Mirage Records. Hailing from Naarm/Melbourne's Western Suburbs, Craigiewave is an exciting new name rising through the cities glowing underground music scene. With roots in hip-hop, he's been developing his sound for the last couple of years to one that blends genres to transcend the traditional tropes of the genre and find a lane where he can wear his heart and individuality on his sleeve.

Craigiewave's debut foray, 'WhatUThink' channels this energy. Inspired by spacey grime and 2 step garage, the track features glitzy production and an evocative lyrical delivery. A glitchy and catchy bass combines perfectly with his pitched vocals, creating an eerie, moody yet feel good and dance worthy track.

To get to know Craigiewave we had a quick chat about his musical awakening, his various passions and breaking down, 'WhatUThink'.

Who are you and where you from?

Craigiewave, currently based in the Western suburbs of Melbourne but home is Rarotonga Cook Islands.

When did u realise music was your passion and something you wanted to pursue?

I was friends with a lot of people who made music and I always loved to rap. My background was in dancing and I had dreams of being one, but the more I was around music I was consumed by it. It started with cyphers in my friends garage, something about letting everything out over a beat was therapeutic to me. It was where I could be my most honest and it became clear that I needed to be doing this.

What impact do you want your music to have on a listener?

I hope that it helps some people to heal. To do better. To have more faith. There’s a lot of negativity in the world we currently live in and I feel like I just want to provide some beauty in the madness. 

What makes rap music and its surrounding genres the best way to tell your story?

Being Polynesian and growing up with rich culture in the house, there was always something deep inside of me that just understood and related to rap and everything else it inspired and tied into. I have a big appreciation for genres like reggae and afrobeats due to their pure nature and rich culture that reminds me of back home. Rap music has touched me in many ways and it feels right to be creating music under that umbrella. 

How would you describe the vibe and energy on ‘WhatUThink’

The whole vibe and the ideas were really strong during in lockdown. It was mostly about letting go of all these moments and emotions that I couldn’t seem to express while the world was open. Hancoq and I were just sitting in the home studio talking about our experiences and pain together and really opening the box.

I see my music as a personal diary so they are my raw thoughts on moving on, learning how to live with certain situations and actively being better inspired me to make ‘WhatUThink’.

What are you most excited about looking forward to for the rest of this year?

I’m excited to grow mostly. I’m sitting on a lot of new music. The Melbourne music scene as a whole excites me. There are so many bright new artists and sounds emerging from here, I’m blessed to be part of that.

Words by PARRY TRITSINIOTIS

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

SEE ALSO

NEW STUDY RULES OUT COVID-19 INFECTION RISK IN MUSIC VENUES