Hey Faze! So excited to be chatting with you! You just released your debut single “Magic”! How excited were you for all your supporters to hear this song?!?
This has been a long process for me from the creative aspects of writing and recording in the studio to shooting the photos and video, to finally releasing my debut single. I’m ecstatic that everyone finally gets to hear what I’ve been working on for so long.
It’s been a really exciting and fun journey for me so I’m really happy to be able to finally share it!
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
Well I am originally from San Diego, California. I’ve always been into music and the arts. I spent years grappling with my identity and finding a sense of belonging—a struggle complicated by my diagnosis with Tourette Syndrome at the age of seven. From my earliest years music provided some salvation, and by the age of nine I’d learned to play both the piano and cello. I started writing poetry before incorporating any melodies. I added singing to my repertoire around the age of eleven. Before long, I became a soloist and star member of the choir, a path I further pursued by moving to L.A. with my mom and sister at age 16 in order to attend a school renowned for its show choir and performing-arts program. By my early 20s, I’d begun joining in songwriting sessions for leading artists, which went a long way in sharpening my songcraft and refining my vision for my own work. Even when I was writing for other people, I was always pulling from my own experiences—I can only write what’s real to me.
Where did the name “Faze” come from?
The name “Faze” is actually a play on the letters that are in my real last name “Hafezi” which is Persian. People always had a hard time saying it and I wanted something that felt unique to me. So I took the letters mixed them around and came up with Faze! It also just makes sense because I am always growing and changing as a person and artist, and going through different “Fazes” of my life!
What do you want your supporters to get from hearing your music?
I want anyone that listens to my music to feel like they can first of all relate to the lyrics. I left everything pretty open to the listeners interpretation so I am actually really curious and excited to see what people take from it. Stylistically there is really something for everyone – from cinematic, to dark dance – pop, sexy and magical, uplifting and empowering and I’ve even got a ballad on there which is the most authentic track I’ve ever written. The raw emotion and underlying message is something that I know anyone can relate to in their own way and although it’s a tear jerker, there is also something so hopeful and beautiful about it.
What artists do you look up to right now?
This question definitely has multiple answers for different reasons. I’ve always loved Rihanna and her music, and although I am waiting for her next album impatiently (lol) in recent years she managed to create a super successful make up and lingerie line. I aspire to venture out into the make up and fashion world in my own career at some point as well. I love Miley Cyrus not only because of how real and unapologetic she is – she founded the Happy Hippie Foundation which is a non-profit that focuses on youth homelessness (particularly the LGBTQ community and other vulnerable populations). I APPLAUD her for using her platform to help others. I also love Billie Eilish at the moment. I think her music and style is super cool – and aside from that I can also relate to her. When I found out she also has Tourette Syndrome I was like wow! I really haven’t met anyone with Tourettes (that I am aware of) so I would definitely like to meet her!
You are gearing up for the release of your debut EP! How excited are you to get this project out into the world?!?
I am low key freaking out a little bit! I put so much of my time, energy and soul into this project. I definitely got a little taste when I released the first track “Magic” – the feedback and support has been incredible and I could not be more excited to get everything I’ve been working on out there!
Can you tell us about what this EP means to you?
On my EP “Eclipse” I commune with the planets, ride a rocket to the moon, transcend galaxies and swim through tidal waves. I spun all of that journeying into a metaphor for a more emotional exploration; the push for self discovery in an often painfully chaotic world. This projects about trying to find out who you truly are and what it means to be human, without any rulebook, or any guide at all – it’s just up to you to try to figure it all out. We never really know exactly why we’re here and sometimes the world can feel like such a crazy place, but at the same time it can also be so beautiful.
Any fun moments while creating the EP?
From the very beginning I wanted everyone involved to feel included and to know that having fun was just as important to me as creating the music itself. I wrote the EP with two of my best friends who are also amazingly talented artists (Jozef and Niki Black) They’re both super energetic and really funny individuals so the studio sessions were always interesting to say the least. There was never an off beat or dull moment, between Niki showing up dancing around all crazy and pretending to be a pterodactyl dinosaur to Jozef screaming every time he liked something musically
What song are you most excited to perform from this new EP?
I am super excited to perform them all collectively because from start to finish, my EP “Eclipse” tells a story. But if there is one in particular that I am really looking forward to singing on stage it would be the last track on the EP which is a feel good, empowering rock inspired anthem.
What does it feel like to perform your own music live in front of your supporters?
It’s an intimate and vulnerable place to be in no matter how many people are watching. I am definitely in my element when I perform on stage and there honestly isn’t a better or more rewarding feeling in the world knowing that I can connect with people through my music.
Are you planning to tour to promote this EP?
For sure! Once all of my music is out I will definitely be promoting and doing shows around the city of Los Angeles. I’ve performed at several venues in the past but took a hiatus from performing live to focus on creating my EP and recording new music. I’m really looking forward to stepping back out into the world and performing again. It would be really awesome to open for other artists on tour and eventually have a tour of my own!
What do you hope your supporters will think of the new music?
I want them to feel the magic! My ultimate ambition is to connect with anyone who’s following their own singular path through the world. In everything I do and everything I make, I just want to be completely open about who I am as a person and what I’ve gone through. Hopefully that helps other people to be more vulnerable and honest with themselves, and maybe opens their minds and helps them to think in a whole new way.
How do you want your relationship to be with your supporters?
I want to be able to laugh together, dance together, party together, cry together. I put myself out there with total transparency and I want everyone that listens, follows and supports me to feel included.
What was the craziest fan encounter you have had?
Well I’m not famous YET, but the outpour of love and support from my friends and family has been amazing and I hope that continues as my fan base grows!
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your supporters?
Right now I am on Instagram mostly just because it seems to be the best way to stay connected and engage with my family, friends and fans. I also have a YouTube channel with almost 9,000 subscribers. I used to post a lot of covers so I will definitely be posting my original content there. I honestly can’t wait for my subscribers to see and hear how I have grown as an artist over the years.
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
I shot a music video for “Magic” last month which is being edited now. We are just now going into post and VFX which I am thrilled about. I can’t wait to see how it all shapes up. I plan to release the video in the very near future so keep an eye out for that!
Do you have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
I just want to thank everyone for the amazing support I’ve already received. It seems to be growing daily and I can’t wait to release the full album so you can hear the full story!
