papichuloteej
Photo Credit: @skinbyian
23-year-old singer/songwriter papichuloteej boasts a playful, yet versatile catalog of tracks. Some songs release euphoria in the same vein as “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd, while others embrace a retro sound design, like 2020’s “Stars Align.” On one of Teej’s most popular tracks to date, his infectiously catchy chorus fits perfectly on a moody electro-R&B soundscape. Not only can he tap into the 80s sound while preserving that timeless groove, but the artist seamlessly weaves rhymes on trap beats, showcased on his track, “Daytona.” Teej’s creative ability has consistently soared since his days recording off the microphone on his Beats headphones into Garageband. Features from marcos g and Victor Internet are testaments to his growing traction with fans of the multiple genres he fuses together. We recently spoke with the artist about Snapchat memories, the Air Force, and more!
How did you get started making music?
I started making music in high school! I was in choir throughout middle school but stopped to focus on sports. I did music as a hobby in school but I wouldn’t say I took it seriously until I dropped out of school. I was recording off the microphone on my beats headphones chord (quality) into Garageband. Truly a nostalgic time.
One thing that we love about your songs is the diversity of your catalog. Whether the 80’s synths heard in “Stars Align” or the funk of “S.O.S”, how do you ultimately end up choosing the direction or vibe of a song?
Lately, I’ve been getting more into making 80’s influenced stuff. Stars Align was really me kinda just testing the waters. But it really is a sound that I’ve been enjoying creating and can’t wait to share. Normally I create just based on how I'm feeling. I don’t produce myself but I have some pretty fire friends that understand what I’m trying to make.
I have to ask about “Do Better”, which in our opinion, is some of your best work here. Can you walk us through the inspiration for the song?
Well unfortunately Snapchat loves to show you memories from a time you want to forget. Rather than just deleting the photos it gave me the inspo to make "Do Better". I was sitting on the idea of the song for about a week. My friend Danny invited me over to work and he was just playing guitar over a drum loop he had made. The lyrics came pretty easy cause I had time to think about how I wanted to approach it. Then boom, "Do Better" was born. <3
Is there another song that was inspired by a real-life experience?
The cool thing is all the songs I’ve made have something to do with an experience that I’ve been through or something a friend has been through. Early on I realized my songs come out way better when I have a topic in mind.
Your catchy lyrics are something that needs to be mentioned too. Which is one papichuloteej bar that best describes you as an artist?
I would say “Why would I fight for you when you don’t even fight for us” from Do Better!!
Who are you choosing to make a song with for a dream collab?
Pharell. I’ve loved his stuff since I was younger & I honestly can’t wait for the day it happens.
How has the pandemic been treating you? Has it affected your music-making process at all?
2020 was a rough year. But it was also the best year of my life. I truly was able to lock in cause I had nothing else to do. I spent hella time in my room just figuring out what I wanted my sound to be. It honestly made me realize this is what I want to do forever. This is what makes me happiest. If anything I would say I leveled up over the pandemic.
What do you like to do when you’re not in the studio?
I watch a good amount of anime in my spare time. Yuyu Hakusho has always been a fav of mine. Also finding new food spots has always been something I find myself getting into. Video games too from time to time. Especially smash bros haha.
What’s one fun fact that your fans don’t know about you yet?
I was in the Air Force for three years! I hated every moment of it but it was a stepping stool to help get me to where I am now
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation would honestly be clutch. Gas prices are getting way too high again.
Who do you owe your biggest thanks to?
I owe the biggest thanks I could ever give to my mom. She’s given me the courage to make the jump into this world. She deserves the world.
What can we expect from you in 2021?
I got some special things coming this year that I’m very excited about. This new music I’ve been making I truly feel is my best. & I can’t wait to share. I’ll have a couple of drops before summer. But this summer I'm going crazy <3 <3 <3
Photo Credit: @nolantondreau