Life & Work with Classique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Classique.

Hi Classique, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It has been quite a long journey thus far and it’s only the beginning! Well, I go by the name of Classique and I am a self-taught violinist and singer-songwriter. I began playing by ear at the age of 7 years old and writing music at 12. I was never into sports, crafting, or technology growing up–music and anything creative has always been my thing. My older sister used to play the viola in school so when she would go out with her friends, I’d sneak and explore her instrument eventually learning how to play it. I started out playing small childhood tunes like “Mary had a little Lamb”. Later, I began playing songs from tv shows and the radio.

As I got older, I was given the opportunity to play an instrument in school. We were allowed to select 3 instruments with the 1st choice being the one we wanted to play the most. I chose the drums, clarinet, and flute. All instruments were given on a first come first serve basis but of course when it was my turn to select, every instrument on my list was taken! I was offered the opportunity to choose a stringed instrument which they had a plethora of. Since I wanted to be a part of the music program, I settled for what was familiar–the viola. I ended up playing that from elementary school through my senior year in high school until I switched to the violin.

I went on to perform in numerous talent shows and venues throughout NY. Eventually, with all the positive feedback and support I received over the years, I took the leap of Faith to pursue music full-time. After years of only playing strings, I started to write songs again and put out an EP in 2017 titled “Self-Expression Miss Understood” showcasing my singing, songwriting, production, and improvisational composition. I debuted the EP’s release at the premiere of my curated event and production called “Classified”. I’ve hosted Classified annually since 2017 but as of 2023 it will be quarterly extending the platform to amazing creatives and talents.

I’ve come this far with the encouragement of family, friends, supporters and most importantly God. I took many risks to get here but I never gave up, even when I felt like it. My passion has compelled and driven me to keep pushing forward. You’ll never know what’s beyond the horizon if you don’t take a journey and walk toward it; so that’s what I’ve done and will continue to do. Currently, I perform for various events while working on my first upcoming album.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t been easy at all. There surely have been lots of hurdles along the way. For starters, as a self-taught violinist, there has always been a struggle to fit in with string players that were classically trained in both theory and technique. When I first started playing, I was not respected in most spaces because I was in a league of my own. At first, it used to make me a little sad, but later I realized I’d rather be in my own world doing my own thing anyway–creating the rules I want to follow. As time progressed, my artistry and free-spirited musicianship became an inspiration to some that had spent years learning the craft by the books.

Another struggle I encountered was finding the right spaces to share my artistry. A string player in a non-orchestral setting always raises eyebrows. Anytime I entered an event or venue, I was immediately judged before I even played a note. People would assume that I was about to play the music that would “put them to sleep”. Under other circumstances I’ve even been told “I don’t see people of color playing this instrument, can you really play it?” These encounters always made me feel like I was in a constant state of having to prove myself. Although very challenging and still a struggle I face presently, I am grateful for these encounters because in either scenario, the listeners were left shocked and awed but most of all touched and inspired.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a very passionate creative and artist that pours my heart and soul into anything I create. I am known for freestyling on my violin and setting a transcendent vibe anytime I play. I specialize in playing to hip-hop & r&b songs, instrumentals, or with a live band. Another side of my artistry includes singing, songwriting, production, and composition. I take pride in my coded lyrics and the double-entendre wordplay that can be found throughout my songs.

What sets me aside from others is being true to myself and my artistry. Often times creatives feel that they have to follow a standard when it comes to making music. However, I like to think outside the box and only follow the rules that I create. That means sometimes, I may play a melody that doesn’t resolve or write a song that does not have a chorus. I enjoy inviting listeners to tap into my world as opposed to creating music styles that already exist in their own.

I am most proud about not giving up. Despite all the obstacles I’ve faced as full-time artist and entrepreneur, I never quit. Of course, I’ve thought about it, I’ve had doubts, and I’ve been anxious. Overall, I’ve felt a lot of things, but all these feelings are a part of the journey I was placed on this earth to take. I will continue to take risks while manifesting the life I’ve always dreamed of.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was going to the Apollo Theatre and rubbing the tree of hope. As a kid, I grew up watching Amateur Night at the Apollo learning of all the great musicians that touched the stage like Michael Jackson and James Brown. I always hoped to one day touch that stage too. After years of watching the show, at 13 years old I finally had the opportunity to rub the tree of hope and perform on the Apollo stage.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classique516/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Classique516
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bickgV8Zo7o
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/classique516/sets/self-expression-miss

Image Credits
@frc.photos @dmcvlz @gardy.go @domdoesthemost @a.zapmusik_ @cerdafye.sm