Today we’d like to introduce you to Nazim Chambi.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nazim. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in North Africa, in a country called Algeria. When I was 10 years old, my life changed as I moved from Algeria to California. I lived with my aunt Zahia, who would always take me out to see live music. Whether it was Jazz, native Peruvian music, and blues.
I realized that I had a deep connection with music. As if it had a plan for me.
It wasn’t until 17 years old that I picked the guitar. It was a dear friend (who passed away) that bought all my skateboarding stuff so I could get the guitar and amp. His name was Alex Boch. He plays a huge role in my story.
Once I got the guitar and amp, all I needed was a cable to plug the electric guitar in. My father bought me the cable, I rushed home, plugged in, and since that day I have made a career as a guitarist/musician.
I was so obsessed with the guitar, I couldn’t put it down. I ditched school so I could go home and play. My love for guitar got deeper once I got my first Digitech multi effects pedal. I could get any sound I wanted, and would stay up all night playing with headphones. Within 6 months, I could play a bunch of Metallica, Iron Maiden, while writing my own music. It was such a treasure to hear a song and then play it! It was magic to me. A new world opened literally! My brother took me to a G3 concert which featured 3 guitar heroes: Yngwie, Satriani, and Vai. That day changed my life for the best. I went home and started trying to play harder more challenging songs. Because I wanted to and it made my heart content. Makes you realize how powerful it is to see something first hand, as it leaves such a confidence that says “wow, I can do it too”!
As I kept on improving, I got into a few bands. Which helped me gain confidence playing live, and playing in front of people. My second show was in front of 500 people. Guess that was a way for the Universe to say “this is your path” here is a little taste. Around the same time, my mom bought me my first MacBook. It came with a recording software that enabled my creativity, and I could finally capture what I was hearing in my head. I opened a Myspace music page and put all my recording up there. I eventually got over a huge amount of fans from my page! Which led to a submitting a song to Guitar Player magazine, and got a little feature from Michael Molenda. I was beyond happy, I was proud, and I realized that my vision was on point!
Finally, in late 2007 I decided to move to Los Angeles and attend Musicians Institute, That’s where the challenges really started. Not only was I in LA clueless, I was in music school with amazing musicians from all over the world! I needed to challenge myself everyday to keep up. Which eventually led to burning out… I dropped out and started a band. Played nonstop with the band, toured. Eventually 2 members left, which made me think of a next move. I went back to school! This time I worked even harder, but had more experience being out in the real world.
I eventually graduated 2010, and was awarded the Most Outstanding Player award. That day will always be in my memory. Especially if I get discouraged! The award meant so much to… The fact that these teachers took notice of my ups and downs, sweat and tears. I never gave up, and was rewarded BIG TIME.
Upon graduating, I moved back to the bay area. I eventually found a spot called the Quarter note in Santa Clara, and musicians that I could vibe with and keep improving my live performances. First band I toured with in the bay was Vicious Groove! They believed in me and gave me so much love.
Then came the day where I met my mentor Reggie Boyd Jr. He walked in one night while I was playing at the quarter note. Reggie took me from “a kid” to a professional guitarist. He taught me about gear, the importance of rhythm, how to survive as an artist, life lessons, and much more. Till today he is still my best friend and mentor. And still chat on a regular basis. Whenever I have a new opportunity or audition, he is the first to get the call. And he really helps me through it! I believe that without Reggie entering the bar that night, I would be lost.
After spending a year in the bay area, I moved back to Los Angeles. I felt like I needed more. As soon as I got there I started working really crappy jobs so I could get going again with music. It was really hard to go back and work a job that was not music. But you gotta do what you gotta do. I even had people who recognized me LAUGH when they saw me working, it got to me, and I was near giving up. I had a band but we couldn’t catch a break. I was very into the band which made me ignore opportunities for me to go on tour with other bands. A very unwise mood. But at the time, I believed that was the way to do it.
In 2016, I started another project called FIRE. It was what I was looking for in a band. We played over 100 shows in a year, worked with Grammy winning producer Val Garay, Built a fan base, and had record labels at a bunch of shows. The band members and I started to experience difficulties in life, which eventually led to us walking away, to fix our lives. We have one EP release self-titled FIRE.
2018 comes, and my life changes for the better! I start exploring hip hop production, and proud to say that I am currently touring with the icon Jody Watley & SRL! My first show with Jody Watley was in JAPAN! never been until the show. I feel extremely blessed to do what I love for work. Not only is the music fun to play, but the whole band has a beautiful vibe! again very grateful.
During my musical journey, I got into spirituality and meditation. It actually started when I was 20. I had a sort of awakening, and meditation gave me what I needed. Especially during the downfalls. I felt like I could connect to the deeper self and find gratitude, which led to incredible experiences. I recommend Meditation to everyone! The teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda helped my spiritual journey immensely.
It’s been 10 years since I made the first move to LA. I am proof that when you stick to your truth and heart, you will find a way, and you will grow beyond what you have ever imagined. Which will lead you to where you are supposed to be! My motto is Trust yourself. You already know!
Has it been a smooth road?
No it has not. The struggles of constant rejection, fear of failure, dealing with insecurity, self-doubt, and being broke so many times. Girlfriends not sticking around because of the lifestyle.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Nazfunk – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am first a guitarist, and songwriter. I started producing hip hop/pop music this year.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like that there are people from all over the world here, the lake shrine in pacific palisades, the entertainment side, all the food choices, the weather, the size of the city, Griffith Observatory, the artists and dreamers.
The least thing I like is the plastic friendships, and the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nazfunk.com
- Email: nazchambi@gmail.com
- Instagram: @nazfunk
- Facebook: @musicforyousoul
Image Credit:
There are two different photographers. Tyler Miles, and Alex Huggan is the photographer for the “Personal Photo” and 2 other ones. The rest are Tyler Miles.
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
