Meet Chrysanthemum Ahmed of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrysanthemum Ahmed

Hi Chrysanthemum, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My entrance to music was through my family, my father had guitars when I was growing up. I would play with them in unconventional ways, and pretend they were cellos or drums. I learned how to read music when I was in fourth grade, my elementary school offered violin classes. I remember experimenting with beats on GarageBand when I was around 12 years old. I produced my first EP on GarageBand when I was 14, I used ukulele and my voice to record all the songs. What really made me start to experiment with my own music is when I went to Bennington College as a Freshman. I took a course titled “Intro to Mixing and Recording” and I found passion for working with sound.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been smooth. My struggles revolve around my process and making my way into the music world as an experimental musician. A lot of times I get in my head and I struggle with self-criticism, which helps me improve but sometimes keeps me stagnant. It’s challenging for me to label myself as a producer, I think there is a lot of misogyny that plays into that. Even around my peers, I’ve had to prove what I know and make space for myself to express my own unique creativity. I am thankful for my friends and community that have uplifted me and nurtured my spirit.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an interdisciplinary artist. Right now, I’m in the Johnston program at University of Redlands pursuing an undergraduate degree in “Art as a Tool for Social Justice.” My art practice is all encompassing; I work with ceramics, graphic design, dance, writing, and music. I’ve taken classes regarding environmental justice, food access, sexuality, and community organizing to integrate the social justice aspect. In regards to music, I’ve found my niche in vocal improvisation. I took the class “The Improvising and Composing Vocalist” with Kyoko Kitamura at Bennington College which had a great impact on my singing technique and the way I approach music. I am proud of the piece I composed in her class, which was a poem from the point of view of the ocean. I wanted to shine light on the environmental impact of marine pollution. This piece was performed by my peers as they walked in a circle, making beautiful, haunting melodies from the poetry prompt. What sets me apart from others is my interdisciplinary approach as well as my intersecting identities.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is my community. At the end of the day, I find fulfillment and comfort in maintaining relationships and supporting my loved ones. I can always come back to my community; I get pulled out of my head and get returned to my body. I think building and maintaining community is also a form of resistance, and can create joy and wellbeing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mucanamusic/#
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mucana888?si=BD4rCGr5mGIdVz6m
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mucana?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Image Credits
Abigail Zamora
Alexis Spears
Skylet Hernandez