Meet David Barzini

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Barzini.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m Armenian, but my family is from Iran. When the revolution started in Iran, my parents decided to move us out of the country. They didn’t feel it was safe for us to grow up in that turmoil, so the plan was for us to come to America. Diplomatic relationships weren’t good between the States and Iran at the time, so getting asylum was difficult. We ended up settling in Northern Europe (Sweden). Being that we were immigrants, life was very challenging. Not only did we have to deal with racism at the time, but most immigrants were being relocated to the outskirts of the city in public housing tenements. So the city we lived in was one of many which was flooded with immigrants from various parts of the world. Mostly refugees fleeing from violent countries, troubled by war and poverty. My dad did his best to keep us afloat, besides dealing with the difficulties of being geographically relocated from a life you once knew, he also had a personal drug addiction problem. He ended up passing away and my mom was finally able to move us to America in 1999.

My life had already been quite messy and unstable already, coming to the States made things even more difficult. I dropped out of school, started rebelling, hanging around with the wrong crowd and was only able to find solitude within music. Experimenting with drugs, I developed an addiction and eventually ended up homeless. Being on the streets I did whatever was necessary to survive. Everything from drug dealing to committing crimes. Throughout the process, I caught a strike and did some jail time. In jail, is where I had an epiphany. Having been homeless for nearly a decade, heavily involved in the streets, I realized it was time for a change. Ever since I got out in 2016, I’ve been living a much more different and positive life. Realizing what an epidemic drug addiction and homelessness is nowadays, I utilize my music and creative ability to not only share my stories and life experiences but hopefully to reach out and inspire anyone who’s undergone a similar predicament.

Has it been a smooth road?
Not by a long shot, there’s been countless deaths in the family, close friends getting killed or overdosing, being raised by single parent, feeling like I never fit in anywhere cause we’re constantly moving, drug problems, homelessness, jail time, the court system, probation, all variables that have made life challenging. In retrospect, it was all a learning experience that shaped my character.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am currently working on a new album that will drop on all digital platforms the beginning of next year. My music is very personal and conceptual. I always try to touch on certain subjects that I find are important, relating to real life difficulties and challenges. I’ve worked with artists ranging from Kendrick Lamar, all the way to KXNG Crooked. Getting a stamp of approval from Hip Hop legends gives me the confidence that I do have something special. What sets me apart is my versatility, and ability to connect with my listener – I can make music to incite or to excite. To quote the late great Nipsey Hussle “The highest human act is to inspire”

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Los Angeles, I’ve lived here most of my life. Despite that it has been hard for me, I now realize that everything it has put me through has made me who I am. Only the strong survive here. In the past three years, I’ve lived in Long Beach, and I love it here. The fact that certain areas are rough and gritty keeps me humble and reminds me of where I came from.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidbarzini

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