The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was a turning point for Donn Chii. Living in Dallas at the time, he had to restructure his life and decide whether to stay there or move to Atlanta to pursue his dreams. Ultimately, he packed his belongings and relocated to Georgia. Though the move has been challenging, Donn Chii believes that the experience has shaped him into the artist he is today.
Valuable Advice, the Business of Music, and the Challenges of Being an Independent Artist
Donn Chii received a game-changing piece of advice when he was told, "You're not a rapper, you're a business." This prompted him to think differently about his career, plan, and set goals. He believes that if musicians learn to allocate money into their careers properly, they can achieve their goals faster and make a living from their passion.
As an independent artist, Donn Chii wears many hats. From creating music to promoting, performing, and editing videos, there is always work to be done. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and not taking it too seriously.
Staying Authentic, Collaborating with Others, and Learning from Mistakes
To maintain authenticity in his music, Donn Chii works collaboratively with labels and producers, focusing on teamwork and putting his own emotions and character into the lyrics. By treating music creation like voice acting, he ensures that his songs resonate with listeners.
One of Donn Chii's most notable mistakes was falling for a scam that cost him $500 to play at a festival with Travis Scott headlining. He shares this story to help other artists be aware of potential scams and always do their research.
Dream Collaboration, Musical Inspirations, and the Impact of Music on Fans
Donn Chii's dream collaboration would be with Big Sean, the rapper who inspired him to pursue his own rap career. When he needs motivation, he turns to his Spotify playlist, "Motivation Station," which features hip-hop tracks that focus on money, happiness, and prosperity.
Donn Chii's music has touched many fans, one of whom even tattooed his lyrics on their hand. This gesture of respect and gratitude demonstrates the power of music to impact lives and create lasting connections between artists and their fans.
Follow him here:
