Image Courtesy of Claude Gerber & Acqua di Parma. Photography by Claude Gerber, Hair & Make-Up by Denise Grundmann, Photography Assistant Quirin Emanga.
Listening to Badchieff’s music feels like a deep dive into his life, revealing an insight into everything he has listened to while growing up. With the intention not to restrain his creativity from running freely, he mixes genres of hip hop, trap, punk and soul, attracting labels to his unique sound when he was still in school. Born Shivan Darouiche, flowing through different spheres is ingrained in his way of living as Badchieff was actually to become a professional basketball player but then fate had different plans for him. Completely focusing on music, Badchieff entered the industry as a booming newcomer everyone had their eyes on. As his career continued to flourish, he already released his first album and countless singles that are teasing what is more to come.
SLEEK talks to Badchieff about his upbringing, his own connection to music and the beauty of leaving your comfort zone.
Image Courtesy of Sebastian Schuster.
SLEEK: Music has always been part of your life, coming naturally to you through your family. But at what point did you as an individual realize that music is what you want to pursue?
Badchieff: Basically it dates back to my childhood when we had little concerts in our basement in front of our family. That also marks the time when I first got introduced to music but afterward, I started to play basketball intensively and that took up most of my time. Since I got a lot of injuries that prevented me from continuing to play, I needed to find something new. Slowly but organically, I returned to doing music which has felt great ever since.
S: In which way does your upbringing still have an influence on the sound and the way you make music today?
B: Music just feels natural to me because I grew up with it. It is in my blood, when I start to create something it doesn’t feel like I have to force my inspiration or try hard to find a rhythm.
S: Where does an idea for a song derive from? Is it an impulse or a thoroughly thought-through process?
B: It depends. Sometimes I just take something that happened which had an impact on me, whether it was good or bad. Other times, I am in the studio every day for a month and think a lot about life which then leads to me writing stories.
Image Courtesy of Finn Beek.
S: Your music can’t be traced to one specific genre. How come this approach to music?
B: My way of working never included labeling something or putting it into a certain category. More so for me, it is about transferring a specific energy or vibe, so as long as it evokes an emotion in someone listening to my music, I am happy.
S: Do you feel a difference in the music business from now in comparison to when you first started?
B: Everything is always in constant change, so I try not to pay that much attention to it. Obviously TikTok and other platforms are becoming more relevant but I don’t think it will stay like this forever since change will come again. I highly believe in authenticity and just by simply chasing a trend and creating a viral sound I don’t think that it will get people to know you. But if you focus on yourself and are bringing something to the world that is unique, your work will stand out on its own.
Image Courtesy of Sebastian Schuster.
S: As an established artist with a released album, do you still push into new directions when you make music?
B: I always go with what I like and what feels good to me. That is forever my goal.
S: Mostly, the easiest way is to stay in your comfort zone. What does it mean for you to leave that comfort zone?
B: Leaving the comfort zone is the best feeling because the most challenging tasks will bring you the furthest in life. And if you are truly good in what you are doing you will always be ready to leave your comfort zone because it is just part of your creative process.
S: Your music has been solely in German as of now. Have you ever thought about making music in English? What kind of difference would that make?
B: Me not identifying myself with a specific genre also applies to not restricting myself in language, meaning my music could be English, German, instrumental or acapella. How I keep growing as a human also transfers to how I want to improve as an artist and there are no limits to it.