We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chase Granat. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chase below.
Chase, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Hello, I’m Chase, currently 29 and on the brink of 30 this coming June of 2024. My journey from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles five years ago marked the beginning of an all-in commitment to my music career. Dreaming of becoming a DJ since my youth, I never expected the diverse paths that would open up, leading me to success as a music producer, singer, songwriter, and audio-visual technician. Setting world records with an incredible team in Los Angeles, my journey has been a constant gamble, particularly in terms of self-investment.
I’ve poured more money, health, energy, and time into my career than many in my family and friends circle believed possible. While I’ve received some support, it’s been scarce in an environment where few understand the roadmap of creatives. Most people recognize only the start and end of a journey, overlooking the crucial, gritty in-between – and it’s in this space where I truly excel. My biggest risk involved transitioning from a people-pleaser in Chicago to developing resilience in Los Angeles, leading to opportunities that my younger self could only dream of. Now, these dreams are my reality.
Before even considering college, I aspired to study at the renowned “Icon Collective” in Burbank, California. Icon Collective is completely unique in its philosophy and approach, focusing on empowering musicians, DJs, artists and entrepreneurs to live creative lifestyles while using 21st century tools to create and market music professionally. Icon Collective teaches the principles and practice of music production, vocal performance and music business, with a focus on artistry, technology and the creative mindset. Amazing right?! My parents directed me towards a more traditional four-year degree at Illinois State University. After two years of being undeclared, I found my passion in the Arts Technology program, graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science. This period honed not just my music theory, theatre and web coding skills, but also my persistence and resilience.
Throughout college and beyond, I maintained my focus on music, performing DJ gigs and refining my production skills. My initial application to “Icon Collective” was rejected, I had to wait 6 months to re-apply! A setback that only fueled my determination. On my second attempt, with a clearer mind and improved skills, I was accepted into a small class of six people, that went from 10:00pm PST to 2:00am PST, since it got booked so much from earlier applications. By any means necessary, we got in, and the countdown began.
Moving to Los Angeles in the spring of 2019 was a pivotal moment. I graduated from the music school in a year and joined a house community of like-minded artists, continually striving for excellence, their work is incredible! My efforts paid off with a freelance position at “Paintscaping,” orchestrating audio-visual shows globally. This experience, coupled with releasing my electronic music as “Sybreeds”, building my next vocal album “Chase The Gemini” and building YouTube, twitchTV and other social media channels focused on gaming, fitness, and mental health, has been exhilarating.
Today, I balance these endeavors more efficiently and with greater joy. My journey exemplifies the essence of risk-taking and self-investment in a creative career. It’s not just about reaching the destination but thriving in the challenging journey. I’m eager to share my experiences, provide a roadmap, and offer healthier support to those around me, living proof that with resilience and dedication, dreams can become reality.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Chase, a music producer, audio-visual technician, and mental health coach, blending my passion for music with technological expertise and a deep understanding of the creative industry’s mental demands. From my early days as a band kid playing the trumpet in middle and high school, my journey in music has been a constant evolution. I started producing music on a cracked version of FL Studio on an old HP laptop, and now, after over a decade (which feels like two), I’ve honed my craft to a professional level.
I provide a range of services, including music production for clients, engineering sessions for vocal recording, mixing, and mastering. My experience and education from “Icon Collective” have equipped me to offer roadmap coaching, focusing on mental health and healthier industry navigation. Working with “Paintscaping,” under the mentorship of Philippe Bergeron, a veteran of over 50 films and TV shows, I’ve expanded my expertise to audio-visual designs and tech setups for major brands, music artists, and iconic architecture worldwide. Some examples include: “NFL draft in Vegas, Toyota, The Winchester Mystery House, Lady Gaga music video, Porter Robinson music video, The Hollywood Sign, San Diego Zoo, Bellagio Fountains Veags, Coachella Valley and many more! Go look, they’re super cool!
My approach solves clients’ problems by expediting their project timelines, reducing stress, and connecting them with a network of brilliant professionals. What sets me apart is my relentless optimism, innovative ideas, and role model philosophy. Despite being soft-spoken and introverted, I am known for delivering extraordinary results when it counts.
I’m deeply grateful for the lessons learned from my family, friends, and industry peers. They’ve shaped my approach to this exciting, fun-filled world. My music, under the “Sybreeds” brand, focuses on electronic genres like Drum and Bass, catering to gaming and content creation. Meanwhile, “Chase The Gemini” is set to launch its next vocal album later in 2024, exploring my love for pop, R&B, and indie genres.
Take a look at “Paintscaping” to see our global achievements as a team. For those in Los Angeles or elsewhere, looking to discuss projects or seeking a friendly face in the industry, feel free to reach out. I’m always ready to respond and collaborate. My journey is about being vulnerably authentic and sharing my love for music and creativity with the world.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
To best support artists, creatives, and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society can play a crucial role, especially through the power of word-of-mouth. The simple act of sharing a friend’s artwork or creative post, liking, commenting, and engaging with their content, is not only free but incredibly impactful. Yet, surprisingly, many of us hesitate to do so. We often share content from famous celebrities who don’t know us personally, while overlooking the works of friends and those in our immediate circles, who start from zero and aspire to be heroes in their own right. This support does not go unnoticed.
Many talented artists and creators give up too early because of a lack of visibility and support from their potential fan base. Their work, often outstanding, goes unseen, sometimes due to a lack of marketing funds. This is why I emphasize the importance of sharing your friends’ and acquaintances’ creative works. It’s a critical element in their success and visibility. A thriving creative ecosystem is one where consumers can immerse themselves in their favorite art, feel connected to the music, designs, and colors, and experience the same emotions and feelings the artist felt while creating.
Art infuses our world with richness and diversity. Yet, often, the path of a creator is undervalued. When people question the importance of art, I remind them of how integral it is to everyday life. Ask yourself: when was the last time you watched TV, went to a movie, read a book, attended a concert, or read a poem? All these activities involve art, and typically, this realization helps convey my point.
In summary, sharing is indeed caring. By actively sharing and promoting the work of artists and creatives in our networks, we contribute significantly to a vibrant and flourishing creative ecosystem. This simple act can make a world of difference in the lives and careers of artists, who bring so much beauty and inspiration into our lives.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Once upon a time, I, Chase, thought success in the music industry was all about pleasing others and gaining their validation. This belief became my mantra, guiding me through my early years as an aspiring musician. When I got accepted into “Icon Collective,” it felt like a dream come true. But beneath this achievement was a deeper struggle: my constant need for approval and the fear of not being good enough.
For years, I lived under the impression that conforming to others’ expectations was the key to success. This mindset led to self-sabotaging behaviors, including substance abuse and neglecting my own well-being. My life was a whirlwind of trying to impress others, and in doing so, I lost sight of my own values and goals.
The turning point came during my time at “Icon Collective.” Surrounded by mentors and peers who emphasized the importance of self-care and authenticity, I started to question my long-held belief that pleasing others was the way to success. The environment at the school wasn’t just about honing musical skills; it was also about personal growth and self-discovery.
Realizing the toll that seeking constant validation had taken on me, I made a difficult but crucial decision: I quit weed and chose the path of sobriety. This decision received mixed reactions from my friends and family, but it was essential for my self-improvement. The journey to sobriety wasn’t easy; it meant confronting my insecurities and fears head-on.
I also committed to my physical well-being by hitting the gym six days a week and adopting a healthier diet. These changes brought a physical transformation, sure, but more importantly, they instilled a new sense of discipline and self-respect within me.
The hardest part of my journey was the internal work – what psychologists call ‘shadow work.’ This meant delving into the darker, unconscious parts of myself. This process, which spanned over five years, involved introspection, therapy sessions, and many heartfelt conversations with loved ones.
Through this journey, I unlearned the belief that others’ opinions were the yardstick for my success. I shifted my focus towards personal satisfaction, authenticity, and mental health. I discovered that true success comes from within and that pleasing others is not only unsustainable but also a disservice to my true potential.
Today, I stand as a testament to the power of self-care and authenticity in the creative industry. With a healthier state of mind and a more genuine approach to music and life, my success isn’t just measured in career milestones but also in personal fulfillment and happiness. This story is a reminder that sometimes, the most important lessons in life are the ones we unlearn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/sybreeds
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sybreeds/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasematthewgranat
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SybreedsMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOyIhaumJK89BtuVOQ7swWA?sub_confirmation=1
- Other: Twitch TV live stream: https://www.twitch.tv/sybreeds Business email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Tiffany Nagy Philippe Bergeron Kristina Kara Mike Cianciola