We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chaz Langley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chaz below.
Chaz, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
It’s been a journey, trully. The arts have always been a part of me, echoing from my childhood, where music was as much a member of our family as any of us. Nurtured by this environment, I learned to listen to the voice, a voice that insisted on being heard through the medium of music.
This journey has been a tapestry of persistence, discovery, and personal growth. For over thirty years, I’ve been fine-tuning my craft, like an artist with a canvas, where each note played or sung adds a stroke to the story I’m telling through my work.
The support of my mother was instrumental as she guided me through the my decision to hone the craft. Her encouragement propelled me to audition for a magnet school, a place where my raw talent was chiseled into something more refined, pushed and polished by the challenges of formal training.
When I moved to Nashville, the narrative of my life was enriched by the masterful storytellers I encountered, whose language was music. It was there I truly appreciated the depth of a song, understanding it as a powerful narrative that resonates with the human experience. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me, the importance of storytelling through any art form.
New York City presented a pivotal twist in my journey. Amidst its relentless energy and ever-changing landscape, photography emerged as a new passion. What began as a mere interest evolved into a profound calling with the birth of my son, Gio. It was a stark reminder to remain open to new avenues of expression, as you never know where they may lead you.
The transition from amateur to professional photographer was fueled by the encouragement of friends who saw potential in what was, to me, a mere hobby. This speaks to the power of community—the critical role it plays in recognizing and nurturing talent.
What I’ve learned through these creative pursuits is that, whether it’s through singing, painting, writing, or photography, the world needs your art. So I personally continue to refine I skills, stay open to new experiences, and never underestimate the importance of a supportive community. The journey is long, but every great story takes time to unfold.
Chaz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I would say that I am a seasoned artist who has navigated the intricate tapestry of creativity while calling the vibrant streets of New York City my home. Although at times I feel I’ve started late in this creative world, I have embraced the dual realms of singing and photography as my chosen mediums of expression.
Growing up as a Black artist, I inherited a deep-rooted love for music from my family, a legacy that has shaped my identity and artistic journey. Guided by the unwavering support of my mother, I embarked on a path of musical exploration that led me to discover the power of storytelling through song.
Each note I sing whether it be personally or professionally carries the weight of my heritage, blending soulful melodies with narratives that resonate with the collective experiences of my community.
In the heart of Nashville, I immersed myself in a culture rich with lyrical tradition, honing my craft alongside masterful songwriters who shared their wisdom and insights. This chapter of my life was instrumental in shaping my approach to music, infusing my work with authenticity.
The busy city of New York became the backdrop for my foray into the world of photography—a city that pulses with energy, diversity, and endless inspiration.
Through my lens, I capture the essence of urban life, documenting moments of raw beauty, quiet introspection, and the vibrant tapestry of human existence that thrives within the city’s busy streets as expressed on my Instagram page at @langleyseye
As a Black creative, my work is infused with a sense of identity, resilience, and cultural pride that sets it apart from others.
I strive to amplify underrepresented voices, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the richness of Black artistry in all its forms. Through my music and photography, I aim to bridge divides, spark conversations, and inspire others to embrace their own creative journeys with confidence and authenticity.
What fills me with the greatest sense of pride is not just the technical mastery I have achieved, but the emotional impact my art has on those who engage with it. My work is a reflection of my lived experiences, a testament to the power of art to transcend barriers and connect us on a deeper, more profound level.
To all who appreciate art that speaks to the soul, I extend an invitation to explore the stories I tell through my music and photography. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and creative expression as we navigate the complexities of life together, one melody and one image at a time.
Thank you for being a part of my narrative, and I look forward to sharing more of my world with you.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to tell the story of the people who I encounter on a daily basis, and put a smile on their faces, by being a light in the middle of their day. Oddly enough, it comes back to me tenfold when I look back at each moment, through my editing process to remember the emotion and timing that led to such a serendipitous moment of meeting people and taking their portrait.
After posting these interactions on my Instagram feed at @langleyseye, I’ve found that these encounters have opened up opportunities for various strangers as well as gained them more followers in the process.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
when you hear the phrase, “an overnight, success“, I feel like I finally know what that means.
Take for example, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with social media for quite some time. I nearly gave up on my social media…. It seemed like I was stuck in neutral as the amount of followers was stuck at 13.2 K.
It wasn’t until I leaned into a particular medium, that more followers came literally overnight.
My secret, was being my true and authentic self regardless of something being done before.
You see, I’ve always had a hangup of not doing anything that has been done before, but guess what, everything HAS been done before.
I just had to find my own way of making my art true to me. When I did that my world opened up exponentially.
I went from 13.2K to 25K in less than three weeks through this particular content that I’ve always been passionate about, but had been reluctant to , do it because others have done it before me.
My advice is find something that elevates humanity and evoke emotion through your work.
With the rise of AI, people are looking for REAL HUMAN experiences to relate to and to be inspired by.
Look at it this way, if you have a job or career that requires a keyboard, it’s only a matter of time before the need for your skill set become obsolete.
Contact Info:
- Website: langleyseye.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/langleyseye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/oh1wCHKx7cfWqvtK/?mibextid=JRoKGi
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/chaz-langley-creative
- Twitter: @langleyseye
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi65BOzmcym0-sxrnWcOZATXOdpsYPZ97&si=1oYivPRHoubG10oe
Image Credits
Photo Credit: (by looks) Armando Acevedo- Camo pants and orange shirt Black and white stripe shirt Johnny Cirillo- Colorful pants and big hat Robbie Quinn- black beret and green coat Leo Copal- Jumpsuit and orange cap