Popular already on the radio waves, Statzz revealed himself in 2022 after the success of his song Beautiful which has more than 3 million plays on Spotify. Close to the rapper Rymz, the artist juggles between pop, RnB and hip hop influences. Almost a month after the release of his EP 1st Class and as his concert at the Francos de Montréal approaches this Thursday, Are you going out? the encounter.
“The show was incredible. People were really active. It was a great crowd, very receptive,” confides Statzz, with stars in his eyes, about the launch of his EP at the Petit Campus on May 22.
For the young Laval resident 22 years old, this first project symbolizes a year rich in emotions. Behind Statzz hides Nicholas Beacon Di Blasio, a sensitive man with an introverted nature. “I’m not someone who talks a lot. I often keep everything inside. » Music then serves as an outlet, its way of putting words to its feelings.
Authenticity, at the heart of music
Statzz describes 1st Class as a “trademark”. Through eight pieces, he reveals a rich and eclectic musical palette. His songs address romantic relationships and emotions, but always with a melodious and optimistic touch.
I am very emotional. I am a little lover boy.
Far from being melancholy, his songs are often “ radio friendly », embellished with catchy choruses and a general tone imbued with positivity. A notable example is Like before which evokes the nostalgia of adolescence with carefreeness and lightness.
Statzz places great importance on finding the right “in-between”. “I talk about more emotional matters, but I do it in an approach upbeat which means that, yes I am experiencing this, but, like, I’m fine. »
I believe that music has a big role in how you feel, let’s say, in a day (…) If you listen to songs that are more depressedwell, you’re going to be more depressed.
This accessible tone opened the doors to radio for him, notably thanks to Éric Martel, musical director of CKOI, who wanted to broadcast his pieces. ” He [Statzz] was so strong on the networks. It transferred. So, instead of pitching on the radio, it was the radio that came to him,” explains his producer John Brown, full of pride.
Statzz found his stage name inspired by sports, his first love before music. “When you play sports, statistics are important, and I told myself that was the same concept that I wanted to do with my career.” So he chose Statzz, a shortened version of “statistics.” Although numbers aren’t everything, he admits: “You can’t make a living from your passion if the numbers don’t follow.” »
1st Class also marks a turning point in Statzz’s career. For about a year, he has made a living from his music thanks to his collaboration with John Brown. Songs evoking his daily life from 9 to 5, like Sua Job which we find at the beginning of the EP, now belong to the past. He discusses his new lifestyle in the song Whoa, stop.
I know I’m almost out of time but it bothers me so much (…)
Whoah, stop, I had time to think about you. (extract of Whoa, stop)
In his songs, Statzz integrates a lot of English, influenced by the American rap he listened to when he was younger (Eminem, Kanye West). He began singing in English at age 15 on freestyles of rap before turning to French years later after listening to Fredz at the time of his project Nova. He then writes Beautiful, his first song in French, which enjoyed great success on the radio and on social networks.
Among the pieces of 1st ClassStatzz has a particular affinity for Anabella, marked by a summer touch and Afro influences, which he wrote during a stay in France. “I was there during a time where I was experiencing some discomfort, which really opened my eyes creatively,” he shares. This particular context influenced not only the lyrics but also the musical style of the song. “Even in the sounds, it is still different from the others. There is more of a “France” style precisely because I was there and then I listened to the radio.”
Rap, a major influence
Statzz is also influenced by his connections in the rap world. Rymz, “the little prince of Quebec”, is like a big brother to him. ” It’s a role model. I love the person he is. Then, the vibe it projects,” he explains. Statzz also took his first steps on the stage opening for Rymz concerts, who passed on his love for the stage to him. Both artists can be heard on Gold disc, the final track of the EP, where their styles blend harmoniously, promising to work well in concert.
Statzz will also be present on December 7 at Club Soda to celebrate the launch of Rymz’s latest solo album and the tenth anniversary of his flagship album. Indelible. John Brown, the producer of Statzz, is also familiar with rap having collaborated with artists like Central Cee, Laylow, Mister V as well as Lost, Loud, Imposs and many others.
Upcoming projects
Full of ambition, the young man is already thinking about creating his album. “As soon as John tells me we’re starting, I’m ready! We’re going to go to a chalet and we’re going to write this. »
A school tour across Quebec is also planned for the start of the school year, offering certain young people the opportunity to experience their first concert. “At that age, we are really influenced by what people think, and if I can help young people with that, that makes me happy,” confides the artist, who shot the music video for Like before in a secondary school.
Next meeting at the Francos
Statzz will be at the Francos de Montréal on June 20 on the Desjardins stage for a free concert that promises to be festive. “We’re at the Francos, we’re having fun,” the young singer concludes with a smile. More information here.
