22.01.19
Words by:

Chaz Bear – aka Toro y Moi – has a kaleidoscopic vision.

Rising with the chillwave movement of the late 00s, the songwriter and producer has been instrumental in pushing the parameters of indie music as we know it. Drawing influence from funk, R&B and electronica, his music is colourful and layered, chasing themes of unrequited love, modern life and disposable culture. Having released his sixth studio album Outer Peace, we spoke to Chaz about the internet, household chores and trying to stay balanced.

How would your friends describe you in three words?
Creative, confusing, chill.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?
My dad pushing me around in a wheelbarrow.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I remember being a kid and watching this film in school that talked about how life is going to have all of these things coming at you and no one will be there for you but yourself.

What’s the strangest party you’ve ever been to?
Once we played this fashion designer’s house with Kendrick Lamar. We were playing to maybe 50 or 60 people by this pool at this mansion in Beverly Hills. It was the day Good Kid, M.A.A.d City came out and we couldn’t believe that we were playing this pool party with him the day that record came out. I was just like, ‘this is cool and weird’.

What has disappointed you the most this year?
Probably not having enough time to take care of my personal life. Stuff like laundry or cleaning my bathroom.

What’s the biggest realisation you’ve had this year?
I kind of know where my life is going now.

Favourite meme?
The moth memes. Truly next level.

What’s your worst habit?
Speaking before thinking.

The best thing about the internet?
Free information.

"When I was 15 my mom gave me a four-track player and a guitar for my birthday. Here we are now"

The worst thing about the internet?
Free information.

Is there anything inspiring you right now?
Trying to maintain balance on the waves of the craziness going on right now.

Music or painting?
Painting. I want to throw everyone off.

What would you want written on your tombstone?
I’d rather be cremated.

Which city really feels like home and why?
Columbia, South Carolina. It’s where I grew up.

Heavy metal or EDM?
Heavy metal, always.

Favourite song of all time?
Imagine by John Lennon because it’s simple.

Can you tell us about something you read which has stuck with you?
I mostly just like to scroll on Facebook and see pictures.

What makes you feel nostalgic?
Rice and eggs, mixed together.

What’s the weirdest thing someone has caught you doing?
Flexing.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
When I was 15 my mom gave me a four-track player and a guitar for my birthday. Here we are now.

Outer Peace was released 18 January via Carpark