Atlanta Spanglish singer Chicocurlyhead is on his own lane

“I was very honest in my music this time,” he said.

Born John Farrish in Panama, Chicocurlyhead moved to Atlanta with his mother when he was 9 years old. He initially dreamed of becoming a football star, but while attending Forest Park High School, he discovered singing after an impromptu studio session with friends. That’s when he realized he could make a career out of it.

Credit: Miguel Martínez

Credit: Miguel Martínez

He released his debut EP, “Diadreamer,” in 2022. He has since signed with Hybe Latin America and plans to get features with other artists, as well as tours. The soul of Chicocurlyhead’s music is rooted in his affinity for blending R&B and pop in Spanish and English to create effortless soundscapes. For example, “Copa de Vino,” a standout track from her upcoming EP, is a sultry song that could easily be the soundtrack to a first date.

In this Q&A, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution spoke to Chicocurlyhead about his upbringing, new music and the future of his Latin sound.

Question : What state of mind were you in when creating this new project?

A: I have had many memories from my entire life. …This EP was very honest about how I felt about things and how I will always have to remind myself to keep going. I come from a football background. That was my main thing. I was going to go play football. I wasn’t supposed to make music. I had scholarships and everything at school. I simply chose to give up my scholarship and focus solely on music. Something told me I should try.

Question : What have you learned about yourself since then?

A: When it came to music, I realized I didn’t want to go for the traditional sound, especially being from Atlanta, they expect you to sound a certain way, most of the time. I didn’t want to sound like that, like a regular rap song and a regular rapper. I realized I didn’t want to do that, and that’s really not me either because I was born somewhere else. I lived in Panama for nine years. Just being a rapper wasn’t completely authentic to me, my sound and where I come from. That’s not how I grew up either.

Question : I think a lot of black artists are forced to produce only one sound. I think this is especially true for artists like you who come from two different cultures. Now that you’re with a label, is it hard for people to understand the direction you’re trying to go in?

A: It can be difficult because people are telling you what you should try to do. It’s a balance between what you should do and what is also right to do for your project. Making music is 50/50. It’s about what looks good on you, but also what looks good on you. Images matter in music and in the industry. If you keep this balance, you will feel really good, especially when your team supports you.

Question : I think it’s important that an artist like Bad Bunny can stay true to his Latin roots while still being one of the biggest stars on the planet. With his success, I think things are starting to change.

Credit: Miguel Martínez

Credit: Miguel Martínez

A: He definitely changed the culture in some way, but there are a lot of Hispanics in America. I still have the impression that there is still a huge gap. On the Latin side we very normally listen to English music and that’s a regular thing for us, but it’s not the same the other way around. That’s one of my big goals: to try to make things as normal as possible.

Question : Is there a song from the EP that speaks to you more than others?

A: I think of “Wasted Weekend” because it has this global pop feel. I’m a huge Post Malone fan, so I have to shout him out for the inspiration behind this song. He’s a very honest person in his music in general, so he inspired me to be that honest too.

Question : How often do you make music?

A: I realized that what works best is not being in the studio as often. I think what excites me most about making music isn’t when I’m in the studio. I think it’s a myth in music when people say you have to be in the studio constantly to work really hard. You can work in the studio every day, but to make quality music you have to live your life. I made a promise to myself to create meaningful music that could last a generation. I’m not so interested in the hype.

Question : I guess being a father helps with that too. How has fatherhood influenced who you are as an artist? Is it difficult, given your young age?

A: You start to see life differently because it’s not just about you. When I make music, I have to remember that there is someone who looks up to me, and that’s important. I am his greatest example. …My example is honest and not just about looking cool to the media. I was 17 when I got him. It was quite difficult, but I feel like it was great in a way. It was a challenge trying to chase a dream and provide for your family, but I felt like it was an even greater motivation for me to pursue my dream. I felt like I was going to finish school and go into music, and that’s what I did.

That’s why this project is so fun for me because it’s about the journey. “Keep It Pushing” (a song from the project) is his favorite song. This song is about him. It’s a reminder for me to keep going.

Credit: Miguel Martínez

Credit: Miguel Martínez

Question : What inspires you to continue?

A: I think about where I come from. No one in my family has ever done anything close to being an artist, so it’s kind of a first generation thing. You have to remember where you came from. No matter how far I come, I will always remember this. That’s what my mother taught me. I remember when we were in Panama and all we had to eat one time was bread and cheese. I will never forget that.