In conversation with musical artist Charis Tazumi
Photo by Donovan Topacio.
UVic student and musician Charis Tazumi’s debut album In Subtle Ways draws on indie, pop, folk and R&B influences in its contemplative, often dreamy tunes. In Subtle Ways is Tazumi’s first full-length album and features a range of musical contributions from other UVic-based musicians.
The album, along with its two singles, “Eyeline” and “Delusional,” were both released earlier this year. Join the Martlet in conversation with Tazumi about her musical journey, collaboration, and the release of her new album.
This interview has been edited for brevity.
Martlet: How did you get into making music?
Tazumi: I’ve done music for a big part of my life. I actually started when my dad forced me to join a local children’s choir. At first I thought I’d hate it, and then I spent the next five years there. Since then, I’ve loved to write little songs and do musical theatre.
But I started producing and making my own music when I started university. It was very low stakes. I was in my bedroom, just making little songs, not using any metronome or timing, I was just being creative. I had a lot of freedom, because no one had heard my music. My first song I ever put out was in 2021, it’s called “everything was fine.” Over the next two years I put out a couple more singles, but honestly I feel like this chapter of my life in music really started when I joined the UVic Live Music Club.
Martlet: When did you start working on In Subtle Ways?
Tazumi: By around April or May, [co-producer Brendan Wong and I] started having conversations about doing a longer project. We started recording the album in August 2023. Originally it was supposed to be an EP, so a much shorter project, but I kept writing songs and I felt like they needed to be in the project, so it evolved into an album. I’m very grateful to Brendan for being so open to it. I feel like the way that the album is now, to me, is exactly what it needed to be.
We started recording in August with a lovely group of people; the band consists of Leo, Kristoff, Will and Matt. I met all of them through the Live Music Club, they’re all incredible musicians and have done some of their own things. We’ve been working, playing gigs and jamming out for about a year now.
Martlet: What did you learn from working on a full-length album?
Tazumi: I learned that good things take time. Things take longer than you think they’re going to, and that’s not in a negative way. You just have to be patient and go with the process, because you want to serve the song as best you can. If you rush it and you push things when it doesn’t feel natural, it shows up in the music.
Martlet: How has being part of the Live Music Club (LMC) influenced you as an artist?
Tazumi: In so many ways. The reason I met all of these people is because of the Live Music Club. A lot of the songs I was writing for the album I would just sporadically share at LMC songwriting events and open mics. The encouragement, support, and feedback I got on those songs is the reason why I was able to finish them. And that’s what I love about the album: it doesn’t feel like it’s just mine. It feels like there’s so many people that influenced it in some way.
Martlet: What would you tell students who might want to get involved with music?
Tazumi: Not to be afraid to share your original stuff. Not that anything is wrong with covers, but people want to hear your thoughts and your feelings, and you deserve to have that space to do so. And to not be afraid to ask for help and ask questions, because it is really intimidating. We all want to help each other. Ask questions and ask for support.
Martlet: What’s next for you?
Tazumi: I always write music, but I’m not letting myself plan another project because it’s so fresh. After putting out an album, there’s still so many things to do in terms of promoting it, and also just sitting with the experience. I want to feel and remember everything. But yeah, we have a few gigs lined up throughout the summer. I’m super excited.
‘In Subtle Ways’ is available on most major streaming platforms. Information about Charis’ music and upcoming shows can be found on her Instagram @ctazumm.
