PSB CHASE

by Devon Riddick

Art is taken on in the form of several different mediums. However, when it comes to creating, the common goal is the same, and that is to produce diverse innovative projects of art from the artistic space to the musical scene. Historically as human beings, we were all born to be creative, and some take the gift and ability to produce expressive works more seriously than others. In a sit-down interview, Devon Riddick came across the opportunity to meet an individual by the stage name of PSB Chase who takes creating in the musical space seriously.

Chase Robinson is a 21-year-old artist hailing from Columbia, South Carolina. Here at Elizabeth City State University, Robinson majors in business administration where he plans to use his studies to strengthen his advances in his music career and business endeavors. At an incredibly early age, Robinson always enjoyed music, and appreciated the sounds he was exposed to on the radio. It was not long until Robinson decided to fully immerse himself in the music space, as his rap career started in his high school years. Making his senior year of high school a memorable one, he released his first song. In the pursuit of his career, Robinson, better known as PSB Chase has accumulated 150 thousand views allowing the art of Rap to change his life forever.

In an interview PSB Chase heavily discussed the true meaning of creativity and what his own personal creative process looks like. Robinson says, “I try to have a different process when it comes to my music. I try to find the beat first, then my lyrics follow. The right samples and drums are the foundation.” Robinson added that his diversified taste in music stems from his personal sound.

As an artist in college, there are different challenges one may be subjected to, and Riddick explores this with Robinson in dialogue. Robinson speaks from his own firsthand experiences and says, “The main issue regarding music is promotion. Being independent, it is hard to promote yourself and your music. Not understanding the importance of a fan base was a challenge as well. Not understanding who your target is and growing that audience can affect

Donovan Mullen’s Canvas

by Kristen Bannerman

the growth of an artist.” Even though Robinson has faced hardships, music has assisted him in making transitions in life, especially the one made when transferring from Ohio to attend Elizabeth City State University. Coming to an unfamiliar environment all Robinson had was music to help him adjust to the new scene. Music became not just a hobby but a safe haven for his emotions as this has been reflected in his art. His musical gifts helped him gain friendships that benefited the promotion of his music and exposure amongst artists in the Carolinas. The connections created and maintained helped Robinson and allowed him to build a friendship with Etavian Stokes, another student at ECSU who helped him co-found and innovate 4 The Thrill. 4 The Thrill is a local festival created to not only bring artists in the Carolinas together, but also to provide an outlet needed for these artists to succeed. The two held their first festival last summer that brought out talented local artists including ECSU’s own, Swante and KayKartel.

At the end of the interview hosted by Devon Riddick, Robinson left innovators, artists, and creators with advice that could help them advance in their artistic avenues. Robinson says, “Keep moving forward, stay strong throughout the process. There is always light at the end of the tunnel but enjoy the darkness. Enjoy the hardships because it helps you grow an be resilient throughout chasing your goal. But also, be yourself, it is highly important to stay unique and build yourself organically.” Robinson, better known as PSB Chase, plans to have more music, videos and behind-the-scenes footage released with the goal of growing a bigger fanbase. You can find PSB Chase’s music on multiple platforms such as Spotify, Sound Cloud, Apple Music, and YouTube. ■

Elizabeth City State University is home to some of the most prolifically talented graphic designers, photographers, musicians, writers, and artists. Our students embody what it truly means to have a love and connection to their talents and produced crafts. The environment successfully created here on this campus gives students the room to thrive in their artistic expressions. One student who has displayed the true meaning of artistry is Donovan Mullen who is a senior graphic design major right here from Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Donovan began his embarkment on pursuing art on November 14th, 2006, where he recalled staying home from school due to feeling ill and was given a creative assignment by his father to draw a picture of a portrait of a celebrity, from here his talents took off.

Donovan gained his footing in artistry by drawing cartoons, but his father challenged him to stretch his abilities by encouraging him to illustrate pictures that display realism. In the home, Donovan drew his artistic inspiration from his family because they are all creators. In an interview, Donovan says, “My dad is a long-term artist, my brother is an artist and professional photographer, and my mom writes children’s books. So, my family is a big reason why I push so hard not only in art but in everything I do.” Donovan also takes inspiration from the artists that he follows, which is also part of his daily routine. He was advised by a financially successful creative to, “Wake up every day religiously and look at what people are doing in your field who have made it already.” This evolution in his mindset has aided him in his success of being featured in multiple art galleries, starting his own business and organization, to spreading his talents and messages to his community. To learn more about Donovan Mullens’s amazing story click the audio link below.