Caye opens up about his journey through music, “202Ø,” and working with Wiz Khalifa
Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Caye Tittmann stepped on USC’s campus back in 2018 with higher education on his mind. Little did he know he’d be taking a “leave of absence” his sophomore year to pursue what mattered most: a career in music.
Fast forward 2 years and he’s written for world class artists (Alessia Cara, Meghan Trainor, Wiz Khalifa), has multiple complete EPs, and 200,000+ monthly listeners streaming his tunes. Things happened quick for Caye and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Boston-native has been busy. Back in June he released Isa, a 4-track EP exploring the need for positivity and striving to be a better version of himself. Caye also has a brand new single called “202Ø“….but I’ll let him talk about that one himself.
I was able to catch up with Caye on his 7-hour drive back to LA. Main takeaways: not only is he abundantly talented musically, but also very down-to-earth.
Read through our full conversation below:
Deviate: Welcome man! It’s great to have you at Deviate. First off, how have you been?
Caye: There’s def been some ups and downs, but overall I’ve been in a pretty good mental state. I’ve been taking some time to focus on self growth and even meditating a little bit. It just helps me keep a clear head through all this. I also think it’s a positive thing to take a break from all the parties and clubs to make time for yourself.
Deviate: Now I know you’ve been cabin jumping a little bit and escaping the city life this year. Do you find that’s helped your creativity?
Caye: Yes definitely. I’m actually driving back to LA from a Tahoe cabin right now so good timing! I think the creativity is just more pure when you don’t have as many distractions around you…because that’s what the the city is most times. I do miss meeting new people and collaborating with other artists while I’m in LA, but it’s nice to take a step back. Being isolated gives me the opportunity to go in and spend 3 whole days on a track, rather than a few hours at a time like I normally would.
Deviate: Alright so take us back to the start, what moment in life did you know music was your calling?
Caye: I actually started playing classical piano at 4 years old and did that for about 7 years. After that I wanted to switch over to the drums just like every other rock band kid. Then when I was about 13 I found the steel drum…and oddly enough I spent that summer in Trinidad with a host family. So while I was down there I got to learn about their culture and learn how to jam on the steel drum like a pro. I think I attribute that summer to making me fall in love with music and see how powerful it was.
Deviate: I know you attended USC..what kind of following were you able to drum up while at the university?
Caye: Let see, I began putting out music right at the end of high school and then continued that wave into college, but actually dropped out during sophomore year. So yes, I was able to have a small following at USC and was able to network in the city, but I think the year after I dropped out was the biggest. I went on 3 tours in 1.5 years and learned the ways of the road, which was a very important life lesson.
Deviate: So, I know you’ve had the opportunity to work with Wiz Khalifa on “Easy”…how did this come about? What sparked this relationship?
Caye: Its funny, my old manager was actually tight with Wiz before he got big. Then one day they ran into each other and my manager told him to check me out. So we both got in the studio and just vibed out….he played me some stuff, I played him some stuff. Finally, I told him I had a new song that he’d be great on and Wiz took it, did his thing, and we ended up cutting it that night in the studio. What people may not know is that he incredibly down to earth and wise in his ways.
Deviate: Ok, the real reason we are here. You just dropped “202Ø“. Can you tell us the backstory behind your new single?
Caye: Yeah of course! The first day was actually the strongest debut of any Spotify single so I’m really happy about that. I think I was in a group writing sesh just hashing out the song’s concept, and I just thought “I could definitely see myself releasing this”. I tend to try to see the bright side of situations and that kind of what “202Ø” is all about, seeing the bright side of this year. So that’s where the inspiration stemmed from.
Deviate: You’ve had some great music videos, do you envision a “202Ø” video in the near future?
Caye: Potentially…..I think where I am right now on that front is music videos are expensive…. BUT if the song performs well enough and the fans want one enough then I could see it happening. I have a few other tracks that are potential music video candidates as well…so we’ll just have to see.
Deviate: At the end of the day, what do you want fans to get out of listening to your music?
Caye: Most of the music I make is about my growth and figuring out how to grow in my own way. My goal is to inspire others to go and do the same thing on their own. Obviously, 2020 has been a pretty dark year so whatever light I can shine on that darkness is helpful I hope.
Deviate: If you were an inanimate object what would you be?
Caye: Hmmmm…lemme think on that for a sec. I think I’d be a grand piano. I think a grand piano because it’s made of wood, which means it’s creation starts from the ground and eventually finds itself as one of the most beautiful instruments.
Very Elegant
-With Love, Caye-
I had a great time getting to know Caye a little better. Be on the lookout for future releases and go stream “202Ø” right now!!
Caye is 100% a Deviate
This is something New !