Chavar Dontae
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Chavar Dontae

Toledo, OH | Established. Jan 01, 2014

Toledo, OH
Established on Jan, 2014
Band Pop Rock

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Music

Press


"Chavar Dontae On My Way (Short Film)"

AP member Chavar Dontae shared his new short film/music video for rock/electro song 'On My Way' with us.
The "indiesoulrocknroll" EP (Submerge Recordings) was co-produced by Dylan Ely (whose work credits include Linkin Park, Ludacris, Cyndi Lauper).
" 'On My Way' is an independent art film that blends elements of narrative cinema, traditional music videos, and avant-garde filmmaking. The film portrays an artist who sacrifices a loving relationship in order to pursue his passion. After he returns home, he struggles to cope with the memories of his ex-lover (...)". Directed by Nathan Elias. - Afropunk


"New Music Tuesday: April 15, 2014"

TuneCore Artists are releasing tons of new music every day. Each week we check out the new TuneCore releases and choose a few at random to feature on the blog. - Tuncore Blog


"Start A Fire - Ep. 03 - Singer-Songwriter and Recording Artist Chavar Dontae 2014"

-- Podcast interview with singer-songwriter and recording artist Chavar Dontae --

Check out Chavar Dontae's interview on the Start A Fire web series. The July 2014 podcast interview chronicles a journey from 2007 to present and future project. Chavar talks about coming from relative obscurity to getting attention from outlets such as MTV Artists. The video footage is a time capsule from the Ohio music scene in 2008. Other episodes feature Hit The Lights, Jeremy Lublin from We Are The Fury and Jeremy and The Harlequins, and more. - Crooked Abe - Start A Fire


"On My Way"

As someone whose passion is music (both listening and playing/performing), I tend to look forward to pieces that involve film and story images being set to music as the background. It brings back a bygone era where a music video was made to help tell a story behind a song and showcase the artist’s musical, artistic, and performance ability. Chavar Dontae’s music video/short film for his song, “On My Way” (directed by Nathan Elias) is one of those pieces of story-telling work.

“On My Way” tells the rather simple, yet poignant, story of an artist sacrificing a loving relationship in order to go pursue his dream and life-long passion. He does ask her to come with him, but she is unable to accept his proposal. Later, the artist returns home to find that his former love has moved onto another relationship. The artist copes with his memories and the acceptance of his initial decision to leave. The film can provoke the question of destiny and if things are meant to be. Or is it our own free will that can dictate the outcome of our destiny? Or can it be a little of both?

“On My Way” combines the art of narrative cinema, traditional music videos, and avant-garde filmmaking. Each element in the film works seamlessly with the other and it makes for a very well put together piece of art. Nothing seems to drag nor is the pace so quick that you don’t even know what you’re watching. The artist (Dontae), the director (Elias), and the rest of the filmmaking team were able to take three different elements of filmmaking and put them together beautifully without anything feeling forced. Overall, I think it’s a fine piece of art and I feel it has great potential to be enjoyed by a wide audience. - Rouge Cinema


"Chavar Dontae On My Way Must See"

The film is based on the EP “indiesoulrocknroll:about a girl from westland” by recording artist Chavar Dontae. The film is centered around the song “On My Way” from the EP and features a remix version of the song as well as Dontae’s power ballad, “Don’t Leave”.

On My Way is an independent art film that blends elements of narrative cinema, traditional music videos, and avant-garde filmmaking. The film portrays an artist who sacrifices a loving relationship in order to pursue his passion. After he returns home, he struggles to cope with the memories of his ex-lover when he sees her with another man.

On My Way addresses the difficulty of saying goodbye and moving on with life, a theme shared with Dontae’s EP. “Indiesoulrocknroll: about a girl from westland” tells a story about lost love while holding on to a positive outlook on life, sometimes with a devil-may-care attitude, which Dontae expresses as a necessity for walking away from heartbreak with style.

The “indiesoulrocknroll” EP was released in June 2011 on Submerge Recordings out of Detroit, MI and was co-produced by Dylan Ely whose discography includes artists such as Linkin Park, Ludacris, and Cyndi Lauper. The EP features the songs “Smile”, “On My Way”, “One More Try (It’s Complicated)”, “New Day”, and “Don’t Leave”. Dontae wrote, performed, co-produced, and arranged all instrumentation on the EP. Classically trained in guitar, Dontae’s music is a brazen, lo-fil montage of Soul, alternative Rock n’ Roll, electronic pop, and new wave Hip-Hop.

As an artist, Dontae explores multiple mediums of creative expression. Primarily a musician and recording artist, he has recently stepped toward acting and film production. In 2010 Dontae was featured as lead actor in the short film, Il y avait un année aujourd’hui à Cozumel directed by Nathan Elias. The film was an official selection for the Toledo Museum of Art’s Winter Ball Film Festival, and was Dontae’s first time working with Elias. On My Way is the collaborative effort between Elias and Dontae. - Cliche Magazine


"Chavar Dontae – On My Way Video"

And now time for something different!

On My Way is an independent art film that blends elements of narrative cinema, traditional music videos, and avant-garde filmmaking. The film portrays an artist who sacrifices a loving relationship in order to pursue his passion. After he returns home, he struggles to cope with the memories of his ex-lover when he sees her with another man. On My Way addresses the difficulty of saying goodbye and moving on with life, a theme shared with Dontae’s EP. “Indiesoulrocknroll:about a girl from westland” tells a story about lost love while holding on to a positive outlook on life, sometimes with a devil-may-care attitude, which Dontae expresses as a necessity for walking away from heartbreak with style.

The “indiesoulrocknroll” EP was released in June 2011 on Submerge Recordings out of Detroit, MI and was co-produced by Dylan Ely whose discography includes artists such as Linkin Park, Ludacris, and Cyndi Lauper. The EP features the songs “Smile”, “On My Way”, “One More Try (It’s Complicated)”, “New Day”, and “Don’t Leave”. Dontae wrote, performed, co-produced, and arranged all instrumentation on the EP. Classically trained in guitar, Dontae’s music is a brazen, lo-fil montage of Soul, alternative Rock n’ Roll, electronic pop, and new wave Hip-Hop.

As an artist, Dontae explores multiple mediums of creative expression. Primarily a musician and recording artist, he has recently stepped toward acting and film production. In 2010 Dontae was featured as lead actor in the short film, Il y avait un année aujourd’hui à Cozumel directed by Nathan Elias. The film was an official selection for the Toledo Museum of Art’s Winter Ball Film Festival, and was Dontae’s first time working with Elias. On My Way is the collaborative effort between Elias and Dontae. Check the video out here! - MUZU.TV


"Well on his Way: Baring the Soul of Chavar Dontae"

Chavar Dontae is no stranger to the local Toledo scene. In fact, he’s not even quite a stranger on the national scene either. A product of our little rust belt area, Chavar travelled to L.A. for a stint where he honed his songwriting skills and used his time reflecting back on home and life to write and record an EP titled, indiesoulrocknroll: about a girl from westland. The writing came with a fresh approach to style, incorporating inspiration from artists as varied as Jimi Hendrix, Prince, MGMT, and Cee-Lo Green, and began to include elements of pop, electronic, and, of course, indie, soul, and rock n’ roll. The result is a fresh, breathy, yet complicated and contemplative six-track record that evokes a look at both an artist exploring new territory and one looking deep inside to do the too rare work of sorting one’s self out.

The result of the work was a stand-out single, “On My Way,” for which Chavar filmed a video with director Nathan Elias and actress Stephanie Wandtke. Videos for independent artists aren’t as common as they should be, and that fact is proven through the success of “On My Way.” Within months of its release, the video racked up acclaim in print and online from the likes of The Blade, Afro-Punk, MUZU.TV, Cliché Magazine, Film Slate Magazine – along with many more – and saw acceptance to the 2012 Texas Film Festival. (Scroll down to view the video below).

After a few years of hard work, writing, recording, and marketing – doing most of it himself – and playing a few sparse local shows, Chavar Dontae is preparing to celebrate his recent successes in a big way with an upcoming solo show at Mickey Finn’s. In light of the success of “On My Way,” the EP, and the show, we caught up with Chavar for a quick chat to talk about the what, why, and how of it all. Read on below.

Chavar Dontae plays Mickey Finn’s (602 Lagrange St.) on Thursday, September 6. Bassel & The Supernaturals open. 9 p.m $5. www.innovationconcerts.com www.chavardontaerocks.com




This is the first kind of big Chavar Dontae headlining performance in Toledo in quite some time, why now?
So many things have been happening for me recently it felt like the right time. The “On My Way” short film/music video was officially released July 22 and “On My Way (acoustic)” was released September 4th, along with the electronic version being released later this month. It also gave me an opportunity to help out fellow musicians from Chicago [Bassel & The Supernaturals].



“On my Way” has received some really nice press and awards over the past year. Which of the mentions and/or awards, etc. mean the most to you?
All of them are special but there are a few that really stand out. Cliche Magazine because it was the first, MUZU.TV which is huge in Europe, Complex Media Network, the WTOL broadcast, MRU, Afro-Punk, and Toledo.com was the first in this region to cover it, that is really special. There have been a lot mentions, but they are all special to me. The radio and all of the blogs as well. And definitely being reviewed Rouge Cinema, the Making Of On My Way by Film Slate Magazine and being accepted as a Texas Film Festival Official selection



A lot of people probably don't realize how hard you work for your career, doing the old school hustle of shuffling fliers and posters around, talking to people individually to get them to come to shows, etc. In your opinion, is this something lacking in the new scene? How inter-twined are the hustle and the music?
All my role models in music and in business were not above working hard to reach their goals. Managing my own destiny has always been important to me. I feel like it's easy to fall into the trap of the digital realm and thinking that it replaces the old school grind. That digital-only hustle does not work if you're playing outside of your home town. Besides, I like getting out and meeting people. The hustle and the music totally go hand-in-hand. Having a product worth hustling for is important though, because it requires so much energy. It's about 90 percent business/hustle and 10 percent music but it's worth all of the hard work to connect with people.



The EP, indiesoulrocknroll, is a tight but grand little concept album. It is apparent that there is a lot being addressed here, a lot personally and emotionally, but to me the thing that comes across most is this record is about Chavar finding Chavar, both topically in the songs and in the sound, style and craft. Is that accurate? From going into this record to coming out of it and even enjoying some of its successes, do you feel like its kind of a gateway record for you? Or, is it more of an opus? I guess, is the door opening or closing here?
You are absolutely correct. indiesoulrocknroll:about a girl from westland was written all over the country and is part of the old me (“new day”), transition (“one more try”), finding my voice and the direction I'm moving in (“smile”), (“don't leave” and “on my way”). The bonus versions that will be released on vinyl as well, “On My Way (acoustic)” and “On My Way (Star Signal Remix)” give some hints about where I'm going. It's a gateway record in many ways. I'm on this journey, on my way, and this record is a snapshot of my journey.



Lastly, we all deal with them, what do you have to say to "the haters?"
Nothing.



Anything else coming up you want people to know about?
People have the chance to get “On My Way” played on 92.5 KISS for sure if they call in and request it. Same with Star 105.5 and the acoustic version on 89X. These stations are having me on live and/or playing my music. I'm really hoping Toledo area people harass the stations until they put in rotation. I’m just trying to take the noise I'm making to the next level and having the support of your hometown is key. The same way Cleveland supports Cudi and MGK. Or the same way Detroit supported the White Stripes and Big Sean. The people just need to hear it and they will get behind it.


Ryan Bunch - Toledo.com


"Submission Sunday Features"

On My Way - Chavar Dontae - yourmusictoday


"Chavar Dontae Brings Some Soul"

Recording artist Chavar Dontae has been instrumental in keeping Toledo's music scene alive and eclectic throughout the years. As a former member of various jazz groups and patron of well-respected establishments like Rusty's and Murphy's, Dontae will never forget his roots, no matter where his creative endeavors lead him.

"I will always consider Toledo home," Dontae said. "I came up on the original music scene here."

Skilled as a jazz and classical guitarist (with a B.M. in Guitar Performance from BGSU), Dontae has dabbled in fashion, music production, acting, and lately, filmmaking. His experiences have taken him all over the place, spending significant time in NYC, Atlanta, L.A., and Europe.

"The culture and energy in those places really changed my perspective," Dontae said. "Besides a few shows in 2009, I really stopped playing and started writing and producing other projects—some hip hop, some electronic, pop and rock. During that time I began moving in a new direction, totally getting outside of my usual writing process and incorporating elements from all of my experiences and travels. That's when I found my voice."

While he still travels quite a bit, Dontae returned to the Glass City in 2011, when he resumed teaching lessons at the Youth Treatment Center through the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. He also wrote and co-produced the EP, "indiesoulrocknroll: about a girl from westland" with the help of long-time friend and supporter Dylan Ely (who has worked with artists including Linkin Park, Ludacris, and Cyndi Lauper). The EP was released in June 2011 from Detroit's Submerge Recordings, and features the tracks "Smile," "On My Way," "One More Try (It's Complicated)," "New Day," and "Don't Leave." All five songs were written and arranged by Dontae himself.

"The EP is a juxtaposition of soul rock and indie electronic music,' Dontae said. "I wrote those songs all over the country, wherever I was at the moment. It's a musical and emotional journey. It's coming to terms with the truth and being honest with myself. Allowing myself to be vulnerable."

As it turns out, a little vulnerability goes a long way. Out of the EP came an equally revealing video project that has recently garnered national media attention, with Dontae receiving press from Cliche Magazine, LX-GOODs and NME Magazine's website. The On My Way film includes a segment from "Don't Leave" and the original version of "On My Way" from the EP, as well as the "On My Way (Star Signal Remix)."

Shot on location in Toledo, On My Way was a collaborative effort between film director Nathan Elias and Dontae. The film features appearances by Dontae and Toledoan Stephanie Wandtke, as well as numerous Toledo landmarks like the Toledo Museum of Art, St. Clair Street and the Old West End neighborhood.

"We decided to film it here and include local elements because it's our reality. It's how we see see the world; it is our world," Dontae said. "Perhaps the same reason John Hughes shot many of his films in Illinois. I wanted to share the beautiful things I see everyday in my neighborhood that inspire me."

Chavar Dontae's EP, "indiesoulrocknroll: about a girl from westland" is available worldwide on iTunes and Amazon. Be sure to check out On My Way at YouTube link below. - See more at: http://www.toledo.com/news/2012/01/26/frogtown-features/chavar-dontae-brings-some-soul/#sthash.Ph6CJh9r.dpuf - Toledo.com


"Chavar Dontae Plays Some Tunes For Your Day"

Thursday on Your Day and FOX Toledo Daybreak, musician and Toledoan Chavar Dontae stopped by to put on a show.

Chavar brought a remarkable energy to our newsroom with his performances of "Baby It's You" and "Running".

Chavar's next show in our area is Saturday, April 12, at Martini & Nuzzi's Lounge in Maumee. - WTOL


"Chavar Dontae"

Come kick it with the Innovation Crew every Sunday at Frankie's Inner-City while we enjoy the latest in local, regional and national music brought to you by Toledo's Zone and Innovation Concerts. Doors open at 5:30pm and the show starts at 6pm!! After the show, enjoy a live set from this week's local feature artist Chavar Dontae!! Even if you can't make it, be sure to tune in every week to 100.7 The Zone from 6pm-7pm for the latest in local music news, concert calender updates and to check out the featured bands! July 6th 6-7pm EST listen or stream on the following. Terrestrial: The Zone 100.7 FM Toledo Area HD: 105.5HD2 Streaming: toledoszone.com Apps: Toledo's Zone iHeart Radio Listening party will be at Frankie's from 6-7 followed by a mini set. FREE So come out and listen to my interview and song broadcast with us:) The entire show will be awesome. - 97.1 The River


"Chavar Dontae - On My Way"

great video out of T-Town… - Think Faesthetic


"Chavar Dontae 100.7 The Zone On The Radar Interview 7/6/14"

Chavar Dontae 100.7 The Zone On The Radar Interview 7/6/14 - 100.7 The Zone


"Chavar Dontae Excliusive"

page 16-17 - Pure M Magazine


Discography

One Of Those Days Ep

Currently Chavar's Ep is being played on WXUT and on the Nooklular option podcast. His song Slow Down can also be heard on Sterling Sounds emerging Artist player at www.sterling-sound.com. Chavar has the only self released project listed on Chris Gehringer's(Sterling Sound sienor engineer) current projects list.

Photos

Bio

BIO

Chavar Dontae, an American singer, songwriter, multi-talented musician, and recording artist that has traveled the music scene with the contagious sounds of indiesoulrocknroll.  Dontae, is a true artist from the Midwest whose juxtaposition of soul, rock and indie electronic music is conscious of introducing audiences to real life scenarios of struggles through music recordings and live performances.

Chavar grew up in Toledo, OH experiencing the influence of the Ohio music scene birth of many extraordinary musical artists.  Graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2004 with a Bachelors in Music in Guitar Performance, Chavar attended master classes with Multi-Grammy Award winning musician Yo Yo Ma and legendary bassist Ray Brown.  For almost a decade, Dontae has been the face of an alternative rock band that has toured the Midwest and west coast with the contribution of lending vocals and producing and arranging tracks for other artists.

In 2010 Chavar decided to change directions and spearhead a new project debut music release with a radically different sound and style of music. With influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, and Prince to Imogen Heap, MGMT, and Cee-Lo Green, Chavar is nothing less than innovative with this fresh style of music that keeps him close to his true music roots of soul.  While maintaining his education in classical and Jazz guitar composition, Chavar’s 2011 debut EP, “indiesoulrocknroll: about a girl from westland”, incorporates synth-pop for a unique, contemporary sound. The name of the EP is a marginal implication to the eclectic, bold mixture of styles on the record.

Chavar Dontae releases his highly anticipated follow-up single ‘Baby It’s You,’ to iTunes, Amazon, Emusic, Google Play and Spotify, on Tuesday, July 16, 2013.  ‘Baby It’s You’ which was mixed and co-produced by Dylan Ely who has worked with Grammy Award Winning Artists such as Linkin Park, Ludacris, Jennifer Lopez, R Kelly, Donald Lawrence and Lyfe Jennings. ‘Baby It’s You’ was mastered by Chris Gehringer who have worked with award winning artists such as Lady Gaga, T.I., Rhianna, Snoop Lion, Robin Thicke, Whitney Houston, and Chrisette Michele.  This release follows the great and ongoing success of his single/music video/short film, ‘On My Way,’ which has received much acclaim throughout the country.

Since releasing his debut EP in 2011, ‘indiesoulrocknroll: about a girl from westland’ and releasing ‘On My Way’ (2012), Chavar has received great press and acclaim for his work.  He has opened for a diverse range of artist including Mike Posner, Vinyl Theater, Swayze,  and Marc Rebillet (2019). His music video/short film has been mentioned several times by MTV/MTV Hive. Currently, ‘On My Way’ Remix and Running sits atop the Top 40 on Ourstage.com, an MTV affiliate. It has been listed for several months and has even made its way into the Top 10.

Artists.MTV/MTV Artists named Chavar “Artist of the Day” (2013) for work on his short film/music video, ‘On My Way.’ MTV Hive has mentioned Chavar more than several times and MTV mentioned his MTV page on the social networking site, Pheed. ‘On My Way’ has been a fan favorite, as it was a 2012 Texas Film Festival Official Selection and also a two-time winner for the “Once A Week Online Film Festival Audience Award Winner.” As well as ‘Baby It’s You’ earning 2014 Texas Independant Film Festival, 2014 SHORTSNONSTOP Film Festival Canadian Film Centre for it’s placement as the primary song in Kleptos. In addition, he is releasing a new EP Fall 2016 to follow his electro-pop single ‘Say’ being released May 30, 2016.

Currently, Chavar is working on an album in Los Angeles, CA (Echo Park) and releasing new music in 2019.

Band Members