Interview: Pastel Papi Talks Musical Inspirations and New Single "Tweakin"
Pastel Papi is not only a rapper, but he's also a singer, producer, producer and engineer who's bringing his unique talents and sounds to the game. He's someone to definitely keep on your radar, as his ability to weave together a dope hook and catchy lyrics are unmatched. He recently released a single titled "Tweakin," in which he calls out someone for making themselves hard to love.
"Baby girl you tweaking/ See more than a weekend/ Only love for you a defense/ See my love is like the deep end," he sings on the melody.
In a recent interview, Pastel Papi revealed that he's inspired by artists such as Kanye, Pharrell, Drake, and Pusha T -- just depending on the kind of mood he's in. He also is a true creative at heart and takes up photography as a hobby on the side. Being from LA, he has a perspective that's unique and different -- which he incorporates into his music and fashion.
It's clear to see that Pastel Papi has a drive and a catalogue that positions him as an independent artist who is someone with potential for a long term career. His melodic tones set him apart from the rest, and shape him into an artist that audiences remain eager to hear more from.
The visual for "Tweakin" will be out later this month, but in the meantime you can keep up with Pastel Papi on Instagram @ICreateShit, and stream the catchy tune below.
Keep reading to also learn more about Pastel Papi and his music journey thus far.
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I’m from LA, and I’m still based out of here.
What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
My artist name is Pastel Papi, and my real name is Davon Lavor. It was a bar that I wrote on a
plane to ATL, “Girl you know I’m cocky, the champagne prince or the Pastel Papi." When I got to
ATL I made a joke that I only rock pastels because I’m Pastel Papi when my homie tried to get
me to buy something and then the name kinda stuck.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
Seriously in 2017/2018, I completely left the film world alone and just started really
concentrating on the music stuff.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
Yeah, I grew in between wealthier and poorer neighborhoods in LA, I lived deep in south central
my whole life but would travel around different parts of LA. So it always gave me perspective
and I was exposed to a lot of different lifestyles, and sounds early on. It fasho did, my style is
really versatile because I got to see and hear so much, I got to see everything growing up the
good and the bad.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
Versatile, it’s a mix between my light and my dark side, so I mix more vibey night time vibes
with my more upbeat raps.
What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
I feel like it’s the best way to showcase all of my talents. I can write songs that express me,
direct the video and do a photoshoot for it. Being a music artist allows me to be really myself.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
Sound is just so beautiful, like if to me just the sound in general is crazy. I like making noise and expressing myself through the noise. I can curate a listener's emotions with a few notes and
that’s crazy. Making people feel something through the music inspires me.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
So the actual song for tweakin drops on the 1st of April but the video comes out on the 19th of
April. Super excited for both but I really can’t wait for people to see the visual. I think it’ll
express my idea of story and who Pastel Papi is and really start to introduce the film side of
things.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
Accept your crazy, losses, or whatever “bad parts” of yourself and make it beautiful.