"Triple Sevens founder Rich is awesome," he says, addressing his choice of interview attire. "I just met him for the first time yesterday, but he's been sending me clothes for the past two months, and I've been wearing them — they're great. He's doing in fashion what I'm doing in music. We're working on some cool projects together, making a few shirts and building a movement. It's exciting because it promotes our music, their fashion brand, and house music as a whole."
During the home tour, where he's built a studio as well as a setup for streaming, he shares some future concepts that he has for his label, Chaste Record.
"Everything is hand-drawn. Every song has its character, and one represents that emotion. The art, the music — it's all building this whole world of characters. We're combining all mediums of art into one," he says. "It's not just about music; it's an immersive experience. The goal is to create something unforgettable, where people can connect with the music and the characters in a meaningful way."
He continues discussing the latest Chaste release: his EP D.O.P.E. Chase explains that the EP introduces another character, Mr. Bagman, to his universe — a complex character with a dual role. On one hand, he represents the archetype of a dealer, someone associated with supplying drugs. On the other hand, he embodies a voice of caution and responsibility, advising people to approach drug use in a way that prioritizes safety and a positive experience.
The key takeaway is that Mr. Bagman is not endorsing reckless or escapist drug use but is advocating for a mindset where, if people choose to use drugs, they should do so responsibly and with the intent of enhancing life's enjoyment rather than using them as a way to avoid or escape life's challenges. Chase acknowledges the tension or paradox in this portrayal but seems to argue that it's not hypocritical; instead, it's a nuanced stance promoting balance and awareness.
It's one of the many concepts enhanced with music videos, promotional art, and posters. He hopes that, eventually, fans will start wearing paper bags to his raves.
Musical Mentor
Chaste Records was founded in 2021 after a conversation with friend and mentor Pawsa, who helped guide Chase early in his career.As a University of South Florida student, Chase moved to Ohio for an internship, where he became interested in making music.
"I put up my first track with a Photoshop cover on DistroKid, and it blew up with 1.6 million views. That was the start. Pawsa told me to create real art and start my own label. That's when I began to build this world in 2021. The early success showed me that authenticity resonates with people."
Chase and Pawsa have traded discourse over what art is and what it can be.
"Pawsa has always approached music as an art form, focusing on its visual elements, sound, and the message it conveys. That perspective shaped the way he taught me to approach my own work," Chase says. "When I sent him some tracks for Solid Grooves, he suggested, 'Hey, why don't you start your own record label?' At first, it sounded like an insane idea. Imagine releasing your first-ever track on your own label instead of signing with an established one. It was practically unheard of in the U.S. at the time. The only people I'd seen do it successfully were Pawsa and Michael Bibi, but Pawsa laid out a game plan for me, and I decided to go for it.""After six or seven years of producing and refining ideas, we've created our own unique sound and culture, and it's amazing to see it grow."
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Chase gets his name from Westchase, the area north of Tampa, his hometown. Tampa is where his dream of DJing began, and he started to learn the tools of the trade. It is also where Chase picked up his love of rap music and artists such as Mac Miller, Odd Future, Drake, and pre-legacy-ruined Kanye West. He points this out because, just like hip-hop, house music has changed a lot in the way it now has its own swagger.
"After six or seven years of producing and refining ideas, we've created our own unique sound and culture, and it's amazing to see it grow," he says. "Back in college, everyone was into trap and rap, and I had to go to Europe to experience house music. Now, it's thriving here, and we're leading the charge, surrounded by incredibly talented kids creating incredible music."
"I want to create safe, fun environments for partying that focus on art and music," says ChaseWest.
Photo by Blair Brown
Back to Miami
One place Chase would go to search for his fix of house music was Miami's Club Space, where he heard British producer Michael Bibi play his track "Love + Happiness" while he was in the crowd."That moment solidified the label for me. It was a validation of the path I was on. I used to chase Michael Bibi all over the world, sending him my music and showing up to his gigs. When he played my song, it was like a meant-to-be moment."
Since then, Chase has been traveling the country, bringing himself and his Chaste Record parties to places like New York, Chicago, and, of course, Miami. He's set to return to South Florida for Miami Music Week, bringing his Chaste Records showcase to Factory Town's Cypress End stage on Sunday, March 30. It's an upgrade for Chase, who held his first MMW showcase last year at Jolene Sound Room downtown.
"Miami is my home base, and Factory Town is special to me. I spend all my budget on bringing my favorite artists here. It's about creating a culture and a community. This year, we're debuting merch and throwing a massive party. It's going to be incredible. We're bringing in Beltran, Max Dean, Omri., Liam Palmer, Elliot Schooling, Slugg, and Lousy Lover, AKA my boy Kris, another Miami legend."
With a busy year that includes an MMW showcase, massive shows, and his Coachella debut, Chase is not slowing down. He wants to continue collaborating with creatives and spreading the gospel of house music.
"I want to create safe, fun environments for partying that focus on art and music. I'm blending the cultures of rock, rap, and house music to push boundaries and build something unique," he says. "This year is about growth, experimentation, and laying the foundation for something timeless."
Factory 93. With Ilario Alicante, ChaseWest, Archie Hamilton, Stacey Pullen, Kinahau, and Annicka. 3 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the National Hotel, 1677 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; thenhpoolparties.com. Tickets cost $67.40 to $100 via dice.fm.
ChaseWest Presents Chaste. With Beltran, Elliot Schooling, Liam Palmer, Lousy Love, Max Dean, Omri., and Slugg. 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Factory Town, 4800 NW 37th Ave., Miami; factorytown.com. Tickets cost $120 via dice.fm.
Find the full list of Miami Music Week 2025 events here.
