It's hard to believe that 19-year old Chase Murphy has already been a part of the Boston music scene for a while. But momentum demands movement, and that's exactly what the hip-hop artist has been focusing on. In 2017 Murphy released his debut album, Lonely, MA, and it’s been non-stop ever since. Now, the self-taught MC and engineer is finding himself at the brink of becoming one of Boston’s breakout stars.
The scene here is still so underground that there really isn't a specific face or sound that represents the music. But that's what I love about Boston – it feels like I'm growing up in uncharted territory.
Murphy is a lively and charming presence, and he takes pride in putting that energy into his work. “I try to be myself at all times, I don't like to hide a smile or scowl,” he says. “And I strive to capture the spontaneous, genuine emotion that we all exert and experience day-to-day in real life.”
“I just hope the feelings I capture are ones that people can connect with, or relate to. That's the kind of music that makes an impact.”
Murphy’s interest in music began when he first picked up a mic at age 11. But it was a free Mac Miller concert at Government Center in 2011 that sealed the deal. “I was 12 years old, and it was my first time seeing one of my idols, or even a hip-hop artist perform,” he tells us. “I still carry with me the inspiration I felt that night.”
It was then that Murphy knew he wanted to be a musician, and he hasn’t looked back. “I always wanted to thank him [Mac Miller] for it, which made his death hit so close to home for me,” he says. “Now, I hope to be able to pay homage at a Government Center show of my own one day.”
When it comes to his first real concert, Murphy credits a show in his high school classmate's basement. “The two of us, and my engineer, had organized a release party for Danny Diamonds' first mixtape Come Around which I had spent the year working on with him,” he tells us. “The show was super DIY, with my football teammates running the door, and the laundry room acting as our backstage.” The trio ended up filling the room with over a hundred kids. “We had a really successful show.” Since then, he’s performed in some of Boston’s best spaces, including the Middle East and Brighton Music Hall.
On the subject of distribution, Murphy sticks to streaming. He’s been putting his music on SoundCloud as early as 2012, and on other major streaming services since 2017. And in the spirit of keeping the momentum, he goes to a professional studio for his more mainstream work to assure the quality meets industry standards. But his heart belongs to his homemade music. “I've always been used to working alone and shaping what I envision with my own hands,” he muses. “With a few close friends lending their talents as producers and engineers over the years. Those records always feel more personal to me.”
The Boston Music Awards recently selected Chase Murphy to be a part of the 617Sessions, a program that recognizes Boston-based artists who are making great contributions to the local scene, and rewards them with a day of studio recording.
Visit 617Sessions.com to learn more.
